Thick Niho Bracelet

Handmade Lauhala jewelry made by Koral Gill. Koral is a lauhala weaver who's weaving lineage is through her sister and kumu Maile from Kauai. She is born and raised in Lahaina and is a teacher at a school on front street by day and weaver by night.

Inspired by land and culture, Kokolau Designs displays the art of lauhala weaving in creative and imaginative ways. The mountains, flowers, and jagged rocks are sources of inspiration for Koral, the weaver. She has been practicing for just over two years, mentored by her sister who has been taught by Kumu Maile, a pupil of the Aunty Elizabeth Maluihi Lee lineage. Koral processes all of her material herself, each leaf (lau) is hand-plucked off of the hala tree, soaked, cleaned, rolled, and cut into thin strips. The product is a result of the process, a process that dates back to the early Polynesian settlers in Hawaii. Koral perpetuates this practice through her weaving, respecting the culture and constantly remembering the important mantra, "passion over production".

Lauhala holds significant importance to the Hawaiians. The dried leaves of this tree have been woven for centuries into mats, sails, baskets, hats, and more. Today, each leaf Koral picks is washed, stripped, and woven into unique designs to adorn the body and honor this native practice. 

Care Instructions: For the longevity of your Lauhala, do not wash with soap.