This ʻŌnini jacket features our ʻAʻaliʻi Kū Makani print on Lava Rock material.

ʻAʻaliʻi Kū Makani

Resilient, firm, and steadfast, ʻaʻaliʻi grow in buffeting winds. Its strength to withstand the constant force of the wind is symbolic of the people of Kaʻū.

Our favorite clusters of ʻaʻaliʻi in the various districts on the Moku O Keawe bloom and seed in different months of the year. Colors vary from north and south types, and the fragrant pods of the Volcano area are perfect for lei.

The medium of a bamboo stamp offers a rather restricting canvas to illustrate this plant. Knowing the grain of the bamboo, the width and depth, I carved the design of seed pods as a study in numbers. The repetition emphasizes the intent: strength, staunch, and unyielding. Values of the people of Kaʻū live on!

This lei of ʻaʻaliʻi was created originally for the graduating class of Ke Ana Laʻahana 2015 and dedicated to their leader, Māpuana Waipā. The future is in their hands!