The Live Aloha Cultural Workshop Series, is held on Saturday, September 12 made possible by a 4Culture grant brings free, hands-on workshops led by cultural experts in arts, music, history, and cultural education—made possible by a 4Culture grant. Advancing the Live Aloha mission to promote, perpetuate, and celebrate Hawaiian cultural heritage, this series strengthens community connections and welcomes all to experience the living traditions of Hawaiʻi through meaningful cultural exchange.

Lei making is a living Hawaiian tradition where each lei is crafted with intention, carrying the aloha of the maker. Join Allie Jeremiah in this hands-on workshop exploring multiple traditional techniques. Allie will walk you through selecting and preparing your flowers, demonstrate each method, and guide you as you craft your own lei to wear or gift by the end of the session. No experience necessary — all materials provided. Open to all skill levels.

Learn ulana lauhala — the traditional Hawaiian art of weaving prepared hala leaves into beautiful, functional creations. Rooted in generations of practice, ulana lauhala connects us to the ʻāina, to our kūpuna, and to each other through the rhythm of hands working together.

In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn foundational weaving techniques — from handling and softening the lau through basic plait patterns. No prior experience necessary — just a willingness to slow down, be patient with your hands, and connect with a living tradition.

All materials provided. Participants will leave with a completed woven piece and a deeper understanding of this essential Hawaiian art form.

Explore hana hulu — Hawaiian featherwork — in this hands-on workshop. Once reserved for aliʻi, featherwork carries deep significance as an expression of mana, skill, and connection to the natural world.

Participants will learn foundational techniques for selecting, preparing, and attaching feathers to create a lokelani purse lei — a small, elegant lei designed to adorn a handbag or clutch. No prior experience necessary. All materials provided. Participants will leave with a finished purse lei and an appreciation for this treasured Hawaiian art form.

Join Ocean Kaowili for an ʻukulele workshop rooted in the legacy of Eddie Kamae and the great musicians who shaped Hawaiian music. Ocean shares lessons passed down through generations — stories, technique, and a deeper understanding of how the ʻukulele carries the voice of the Hawaiian people.

Bring your ʻukulele. Open to players with a good understanding of basic chords and strumming patterns.

The papa hehi is a traditional Hawaiian wooden footboard used as a rhythmic percussion instrument in hula kahiko. Joe Souza will teach this workshop, guiding participants through the history and practice of this distinguished implement. Many moʻolelo surround its origin — the papa hehi is believed to have originated on Niʻihau and Kauaʻi, spreading throughout the archipelago over centuries through traditional Hula lineages.

Participants will handcraft their own papa hehi and kalaʻau, then coordinate body and voice to learn an original chant performed on the papa hehi. All supplies provided.

PARTICIPANTS MUST ATTEND THE ENTIRE SESSION.