As a local Maui business we are reminded daily of the spiritual energy of Mana - this energy fuels our creativity as we strive to live in harmony with our neighbors in this land. We truly draw wisdom from our life here which allows us to reimagine traditional Hawaiian Lei using Glass Beads.We blend Japanese and Hawaiian art to make our Hawaiian Forever Lei. These Beaded Lei are unique handcrafted designs made exclusively by weaving strands of fiber (with beads) using an ancient Japanese braiding technique of Kumihimo. We use several looms - a Marudai, Kakudai and Takadai help us explore a wide variety of braiding styles. Mana is our Inspiration which comes from the land, water and air of these beautiful islands.
Our Hawaiian Glass Beaded Lei are unique woven handcrafted designs made by weaving Kumihimo - a Japanese braiding technique with inspiration from the Mother Nature. We reimagine traditional Hawaiian Lei using a blend of fibers, shells, glass beads and anything beautiful to create our Forever Lei.
Each of the designs in this collection incorporate the use of contrast to give the desired effect in a beautiful spiral Kumihimo pattern. Blending and weaving of glass beads is an art form the Hawaiian jewelry world has just begun to explore. Additionally, the form of braiding in Japan of Kumihimo has recently evolved that ancient braiding technique to incorporate all styles of beads, gemstones, and pearls.
Akalei Designs, based on Maui, has helped to expand these two jewelry worlds resulting in vibrant jewelry designs filled with colors that inspire artists by blending Glass Beads and Hawaiian Lei Designs.