Kauluwehi set for Wailoa Center

In a special tribute to Merrie Monarch Festival week, Wailoa Center will host Kauluwehi, a juried lei exhibition celebrating native species, culture and sustainable practices on Hawaii Island.

“Amateur and professional lei artists of all ages are invited to take part in the Hawaiian tradition of lei-making and submit a lei in this year’s exhibition,” said Wailoa administrator Codie King. “All residents of Hawaii Island are eligible to participate. Lei composed of any material or combination of materials are welcome.”

The event is being presented in cooperation with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Hawaii Island Natural Area Reserves and the Three Mountain Alliance.

Kauluwehi 2014 will feature three main categories for entries: Kahiko (traditional-style lei), ‘Auana (contemporary lei) and Lei Hulu (feather lei). The Kahiko category features several subcategories, each showcasing a particular material, such as the leaves, flowers or fruit and seed of a plant. The ‘Auana category moves away from the traditional style of lei-making by incorporating recycled materials, synthetic materials and exotic plant materials.

Lei will be judged on craftsmanship, creativeness of design, uniqueness of material and the complexity or effort applied. All lei entries, an accompanying entry form and a $5 fee for each entry must be submitted at Wailoa Center between 8-11 a.m. Saturday, April 19.

Lei entries will be displayed at the art and cultural center during Merrie Monarch week, April 19-25. At the end of the competition, contestants may pick up their lei or donate them to the Kauluwehi Committee, which will use them as recognition lei for winners of the Hawaii Nei Art Contest.

For more information and an entry form, visit http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw/education/kauluwehi, or contact Anya Tagawa, outreach and education specialist for the DLNR Hawaii Island NARS, at anya.h.tagawa@hawaii.gov or 443-4245.