Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Perpetuates Feather Lei Traditions

Our Hawaiian Culture continues to breathe life... Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi (GHK) Cultural Manager, Moani Tolentino and Kumu Hulu Kaheaokalani Goss, created Lei Hulu of Pāʻā for GHK colleagues in March of 2022. The purpose of this course is to perpetuate the almost lost art of lei hulu and to gain a greater appreciation and understanding of Hawaiian values.

The 5-month cultural enrichment program featured 3 projects; pua hulu hat band, kahili paʻa lima and lei kamoe. GHK associates and colleagues met twice a month and worked on projects on their own time. Upon completion, the projects were displayed in the Grand Hyatt Kauai’s new Hawaiian Cultural Center, Ke Kumu O Hihinui followed by an intimate hōʻike for close friends and family.

Moani and Kumu Kaheaokalani are excited to see what the future holds for their lei group.  In the works are discussions on opportunities to share this art form to connect both tourism and communities and hopefully enhance the visitor experience.

For more information regarding the Kaua‘i Destination Management Action Plan, please contact: Patti Ornellas at [email protected].