The Molokai Arts Center is excited to announce a long anticipated Hawaiian Arts (HA) Program workshop. “’Apolima Hulu – Lei Humu Papa Basics” with Tapulani “Tapu” Hanapi, a Native Hawaiian Kapa and Feather Artist, will be held on Friday, June 28, from 5:30pm-8:30pm at the Molokai Arts Center.

Tapu is the daughter of Alapai and Mililani Hanapi of Molokai. On nativeartshawaii.com she shares, “Coming from a long line of artists and musicians, my upbringing stayed close to Hawaiian cultural practices. Although my art has evolved through age and experimentation, it is founded in the traditional Hawaiian practices taught to me by other Native Hawaiian Kumu (teachers) the first being my parents.”

Participants will learn “Humu Papa,” a style of “Hulu” (feather) work where one does a flat stitch lay. While this style is traditionally used to make a hat lei, Tapu will teach basics to create an ‘apolima hulu, or feather bracelet.

The HA program of the Molokai Arts Center was established in 2017 with the assistance of the Hawaii Tourism Authority Kukulu Ola grant. “Ha” in Hawaiian means “breath,” or more specifically, “breath of life.” Traditionally, Hawaiians greet each other by sharing ha, a process by which two people touch noses and foreheads and share a common breath. This is considered a meeting of souls as much as it is a meeting in person. We see the creative arts as expressions of ha, and to teach and learn these arts as a form of sharing ha. This is the spirit with which we offer classes in traditional and emerging Hawaiian arts to the people of Molokai and its visitors.

This workshop is being offered in partnership with Molokai Community Health Center. Seating is limited and the cost of the workshop is $15 per kit. Please note that the MAC cannot ‘save’ a spot. If you are interested in taking this workshop, please register for the class