Hala

Based on Hawaiʻi island, this project brings together different knowledges and practices (including those from Native Hawaiians, weavers, natural resource managers, university researchers from different disciplines, artists and curators) to co-learn, research, explore and create projects around climate resilience, and the cultural, economic, social, and ecological regenerative potential of hala (Pandanus tectorius). This project involves a consortium of organizations coordinated by the Enlivened Cooperative, including: the University of Hawai’i; The Kohala Center; and Kū-A-Kanaka and a number of community members that included weavers and land stewards. The project started in October 2023 and is being funded by the US Geological Survey’s Pacific Island Climate Adaptation Science Center (USGS/PI-CASC). The envisioned results are co-created research, conservation and education projects, and art/communication outputs that coalesce from the encounter of scientists, researchers, natural and cultural resource managers, cultural practitioners, educators, students and artists who have a stake in hala. One key output of the project is an exhibition of pieces created by project participants to be exhibited at the Wailoa Gallery in Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island in May 2025. Additional funds for the exhibition have been provided by the Craft Research Council and the Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities.

hala sprout
Hala leaf fiber
Hala leaves have an intricate pattern which makes them strong and versatile for many uses.
Young Hala plant
The young Hala plant initially grows in a spiral formation until it reaches adulthood.
Hala grove in coastal area
Hala tree reaches adulthood in a grove surrounded by invasive Ironwood trees.
Red Hala seeds
The seeds, or keys, of the Hala are used to make leis or paintbrushes, some varieties are grown for food in other Pacific Islands.
Roots of Hala tree
The roots of the Hala move towards water, reaching down from the tree into the ground.
Hala roots used for making
The roots from Hala are used for cordage and for making pa'u skirt in hula.

Hala: Weaving Knowledge and Practices exhibition at the Wailoa Gallery, Hilo

Hala: Weaving Knowledge and Practices exhibition at the Wailoa Gallery, Hilo

May 9th - 20th of June 2025
Bringing together a community of lauhala weavers and caretakers, scientists, artists and curators this exhibition seeks to celebrate hala-human relationships which have been cultivated over generations. Having engaged with each other's knowledge and practices over the period of one year, and focusing on hala, this group has created a series of works which point to the challenges this ongoing hala-human relationship faces and also dreams what this relationship could look like in the future.
see the exhibition