About me
Awapuhi Kahale is from Niʻihau and is known for her love of creating Niʻihau shell lei. She enjoys designing each lei with thoughtful attention to color, pattern, and balance, allowing the natural beauty of the shells to guide her creativity. While some lei makers prefer single-color designs, Awapuhi is especially fond of working with pink shells and incorporating distinctive patches and arrangements that highlight the character of the shells.
Designing and creating Niʻihau shell lei is a gift she enjoys sharing with others, and her work reflects both patience and a deep appreciation for the tradition. Beyond lei making, Awapuhi has also long had an interest in carpentry. When her family built their home, she helped cut the wood, and when her son-in-law built his house, she became familiar with the different types of wood used. Her hands-on spirit and eye for design carry through in both her building and her lei making.
