Weʻve all heard that aloha has 100s of meanings from “Hello” to “Goodbye!” and itʻs true! Aloha means many things but to one Oahu based company it means so much more. A group of Hawaiian artisans got together to form the Hawaii Culture and Retail Association (HCRA), whose mission it is to bring their aloha to the world.
One of their many members, Kamaka Pili, owner/designer at Naʻau Walaʻau Designs, did a fundraiser using their Aloha Spirit Collection line of jewelry and was also featured on Sunrise on Hawaii News Now for his bamboo stamped (ʻohe kapala) clothing and apparel designs!
His message of aloha is found in every single product as they are all hand stamped and sewn. His goal is to spread the message of his kupuana (ancestors) with what his naʻau (mind, spirit, moralality) tells him!
I was one of the many people who was able to support his efforts and was thoroughly impressed with the design and message of the necklaces as well as how quickly it arrived. On one side of the necklace is the Hawaiian word ʻahonui and the other, its definition – patience.
There are actually 5 designs in this line and each has their own significance and contribution to what aloha actually means. Patience is important to the Hawaiian culture because it reflects the Hawaiian peopleʻs sincerity, charm and warmth.
You can check out his efforts and designs on his website here as well as all the many other retailers with the HCRA here. Check back frequently as I hear theyʻll be selling their items online by the end of this month! You can visit their online store here.
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