Our HIE Customer Mahalo Celebration pau hana gathering was an afternoon filled with libations, laughter, shared stories, and connection through tradition. One of the most special parts of the day was our founder Meleana Estes leading a lei-making workshop for our guests.
Using a mix of native and locally sourced materials, Meleana shared techniques and guided guests through making a beautiful lei poʻo.
For HIE founder Meleana Estes, HIE Heirlooms of Hawaiʻi is a continuation of her commitment to time-honored traditions unique to our islands. Her style has always reflected her island home, from her beloved muʻumuʻu collection to her personal Hawaiian Heirloom Jewelry, but she is most widely recognized for her expertise as a lei maker.
Meleana grew up surrounded by the tradition of lei making. Her Tūtū, Amelia Ana Kāʻopua Bailey, was a sought-after lei maker known for her intricate lei and the abundance of aloha with which they were given. She passed this practice on to her ʻohana, teaching them this art form while instilling the significance and beauty of sharing a lei.
We were so grateful to have our community learn new techniques and experience Meleana’s expertise, all with the hope that everyone left feeling a deeper connection to our native home of Hawaiʻi.
If you’d like to learn more about lei culture in Hawaiʻi, we invite you to explore Meleana’s book Lei Aloha, which celebrates the beauty of lei in Hawaiʻi and shares heartfelt stories from individuals Meleana admires within Hawaiʻi’s lei community.
