Author: admin

Aloha all,

On October 15, 2020, Maui began welcoming visitors again, but due to the pandemic, many businesses and craft fairs are closed or operating virtually.

Unfortunately, this year I will not be able to offer my products in person or give my returning friends and customers a hug and honi. I have been getting many requests for my hand printed clothing, but am not selling them online at this time. You may still purchase my Pillow Covers and Drink Mat sets online, but am gradually discontinuing the Tea Towels.

I created a Ki (Ti) Pillow Cover for my hale. In Hawaiian culture the Ki is considered a good luck totem and offers protection by the gods. You may see Ki plants hanging on car bumpers, or planted around the sides of houses. It seemed like a good design in these uncertain times. It will be available at future shows in 2021.

Please be pono while visiting Maui. It is your kuleana to wear a mask. Maui is very healthcare challenged and we have already seen a virus surge on Lana’i which up to now, had no cases.

Hope to see you in 2021! Malama pono, Palapala

Haleakala is a peaceful and stunningly beautiful place right now. There are few people to disturb the quiet so nature, especially the endemic plants, have rebounded with growth unseen in recent times.

It is wonderful to see the Kupaoa growing all along the hike to the summit. The leaves are a brilliant green with blossoms similar to the ‘Ahinahina.

There were also many Pukiawe plants along the way up to the mountain. The berries of this bush are a good food for the Nene or Hawaiian goose.

Maui Travel Update as of September 17, 2020: On October 15th, Maui and all the Hawaiian islands will welcome visitors who have had a Covid-19 negative test right before arrival. Tourists must purchase the test at their own expense and once a negative result is certified, they will not have to quarantine the 14 days. (There is discussion for a second test to make sure of the negative result.) Maui is very healthcare challenged. It would be easy to overwhelm our one hospital, so please be pono.

With aloha,

Palapala

The Maiapilo are now blooming on Maui! These endemic plants can be found on the way to La Perouse bay by the lava fields. These beautiful and fragrant flowers bloom near sunset, then wilt and turn red by the following day. Consider yourself lucky to be able to see these fleeting, gorgeous blossoms. It reminds me that nature is resilient and thriving in this quiet.

An update on Maui (July 12, 2020): Hawai’i will be postponing out of state visitors until at least September 1st. August 1st had been the date of opening, but due to the uptick in virus cases here on the islands and the spikes on the mainland, there will be a pause. Travelers will need a Covid test before arrival, but will not have to quarantine for 14 days. The Maui Arts & Cultural Center will not open for the rest of the year and craft fairs are all cancelled until further notice.

Malama pono,

Palapala

I can feel the mana of the aina becoming stronger with the quiet. I have been seeing a pueo on my daily walks and feel it is a positive sign. There is a Hawaiian belief that the Pueo (owl) offers protection.

The oceans are getting a well deserved rest. The water is becoming clearer and more fish are appearing among the reefs. I see shells along the waterline which is usually a rare sight.

I hope all of you are in a safe place and doing well as we wait out the worst of this pandemic. I miss you! My business came to a stop in March as craft fairs were cancelled and non-essential stores had to close their doors. With plenty of time now, I am creating new art and trying to come up with a plan for my life down the road. Live aloha! 

You may still purchase my blockprint art home decor on my online store (click on “Store” in the header bar at the top of this page).

A hui hou and malama pono,

Palapala   

My Laua’e drink mats are now a bold Laua’e leaf blockprint hand printed in green with either a cream or tan fabric background. The cream drink mats pair nicely with my cream Laua’e Tea Towels and the tan Laua’e drink mats go great with my Laua’e Pillow Cover!

My new Olena Pillow Covers come in a green or gray blockprint design with a black background fabric. I introduced them a few months ago at the Made in Hawaii show and the response has been very positive!

” Olena or Turmeric is a herb from the Ginger family. This Polynesian introduced plant has a orange root which has many medicinal properties. The root also makes a yellow dye which Hawaiians used to color their kapa cloth.”

I have just completed a new blockprint titled ‘Wahine” just in time for the upcoming Merrie Monarch Hula Festival! I will have pale greenish tan pillow covers with the blockprint hand printed in a dark green. The contrasting trim around the blockprint draws the eye to the artwork.

Hope you like it!

Palapala

 

The new Nordstroms at Ala Moana Center in Honolulu will open March 11, 2016. This store will feature a large Made in Hawaiʻi department. I was honored to have my tea towels and drink mats included in the selection process and then chosen to be one of the vendors for this beautiful store.

The drink mat sets match the tea towels so it is easy to either assemble gift sets or buy as separate items. It is hoped that kamaʻaina (locals) and na malihini (visitors) alike will enjoy and purchase my blockprint art which celebrates the Hawaiian culture.

 

I created a custom blockprint for the de Young museum in San Francisco for their upcoming exhibit: Na Hulu Aliʻi (Royal Hawaiian Featherwork). It will open at the end of this month, August 29, 2015 and run until February 28, 2016. This was not only a honor but a kuleana nui to properly represent the subject matter – the ancient featherwork of Hawaiian kings and royalty.

You will find a selection of my blockprint products as well as custom Hele bags, drink mat sets and tea towels with the Na Hulu Aliʻi design available at the de Young Museum store. The museum is putting this design on their totes and apparel, too!

 

Palapala Designs was nominated for the Exceptional Small Business of the Year Award (10 or fewer employees) for 2014. Although not a winner, it was a great honor to be among all the outstanding businesses at the February 26 banquet and award ceremony held here on Maui.