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Continue ShoppingEach of our designs are handcrafted with the braiding of glass beads. We have dozens of unique kumihimo structures that reimagine traditional Hawaiian Lei to create “Forever Lei.” We are thrilled to be selected to teach 11 unique classes during the Glass Craft & Bead Expo in Las Vegas April 15th - 19th 2026. Limited seats Questions & Registration. https://glasscraftexpo.com/registration/
Our Hawaiian Glass Beaded Lei are unique handcrafted designs made using a Japanese braiding technique of "Kumihimo." We gain inspiration from the 'āina surrounding us on Maui. Akalei reimagines traditional Hawaiian Lei using a blend of fibers, shells, glass beads and Lamp Work beads to create our handmade Forever Lei on a Marudai stand
Aqua and Blue Sea Star (Pe’a) Nature's Beach- 37"
Another Maui design original that incorporate's a few Kumihimo designs techniques into an extra-long necklace. The numerous textures in the necklace blend blue colors of deep ocean with the shallow teal waters and white foam just off-shore. We merged all this into an amazing design and used a multi-color sea star (Pe'a) as the focal bead. Unique in the world of Kumihimo the use of two beaded structures adds a wonderful look to this amazing necklace lei. Recently exhibited in the Hawaiian Handweaver's Hui "Surrounded by Water" collection of beaded with fiber collection. We are now able to offer this to the public. This magnificent art necklace is finished with a brass toned metallic magnet with an extra strong hold (see photo).
Our necklaces feel wonderful to wear and require little to almost no care. To keep dust free use a clean moist towel with small amount of dish soap and run it through your hands every few months to keep bright. This beautiful hand-crafted style necklace was made using hundreds of glass beads from around the world that are meticulously loaded onto multiple cords that are woven then together on a Japanese Marudai braiding stand.
Akalei Designs make great gifts for woman, girls, and men! Akalei is the Hawaiian word for "bead reflections" which captures this unique style only available on Maui. We specialize in designing a wide range of modern yet classic Hawaiian looking lei. For customized orders please contact me at info@akaleidesigns.com.
Kumihimo is an ancient Japanese braid making technique that creates beautiful and durable interlaced necklaces and bracelets. This art form goes back hundreds of years as braids were made for use in armor of Samurai warriors. In modern times these braids are used for belts (obijime) on kimonos
It is my goal to provide you with a long lasting, beautiful piece of jewelry that you will enjoy wearing for years to come. I take great care in the construction of my pieces to ensure just that. Please note: colors may slightly differ from their appearance on your display, as it depends on your monitor settings.
Please send me a message with questions or comments.
Thanks for stopping by!
Aloha Aku.
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