New in 2024 we have invented several new designs with unique colors and designs. Akalei Designs continues innovating exclusively on Maui. All of our Glass Beaded Necklace Lei are handcrafted & woven using a Japanese braiding technique called "Kumihimo" on a wooden stand called a Marudai. We call our necklaces "Forever" Hawaiian Lei as they are made with hundreds of Japanese Glass Beads and/or Natural Fibers, so can last forever. We were showcased on "HI Now" in 2023 as part of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement / Pop-Up Marketplace and enjoy giving back to the efforts of Lahaina Strong and Kihei Canoe Club fundraising campaigns.
Welcome to shop. If you are new here feel free to search or send a note with questions. Especially if you see something Sold Out - we should be able to recreate for you.
This jewelry design is only found at Akalei Designs - with our diverse and inventive new jewelry concepts that reflect Hawaiian Lei. Nowhere else is this being designed except on Maui. Each piece will be a delightful addition to your wardrobe as it works well as an accent or conversation art jewelry piece. The Beaded Oimatsu Rope™ (Necklace Lei) is one of the most complicated designs to weave and construct. All Kumihimo Oimatsu Ropes ™ are hand woven on a round wooden Japanese Marudai braiding stand using 16 strands of beaded fiber with each strand loaded with between 500 -800 Japanese glass beads for a total of up to 8,000 to 10,000 beads per braid. What you see are stitches made used beaded cords -which is why we called them ROPES. Because these are Hawaiian Forever Necklace Lei you will notice these are extra long compared to other items in our store. The length is consistent with the lovely Hawaiian Floral Lei the islands are known for.
This beading technique is also known as Continuous Beaded Braids (CBB) and/or Fiber As Beads, and when first introduced into jewelry world took Kumihimo braiding to a new level of design options, especially for the Hawaiian style of beaded necklace lei. These stunning (and comfortable to wear) braids are easy to clean.