We are thrilled to be selling with Lahaina Arts Society starting monthly in 2026. Our booth is located at the Cannery Mall in Lahaina from 10am to 3pm (please call for dates). Otherwise please call to schedule an in-person appointment. We continue expanding by teaching Kumihimo 2.0 throughout the islands and during the 2026 Gathering hosted by the American Kumihimo Society in Minneapolis, MN, Sept 28-31st link here -https://amksoc.org/featured-home/gathering-2026-save-the-date/) Our classes focus on confident beginners and emphasize the blending of Japanese tradition with island inspired Hawaiian necklace lei.
Akalei Designs reimagines traditional kumihimo and creates truly unique aloha inspired Forever Lei. Find us at the Cannery Mall in Lahaina - check schedules on website and instagram. All our jewelry is handcrafted exclusively on Maui..
Blending and weaving of glass beads is an artform the jewelry world has just begun to explore. Additionally the form of braiding in Japan of Kumihimo has recently adapted that ancient braiding technique to incorporate all styles of beads, gemstones, and pearls. Akalei Designs, based in Hawaii, has helped to expand these two jewelry worlds resulting in vibrant jewelry designs filled with colors that inspire all artists to achieve new heights in the use of color and light.
Each of the designs in this collection incorporate the use of contrast to give the desired effect in a beautiful spiral Kumihimo pattern. In the center of the spiral are lentil or rose petal glass beads from across the globe (Japan and Czech Republic), On the outer edge of this design is a variety of unique shaped beads - they include gecko beads, long drop beads, and rizo or rice beads. As this is the most recent design we continue to explore new and exciting ideas that reflect our amazing Hawaiian world.