Each 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
Hawaii is filled with inspiration from the beaches, landscapes, flowers and lei. After years of studying with some of the world's most talented Kumihimo braiding artists and teachers it was a perfect time to explore different bead shapes, colors and patterns specifically for men (Kane) but woman find these just as exciting. Most of these designs are longer in length to replicate the natural seed pods or Kukui Nut Hawaiian Lei, but are all made using glass beads.
Other concepts have grown from experimenting with bead shapes and colors. The fun of creating is endless as are the designs. Each necklace is woven using over hundreds or even thousands of beads and finished with a magnetic end clasp. Custom orders can be done normally within two weeks (in Maui or Hawaiian Islands). In this collection we are also using larger beads along with Magatama or Dragon Scale beads the largest bead available.