Akalei Designs redefines kumihimo for a new generation, blending Japanese tradition with modern island inspired braid structures using an innovative approach in style.
Our "Kumihimo 2.0" represents an evolution of beaded artistry by merging braiding techniques with contemporary materials and designs. Discover jewelry that is affordable, timeless and innovative.
Akalei Designs redefines Kumihimo for a new generation, blending Japanese tradition with modern bead architecture and structures using innovative materials.Akalei Designs represents the next evolution of braided artistry: advanced bead engineering, and contemporary design for shoppers (and kumihimo students) who seek beauty and innovation. Each piece is. handcrafted on Maui..
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.