"Akalei" is the Hawaiian word for Bead Reflections, an appropriate name for our glass beaded designs. We explore and reimagine traditional Hawaiian Lei by weaving using the Japanese art of Kumihimo. We incorporate glass beads, gemstones, pearls and unique focal lamp work beads to design one-of-a-kind "Forever Lei."
Our Hawaiian Glass Beaded Lei are unique woven handcrafted designs made by weaving Kumihimo - a Japanese braiding technique with inspiration from the Mother Nature. We reimagine traditional Hawaiian Lei using a blend of fibers, shells, glass beads and anything beautiful to create our Forever Lei.
Each of the designs in this collection incorporate the use of contrast to give the desired effect in a beautiful spiral Kumihimo pattern. Blending and weaving of glass beads is an art form the Hawaiian jewelry world has just begun to explore. Additionally, the form of braiding in Japan of Kumihimo has recently evolved that ancient braiding technique to incorporate all styles of beads, gemstones, and pearls.
Akalei Designs, based on Maui, has helped to expand these two jewelry worlds resulting in vibrant jewelry designs filled with colors that inspire artists by blending Glass Beads and Hawaiian Lei Designs.