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Continue ShoppingWe are thrilled to be selling with Lahaina Arts Society 2026. Our shop has a booth located outside the Cannery Mall in Lahaina from 10am to 3pm (please call for dates). Or call to schedule an in-person appointment. We will be teaching throughout the islands with the Hawaii Handweavers Hui, and during the 2026 Gathering hosted by the American Kumihimo Society. Our classes focus on confident beginners and emphasize the blending of Japanese tradition with island inspired Hawaiian necklace lei.
We reimagine traditional Hawaiian Lei to create "Aloha Inspired Forever Lei." Our designs merge an ancient Japanese braiding technique of kumihimo with the beauty of island colors and textures. We showcase our jewelry with the Lahaina Arts Society on Maui's West Side at the Cannery Mall .Check schedules on our website. All of our jewelry is handcrafted exclusively on Maui..
Luster Turquoise Picasso Dragon Scales Necklace (Random) - 33"
Turquoise Picasso with a luster finish sparkle in this dragon scale beaded necklace lei. All these "Magatama beads" are arranged in multiple directions so it creates a chunky type design - a fun and funky look. These beads are some of the largest glass beads made by manufacturers in Japan. By weaving over 900 Magatama beads in this necklace no two are alike. This statement necklace lei is finished with a acrylic magnet end cap that has a very strong hold.
Our necklaces feel wonderful to wear and require little to almost no care by using a clean dry towel every few months to keep dust free and bright. This beautiful hand-crafted style necklace was made using hundreds of glass beads from around the world that are meticulously loaded onto multiple cords that are then woven together on a Japanese Marudai braiding stand (see photo).
Akalei Designs make great gifts for woman, girls, and men! Akalei is the Hawaiian word for "bead reflections" which captures this unique style only available on Maui. We specialize in designing a wide range of modern yet classic Hawaiian looking lei. For customized orders please contact me at info@akaleidesigns.com.
Kumihimo is an ancient Japanese braid making technique that creates beautiful and durable interlaced necklaces and bracelets. This art form goes back hundreds of years as braids were made for use in armor of Samurai warriors. In modern times these braids are used for belts (obijime) on kimonos
It is my goal to provide you with a long lasting, beautiful piece of jewelry that you will enjoy wearing for years to come. I take great care in the construction of my pieces to ensure just that. Please note: colors may slightly differ from their appearance on your display, as it depends on your monitor settings.
Please send me a message with questions or comments.
Thanks for stopping by!
Aloha Aku.
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