Lau Hala Plaiting
Ulana Lau Hala

Lau (leaves) of the pu hala (Pandanus tree) provided a wonderful material for plaiting. Lau hala are used throughout Polynesia for making moena (mats), pe`a (sails), hina`i (baskets), pe`ahi (fans), and more recently, fine hats.

The master craftsperson knows which pu hala produce the best lau and these groves are carefully tended. Puna is renowned for its hala groves and praised in chants to the goddesses Pele and Hi`iaka. Plaiters seek out the mu`o (young leaves) for moena and pe`a.

Preparing lau for plaiting is a time-consuming process. First they are washed, soaked, and passed through smoke to improve their flexibility. Next they are rolled, beaten, and split into strips. The hardest parts of plaiting are beginning and ending a piece, and maintaining an even plait.

`Oiai e nana mai ana no na maka.
While the eyes still look around.
While a person is living, treat him kindly and learn what you can from him.
(`Olelo No`eau #2381; Pukui 1983)
Sail Making
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Revised on August 29, 1996 by mcb