Kumu Bio: Yasuyo Johnson
Yasuyo Johnson, originally from Japan, now resides in Pukalani, Maui. Her journey into traditional Hawaiian weaving began in 2018 when she participated in Ola I Ka Puhala, an experience that sparked her deep passion for lauhala. She began studying under Kumu Pōhaku and has since expanded her knowledge through learning from esteemed kumu including Pualani Muraki, Caroline Affonso, Lynda Saffery, and Stacie Segovia. Yasuyo has crafted over 300 pāpale (woven hats) and also weaves with makaloa and loulu. She is honored and excited to share her weaving knowledge alongside such respected kumu.
Class: Lauhala
Skill Level: Beginners
Class Description: Introduction to lauhala weaving. Students will learn to clean and prepare lauhala and create one-, two-, and three-dimensional woven items, including a peahi (fan), purse, and basket.
Prerequisite: N/A
Materials Fee: $58
Students to Bring: Old towel to clean hala, pareo or towel to cover hala, scissors, and spray bottle

Kumu Bio: Pōhaku Kahoʻohanohano
Pōhaku Kahoʻohanohano comes from a lineage of lauhala weavers from Kahakuloa, Maui. As a young adult, he began his journey of apprenticeships with seven mentors and immersed himself in the art of lauhala weaving. He is now a master weaver dedicated to sharing his skills with others. He is excited to bring weavers of Maui together to enable the fiber arts to thrive.
Class:  Pāpale (hat)
Skill Level: Advanced Hala
Class Description:
In loving tribute to Lele, the ahupuaʻa of Lāhainā affected by the fire, students will weave a pāpale (hat) in honor of the legendary Malu ʻUlu o Lele—a grove of ʻulu trees planted by Chief Kakaʻalaneo that once offered life-giving shade and water to the land.
Prerequisite: Proficiency in making piko via moena, hydro flask covers, purses with zero to minimal assistance.
Materials Fee: $75 materials
Students to Bring: Scissors, spray bottle, puller, rag, and small knife

Kumu Bio: Daniel Keikiokalauahikimai Kahaʻialiʻi
Born and raised in the heart of Lahaina, Maui, Daniel carries a legacy of love, resilience, and deep cultural pride. A descendant of the Lono lineage, he was raised in a family where Hawaiian traditions were not just practiced but lived. His father, Wilmont Kamaunu Kahaʻialiʻi - a beloved musician, former OHA trustee, and founder of Hoʻokuʻikahi-instilled in him a profound respect for cultural preservation. Through his father's passion for traditional Hawaiian garments like the mahiole (warrior helmet) and ʻahu ʻula (feather cape), Daniel's creative journey began, shaping his lifelong commitment to honoring and revitalizing these sacred arts
Class: ʻIeʻie
Skill Level: Intermediate
Class Description: This course will consist of five projects, ranging from ʻeke (bag), to peahi (fan), hīnaʻi (fishtrap), pāpale pikoʻole (crownless hat), and a miniature mahiole (helmet).
Prerequisite: N/A
Materials Fee:
Kit A: $50 including a roll of cane, a bucket, scissors, spray bottle, clothespins
Kit B: $30 a roll of cane (only)
Students to Bring: Bucket, scissors, spray bottle, clothespins, and towel

Kumu Bio: Lori Lei Ishikawa
Lei Ishikawa, a Native Hawaiian kapa practitioner, is dedicated to enriching Native Hawaiian students, families, and communities with cultural foundations for leadership and stewardship. With degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies, Human Resource Management, and Indigenous Studies, Lei has spent over 20 years at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College. Her research focuses on reconnecting kapa traditions to contemporary Hawaiian culture through artifacts, moʻolelo (history), and kapa making.
Class: Kapa Making
Skill Level: Beginner
Class Description: Pounding, ʻOhe Kāpala, and Dyes
In this immersive workshop, students will explore wauke cultivation, fiber harvesting and processing, proper tool design and use, and traditional kapa-making practices with a skilled practitioner.
Prerequisite: N/A
Materials Fee: N/A

Kumu Bio: Mika Villaren
Mika began weaving in 1986, learning from master weaver Susan Ogle during breaks from his job at the Maui Tropical Plantation. He later honed his skills at Club Lani under Aunty Elaine Kaʻopuiki and others, including Uncle Al Ia. His passion led to the creation of Niu Creation and a decade of sharing his craft aboard the cruise ship Independence. Mika has taught launiu (coconut frond weaving) across the U.S. and internationally, including to orphans in Bali. Committed to keeping the tradition alive, he continues to weave and teach anyone eager to learn this vital cultural art.
Class: Launiu
Skill Level: Beginner
Class Description: Learn to weave ornaments, hats, and baskets.
Prerequisite: N/A
Materials Fee: $20