Thursday, September 28, 2017

Laka, Hawaii's Hula Goddess, Giver of All Things

Laka, Hawaiian Hula Goddess

E Laka ē, hoʻoulu ʻia. 
O Laka, inspire us. 

Laka's Mana is Ho'oulu (making to grow). Following Laka's inspiration transforms hula into a magnificent dance.

Hula is an essential part of life in Hawaii. Hula is a sacred ritual, a form of worship, a spiritual practice and discipline. Respectfully the dancers follow strict traditions when they pick the plants for their costumes and the Hula Kuahu (altar). Laka is also Goddess of the forest. Her Mana inspires the forest to grow and thrive. Honoring Laka, we humbly ask her permission before we enter the sacred forest and pick the plants.
Each plant enforces the connection between Laka and the dancer.

To invoke Laka's inspiration, the Hula Kuahu (altar) and dancer are adorned with her Kinolaus (many forms):
Maile symbolizes the umbilical cord which ties the dancer to Laka.

The wood of the Lehua tree is male and Lehua, the flower is female. They create a union between the masculine and feminine and 'allow the two to dance'.

Pili, the clinging grass is placed on the altar, so that all of Laka's Ha'awinas (lessons) will cling to the dancers.

The sweet smell of 'Iliahi (sandalwood) inspires the performance of the dancer as well as the audience.

The spirit of Laka dances through the dancer. The dancer and Laka become one, dancing inspired hula.

Laka means gentle, docile, attract. Many legends tell about Laka's fruitfulness. She is often referred to as the Goddess of Love. As the 'Giver of All Things' ancient chants ask Laka to attract love and wealth.


Mele Kuahu 
Altar Prayer

E Laka ē 
O Goddess Laka

Pūpū weuweu e Laka ē 
O wildwood bouquet, O Laka

E Laka i ka leo 
O Laka, queen of the voice

E Laka i ka loaʻa 
O Laka, giver of gifts

E Laka i ka waiwai 
O Laka, giver of bounty

E Laka i nā mea a pau. 
O Laka, giver of all things.

M
The island of Molokai is said to be the birthplace of hula. According to legend, Laka journeyed through the islands, sharing the dance with all who wished to learn. Her graceful movements channeled spiritual meaning and brought to life the history, traditions and genealogy of the Hawaiian people.

Laka gave birth to the Hawaiian hula on the sacred hill Puu Nana in Molokai. It is said that the remains of Laka herself were secretly hidden beneath this hill.

Laka's inspiring Mana teaches us many valuable Ha'awinas (lessons). A truly great performance in any area of life is the result of a person's discipline, positive feelings, and Aloha spirit.

The enchanting Mana of Hawaii's Hula Goddess inspired the creation of Menehune Girl Laka.

Laka, the Hula Goddess
(Rising Sun and Compassion)
Birth Date: Kepakemapa 28, 2017 (09/28/17)

Aloha Mai
I come with love.

Laka connects our hearts and actions with Aloha.
Focus on your higher purpose, choose wisely and you will grow, flourish and blossom in unlimited possibilities!

The sacred drumming of the Ipu Heke (gourd drum) echoes across the 'Aina (land) as Laka dances and chants with the Akuas (spirits) of the Ohia Forest.
The graceful movements of her hands and body tell stories about the wonders of nature, the creation of the world and the traditions of the Hawaiian people.
The Menehune Ohana (family) watches in awe as the harmony of Hula and chant attunes them to spirit and gladdens their heart.
Laka's name means compassion. She is named after Hawaii's Hula Goddess.

Laka's Mana (spiritual energy) attunes us to the spirit of Aloha.

Laka's Tutu (grandmother) is her Kumu Hula (Hula Teacher). She taught her the powerful chants and movements of the Hula.
Tutu handcrafted the traditional green hula skirt and coconut shell top for Laka.
Tutu wove a green and yellow feather Haku (head lei), ankle and wrist leis for her granddaughter and wrapped a long white conch shell necklace around her neck. The Hulu (feather) represents spiritual strength, unity and love. It is believed to link to the divine.
All these precious things were Tutu’s gifts of Aloha (Love) to her Mo’opuna Wahine (granddaughter).

Laka is a 10” tall cloth doll who was individually handcrafted on the Big Island of Hawaii with the greatest love and respect for all that is Hawaii. Her body is made out of doll skin and stuffed with high quality poly fill. The body is wired for flexibility. The legs are jointed. The eyes and mouth are intricately embroidered onto the face.
All accessories are individually hand crafted.
Each doll is an original design and comes with a booklet and a certificate of authenticity.


Laka is a one of a kind Hawaiian Art Doll. Every bit of her has been lovingly handcrafted, to create a new friend who will last a lifetime. 


Laka reflects the Aloha spirit of Hawaii. 
She is ready to be your new friend and dance her way into your heart.


Huggable Hawaiian Art Dolls are made for the young at heart and meant to bring their magic into your and your children's life (6 years and older).
Huggable Hawaiian Art Dolls are adorable and lovable little creatures. If you hanai (adopt) them, love them and take care of them, they will reward you with their unconditional Aloha (love).


www.Etsy.com












Monday, September 18, 2017

Like My Sister

Jenehune, Nene and Honu

A friend recently asked me to create a doll in the likeness of his sister, who has short hair and loves the Nene Goose and Honu. This was the first time I ever attempted to do something like this. It became a fun and inspiring project.


Jenehune
Nene and Honu
Birth date: Kepakemapa 15, 2017 (09-15-17)

Jenehune, Nene and Honu celebrate Hawaii's Aloha spirit.

Jenehune, Nene (Goose) and Honu (Turtle) have all the time in the world!
Together they meander through the beautiful forest in the Ka'u Mountains cherishing all they see, hear, and feel. Baby Nene quacks and waddles along happily. Little Honu is resting contently on Jenehune's arm.
Wonderful and exciting things keep happening! Everywhere they go they are greeted with kindness and abundance: the sun warms their bodies, the birds sing their most beautiful songs, flowers open to embrace them with their sweet scent.
When they are hungry food appears on their path, a crunchy green leaf for Honu, a big yellow Mai’a (banana) to share for Jenehune and Nene. The small mountain stream offers cool, fresh to quench their thirst.
Jenehune, Nene and Honu honor the Akuas (spirits) of the enchanting forest.


 Jenehune, Nene and Honu remind us
that there is always more than enough time to fulfill all desires.

Nene and Honu are Jenehune’s Aumakuas (guardian spirits) and the three of them are inseparable. Jenehune is deeply connected with the ancient wisdom of Honu and Nene.
In Hawaii the Honu represents long life, safety, peace, and good luck.
Nene means to cherish. The Nene Goose enhances the life and spirit of Hawaii.

Jenehune's Tutu (grandmother) lovingly wove her traditional green hula skirt and sewed a bright yellow bikini to wear with it. Tutu wove her Mana (spiritual energy) and Aloha (love) into Jenehune's red flower and green feather Haku (head lei), wrist and ankle leis. In Hawaii the Hulu (feather) represents spiritual strength, unity and love. It is believed to link to the divine.
Last Tutu stuck a beautiful yellow Plumeria flower behind Jenehune's and Honu's ear.
All these precious things were Tutu’s gifts of Aloha (Love) to her beloved Mo’opuna Wahine (granddaughter).

Jenehune is about 4” tall fitting in the palm of your hand. The body is made out of stretch cotton and wired for flexibility. The eyes and mouth are intricately embroidered onto the face. Jenehune has tiny little hands and feet, ears, buttocks, and a belly button.
All accessories were individually handcrafted.

Jenehune, Nene and Honu are one of a kind display dolls handcrafted by Hawaiian Dolls.

Jenehune's, Nene's and Honu's cheerful Mana (Spiritual Energy)
 brightens up the day with love and laughter.



The special gift of a doll in the likeness of who you choose is available 
on special order.

Contact: menehunebabies@gmail.com 







Monday, September 11, 2017

Aloha Doll Ornaments


Aloha Nui Loa (with lots of love)

Aloha Dolls radiate the magical spirit of Hawaii to all who are around them.
Aloha Dolls are one of a kind ornament dolls who were individually handcrafted on the Big Island of Hawaii with the greatest love and respect for all that is Hawaii.
They are a miniature simplified version of the collectible Magical Hawaiian Menehune Dolls. Aloha Dolls are about 3" tall. The bodies are made out of stretch cotton and stuffed with high quality poly fill. The eyes and mouth are intricately embroidered onto the face giving each doll a unique personality. Aloha Dolls are made to be handled with love and care. They are not suitable as a child's toy.
They are hung from an invisible loop to add their enchanting grace to any tree and embrace your home with the Aloha spirit of Hawaii.

Aloha Dolls are a wonderful gift to people close to you or to yourself at any time of the year. 


Allow Alohi to bless you with her love.

Alohi (Love) has long brown hair. She wears a green hula skirt with a green feather Haku (head lei) and a pink bikini. All accessories were individually handcrafted.



Hoku embraces you with peace and harmony.

Hoku is a little flower fairy with green leaf wings. She wears a pink and white flower dress with a pink Haku (head lei) and a Plumeria flower in her ear. All accessories were individually handcrafted.



Pele radiates strength and passion.

Pele is named after the famous Hawaiian Volcano Goddess. She wears a red dress with a volcano design and a yellow flame Haku (head lei). All accessories were individually handcrafted.



Mahina invites you to enter her sacred space so that your beauty can unfold 
like the precious blossoms of the Plumeria Tree.

Mahina is a little flower fairy with green leaf wings. She wears a blue and white flower dress with a green Haku (head lei) and a Plumeria flower in her ear. All accessories were individually handcrafted.