Hau'oli La Makuahine! Happy Mother's Day!

Honu Pepe, the Turtle Baby

On Mother's Day we celebrate and honor the loving, caring essence of all mothers. It is the time to cherish the special bond of love we share with our mothers. The ritual of giving gifts expresses this gratitude to all mother figures in our lifes, like aunties, sister, grandmothers, not to forget the greatest mothers of all, Mother Earth and Mother Nature .

Mahalo nui loa 

He Makana Nau Aloha Nui Loa

(Thank you very much. 

A gift for you with all my love.)

Honu Pepe, the Turtle Baby, was created in the honor of all mothers.

Honu Pepe, theTurtle Baby 

Birth Date: Mei 1, 2014 (05/01/14)

He nani lua 'ole

Ku'u wehi o nâ lani

He kilohana 'oe

Na'u e pûlama mau

Hô'olu i ka poli e

Mehana i ke anu e.

I can smile when it's raining

Touch the warmth of the sun

I hear children laughing

In this place that I love

Where I live there are rainbows

With life in the laughter of morning

And birds filled with song

The Menehunes are softly chanting a Hawaiian lullaby to Honu Pepe. He is their Keiki Punahele (beloved child). The Menehunes rejoice in Honu Pepe’s sweet innocence. They love him and take turns watching over him at all times. When Honu Pepe is hungry, they nurture him with his favorite treats, warm baby milk and Mai’as (bananas).
Nestled in the ferns and surrounded by his Ohana’s (family’s) Aloha (love), Honu Pepe lies contently in his coconut cradle sucking on his thumb. The deep inner knowing that he is always taken care of fills him with trust and love. 

Honu Pepe is named after his Aumakua (Guardian Spirit), the Hawaiian Sea Turtle. The little green Turtle in his coconut cradle has become his constant companion and closest friend. Together they rejoice in the Mana of peace and happiness that surrounds them.
Honu Pepe is deeply connected with the ancient wisdom of the Turtle. The Hawaiian Honu represents long life, safety, peace, and good luck.

A
llow the Honu’s wisdom to embrace you and guide you on your quest.

Honu Pepe’s Tutu (grandmother) wove her Mana (spiritual energy) and Aloha into the Kupukupu (fern) lei he wears around his neck before she gave it to her beloved Mo’opuna Kane (grandson). Hawaiian tree ferns represent spiritual strength, unity and love.
Tutu crocheted his blue pants and matching booties which she adorned with 2 yellow Lehua flowers and tiny red crystals. She also sewed the blue bedding and curtains with a Turtle design for the cradle, sewed 2 turtle buttons on the sides and decorated the top with a yellow feather lei. The Hulu (feather) lei is believed to link to the divine.

Honu Pepe is about 3.5” 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. Honu Pepe has tiny little hands and feet, ears, buttocks, and a belly button.
The little turtle is about 1.5” long. Her body is made out of soft green cloth and wired for flexibility.
The coconut for Honu Pepe’s cradle was selected from palm trees at Punalu’u Black Sands Beach. It is hand carved, sanded, polished, and fit to a custom coconut base.
All accessories were individually handcrafted.

Honu Pepe and his Honu are a one of a kind collectible display dolls handcrafted by Hawaiian Dolls.
Honu Pepe comes with his story and a certificate of authenticity.

Honu Pepe reflects the Aloha spirit of Hawaii.

www.Etsy.com

The Hawaiian Olapa Dance, Empowering the Spirit Within

Olapa (Dancer)

Birthdate: Malaki 24,2014 (03/24/14)

As the leaves of the Hawaiian Niu (Coconut Palm) sway gently in the slightest breeze so does Olapa (Dancer) move with the energies of the Universe.
Singing and dancing to the sweet sound of her Ukulele, she explores everything nature has to offer.

Mana I ka pua

Ua mohala malie.

There is Mana in the flower

That has blossomed slowly.

The Menehunes clap their hands in delight, begging for some more of Olapa’s delightful dances and music. The enchanting sound of the Ukulele accompanies her songs and dances about the Menehune Ohana (family), Hawaiian animals, the forest, the ocean, and the stars in the Universe. Celebrating Hawaii’s Aloha spirit, the Menehunes dance with Olapa under the Palm trees to the rhythm of her wonderful music.

Olapa's dance and music illuminate life with joy and happiness. Her cheerful Mana (Spiritual Energy) brightens up the day with love and laughter.

Olapa’sTutu (grandmother) wove her Mana (spiritual energy) and Aloha (love) into the Ti Leaf leis she wears around her head and wrists. Ti leaves are sacred to Laka, the Goddess of Hula. According to ancient Hawaiian beliefs, Ti leaves provide spiritual protection and invoke the blessings of the Gods.

Tutu also wove Olapa’s green Ti leaf skirt and sewed a blue cotton top and matching pants for her beloved Mo’opuna Wahine (granddaughter).
The Ukulele was Kuku’s (grandfather’s) gift of lasting love and Aloha to Olapa. It became her most cherished possession. She holds it even when she goes to sleep.

Olapa is about 3.5” 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. She has tiny little hands and feet, ears, buttocks, and a belly button.
The stem of the Palm tree is made out of the seed pod of a Hawaiian Palm. The hand carved, sanded and polished coconut base was selected from palm trees at Punalu'u Black Sands Beach.
All of Olapa’s accessories were individually handcrafted.

In the evenings Olapa and her brother, Kahiko (Hula), often dance and sing together under the Palm trees at Punalu’u Black Sands Beach. In perfect harmony they express their Aloha Aina (love of the land).

Olapa is a one of a kind collectible display doll handcrafted by Hawaiian Dolls.
She comes with the Palm tree, her story and a certificate of authenticity.

The gentle breeze of Olapa’s Mana (spiritual energy) empowers the spirit within.

www.HawaiianCollectibleMenehuneDolls.com

The Hawaiian Oli Chant, Returning to Our Spiritual Source

“E Alae!”

(Arise!)

In the awareness of Mana (spirit) and Kuleana (responsibility) to all things, Hawaiian Kahunas (priests) greeted the sunrise with this simple Oli chant.

In ancient Hawaii words held great power. The Oli is recognized as the highest form of the Hawaiian language. It is the soul of Hawaii, preserving history, traditions and prayers.

The spiritual power of an Oli lies in its Kaona (hidden meaning). For example depending on the perception of the chanter and listener, the mention of the Lehua blossom could be a metaphor for love or it could tell about an actual event in a family’s history.

The beautiful sound, tonal patterns and vibrations invoke a connection to the deepest spiritual essence of the chant.

The Oli attunes us to spirit, expands our consciousness and gladdens the heart.

The concept of ancient Hawaiian teachings conveys that our highest purpose for being on this planet is to connect to the spiritual source. The following Oli calls in the higher self, invoking inspiration, protection and wisdom:

“Moe Uhane (calling the spririt)

He kanaka loa

He kanaka poko

He ui a’a he alaneo

A na maka pa I ka lani

Malu ka honua

La kama uhili e

He’e nei ku

I ka moe au a ke kahuna”

The power of these ancient words can alter the energy around us transcending our being into the supreme light of truth.

The Hawaiian Oli chant inspired the creation of Magical Menehune Girl, Oli.

Oli (Chant)

Birthdate: Malaki 8, 2014 (03/08/14)

“E Alae!”

(Arise!)

Oli chants and drums on her Ipu (gourd) calling the Menehune Ohana (family). Eagerly the Menehunes come running to the family gathering place in the beautiful Ohia forest. They know, Oli is ready to chant yet another one of her exciting stories for them. Her chants tell about the Menehune Ohana, the Hawaiian animals, the forest, the ocean, and the stars in the Universe. The Menehunes listen to Oli’s chants in wonder, sometimes laughing, sometimes crying, and always full of excitement. Oli’s chants are wonderful!
Oli uses her words to weave the chants into being. She knows that words and thoughts have tremendous power to shape reality, often changing the past, present, and future.

Oli’s chants invoke inspiration, protection and wisdom.

Oli’s Tutu (grandmother) wove her Mana (spiritual energy) and Aloha (love) into the Haku (head lei) and wrist leis. She made the Haku out of the traditional fragrant Hawaiian Maile leaves. Maile is the lei of eternal love.
Tutu adorned the Haku with Poni ‘Awapuhi (purple ginger) and added the small fragrant yellow Puakenikeni flowers. The purple Hulu (feather) lei around her hips is believed to link to the divine.
Tutu also sewed Oli’s purple wraparound skirt and fastened a purple crystal to the matching top. She crocheted purple lacy panties.
Hawaiian gourds grow on a vine. Oli’s Tutu (grandmother) picked the most beautiful of the Ipus. She cleaned, polished and decorated it with a purple crystal and cord.
It was her sacred gift of Aloha (Love) to her Mo’opuna (granddaughter) and became Oli’s most treasured possession.

Oli is about 3.5” 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. She has tiny little hands and feet, ears, buttocks, and a belly button.
All of Oli’s accessories were individually handcrafted.

Oli is named after the sacred Hawaiian Oli chant. She often walks through the serene Ohia forest in the Kaiholena Mountains, where the splendor of nature’s beauty inspires her chants. 

Kahiko, the Menehune Dancer, moves in harmony to his Kumu Hula (teacher) Oli’s sacred chants. Humbly and respectfully, Oli and Kahiko Aloha Honua (honor the earth) together.

Oli is a one of a kind collectible display doll handcrafted by Hawaiian Dolls.
She comes with her story and a certificate of authenticity.

Oli attunes us to the spirit of Hawaii.

www.HawaiianCollectibleMenehuneDolls.com

Hula Kahiko, an Ancient Way of Life

Ma’ema’e ke ‘ala e holo ala 

E ala mai, E naue mai, E noke mai e 

Clear the path to move on 

Awake, Move, Persevere 

(Kumu Keala Ching) 

Moving in harmony to Kumu (teacher) Hula’s sacred chants and the rhythm of her Ipu, the dancer gracefully performs the ancient Kahiko Hula.

Kahiko, the most ancient form of hula, is more than just a dance. It is an ancient artful way of life that expresses Hawaii’s rich history and spirituality.

In ancient times Hula Kahiko was danced exclusively by men. Adorned with Maile leis, the dancers honor Hawaii’s Hula Goddess Laka. Expressing a deep reverence for their spiritual roots, they performed the vigorous dance with strength and agility, intention and determination.

In the Aloha (compassion) spirit, the Lōkahi (unity) spirit, and the Pono (righteousness) spirit, the Kahiko Hula honors the gods, passes along ancient Hawaiian history and tells stories about aumakuas (ancestral guardians), the sacredness of life and respect for all things.

The enchanting ancient Hawaiian Hula inspired the creation of Magical Hawaiian Menehune Kahiko.

Kahiko (Hula) 

Birth Date: Malaki 8, 2014 (03/08/14) 

Ma’ema’e ke ‘ala e holo ala 

E ala mai, E naue mai, E noke mai e 

Clear the path to move on 

Awake, Move, Persevere 

The divine beat of the Ipu (gourd) echoes across the ‘Aina (land) as Kahiko gracefully performs the ancient Hula. With strength and agility he moves in harmony to Kumu Hula (teacher) Oli’s sacred chants.
In the Aloha (compassion) spirit, the Lōkahi (unity) spirit, and the Pono (righteousness) spirit, Kahiko honors the gods, tells stories about Aumakuas (ancestral guardians), the sacredness of life and respect for all things with his dance. The Menehune Ohana (family) loves to watch. Kahiko’s Hula and Kumu Hula Oli’s chants are wonderful!

Kahiko’s dance inspires us to awake, move forward and persevere, to live in faith with intention, determination and courage. 

Kahiko’sTutu (grandmother) wove her Mana (spiritual energy) and Aloha (love) into his Maile and Hulu (feather) leis. In Hawaii Maile is the lei of eternal love. It is worn in honor of the Hula Goddess Laka. The yellow Hulu (feather) leis around his hips and wrists are believed to link to the divine.
Tutu also wove Kahiko’s traditional grass skirt and crocheted his red pants. The red, green and yellow colors Kahiko wears honor the Mana (spiritual energy) of the land.

Kahiko is about 3.5” 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. Kahiko has tiny little hands and feet, ears, buttocks, and a belly button. All accessories were individually handcrafted.

Kahiko moves in harmony to the sacred chants of his Kumu Hula (teacher) Oli. Humbly and respectfully, Oli and Kahiko Aloha Honua (honor the earth) together.

Kahiko is a one of a kind display doll handcrafted by Hawaiian Dolls. He comes with his story and a certificate of authenticity.

Kahiko’s dance honors the sacredness of life. 

Nana I Ke Kumu 

Look to the source.

www.HawaiianCollectibleMenehuneDolls.com

Pueo, the Hawaiian Owl, Aumakua of Divine Guidance

People of all cultures are drawn into the mystic realm of the owl. This divine bird of power invokes intense feelings of awe, inspiration and fear. All over the world, the owl is recognized as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge.

Pueo, the Hawaiian Owl has a special place in Hawaii’s mythology. Pueos were silently sailing over the Hawaiian Islands well before the arrival of the first Polynesians. Pueo is a short eared owl who inhabits the mountains and sea lands throughout the islands of Hawaii. Pueos are endemic to Hawaii and listed as an endangered species.

The Pueo has always been sacred to the people of Hawaii and treated with the utmost love and respect. The mystic bird of wisdom often appears to offer guidance and protection. The Mana (spiritual energy) of this beautiful creature of the night reaches far into the spirit world. Up to this day, many Hawaiians have such a strong connection to Pueo that she becomes a kinolau (physical manifestation) of Aumakua (ancestral spirit).

To the ancient Hawaiians, an Aumakua was a deified ancestral guardian spirit, embodying the form of an animal to watch over their descendants. An Aumakua could manifest itself as a pueo (owl), shark, a sea turtle, an 'Io (hawk), or other animal. Aumakuas empower, guide, protect and inspire their descendants. Pueo is among the oldest of the Aumakua. She is often asked for advice in times of need.

Pueo is considered the “Bringer of Good Luck", protector and messenger.

Her messages may come in a dream, voice, vision, or sign.

Many stories have been told of Pueo. One of the most famous legends, “The Battle of the Owls”, tells of an Oahu man who robbed an owl's nest. After he put the eggs in his bag, the owl-parent shrieked with grief and fury. The man felt terribly sorry and quickly returned the eggs unharmed to the nest. He also took the owl as his god and built a temple in its honor. The ruling chief thought this was rebellion against the prevalent gods, and ordered the man's execution. When the weapon was poised and the man feared his last breath, the owls gathered close and darkened the skies with their wings. The king's soldiers were blinded by the darkness and unable to perform the execution. The man was free. Pueo-hulu-nui near Moanalua on Oahu is one of the alleged places where this awesome battle took place.

There are times in the peaceful nights of the secluded mountains of Ka`u when I hear the whoosh of great wings as a Pueo flies right over my house. To me these occasions are always a good omen and blessing. The Pueo brings divine mana (spiritual energy) from the realm of the spirit world which fills me with humbleness.

My love and respect for the Hawaiian Owl inspired me to create Menehune Boy Koa and his Aumakua, the Pueo.

Koa (Strength) and Pueo (Owl)

Birth Date: Lune 10, 2015 (06/10/15)

Rejoicing in the splendors of nature, Koa climbs higher and higher up the mountain into the Hawaiian forest. Koa is named after the Hawaiian King of Trees. He embraces the strong, fearless Mana (spiritual energy) of the magnificent Koa tree.

Koa inspires us to welcome life’s challenges with an open heart and grow from the valuable lessons they contain.

Pueo is Koa’s sacred Aumakua (guardian spirit). Pueo appears whenever Koa calls on her. She lands on Koa’s right arm, where he greets her with love and respect.

Koa knows that Pueo carries Mana, supernatural powers. At important times of change, she sends messages to Koa through visions and dreams. Koa always follows Pueo’s guidance, knowing that it will keep him and his Menehune Ohana (family) save from all harm and lead them to happiness and good fortune.

Koa and Pueo walk companionably through the enchanting Koa forest, honoring the trees’ brave, warrior-like Mana (spiritual energy). Together they rejoice in the peace and happiness that surrounds them.

Koa’s Tutu (grandmother) crafted a special amulet using one of Pueo’s feathers and a green crystal to inspire spiritual strength, unity and love.

Tutu also sewed Koa’s Malu (wraparound) and hat out of red cotton with a maile leaf design and decorated the hat with 2 Maile leaves. Maile is the plant of eternal love. Tutu crocheted matching green underwear and shoes. All these things were Tutu's gifts of Aloha (love) to her beloved Mo’opuna Kane (grandson).

Koa is about 3.5” 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. Koa has tiny little hands and feet, ears, buttocks, and a belly button.

Pueo is about 1" tall and made out of brown synthetic fur and feathers. The eyes are black crystals. The beak is hand molded out of clay.

Koa’s doll stand is a small piece of custom hand carved, sanded and polished Koa wood. It represents a log.

All accessories were individually handcrafted.

Koa and Pueo are one of a kind collectible display dolls handcrafted by Hawaiian Dolls.

Koa and Pueo reflect the strong, fearless Mana of the magnificent Hawaiian Koa tree.

www.HawaiianCollectibleMenehuneDolls.com

Aloha Angels

Hoku (Star)

There is a love we always can depend on. We were born with it in the loving embrace of our guardian angel. Some may call it our inner spirit being whose devotion and infinite wisdom guards, guides and enlightens us on our life’s journey. All we ever need to do is turn within and ask our angel for help or inspiration. There always is a response offering strength and guidance. Maybe the answer doesn’t come right away, but there will be that moment of clarity when we just know what we need to do.

Awareness and opening ourselves to receive the message is crucial. Otherwise, it may be overlooked or not perceived correctly. Messages can come through a voice, a vision, a dream, or a sign. We must welcome this heavenly advice. Sometimes we may reject the message because it would lead us on a path we don’t want to take. The course of action may not make sense but somewhere inside it feels like the right thing to do. We then have to take the detour and follow this heavenly inner guidance trusting that everything is unfolding in a divine perfection which lays way beyond our imagination. Following the enlightened path of our guardian angel often leads to a seemingly magical, almost effortless conclusion of the issue.

Ancient Hawaiians referred to angels as Awaiku, the spiritual nature of human being. The Awaikus came from a place called Kaulike, where everything was in balance. Their home is Lanikeha, the high sky. Hawaiian Kahunas (magicians) called on the Awaiku’s healing powers, their protection and guidance in all life situations.

In most cultures the essence of angels is unconditional love. They beckon us to enter our sacred inner space to illuminate our lives with the light of consciousness.

The devotion of guardian angels inspired the creation of Magical Hawaiian Menehune angel Hoku (Star).

 Hoku's story:

The sacred rhythm of the Ipu echoes across the ‘Aina (land) calling Hoku, the Menehune Guardian Angel to earth. Hoku is named after the brightly shining stars in her home Lanikeha, the high sky.
Hoku carries a candle in her sacred Hawaiian Ipu (gourd), which invokes blessings of the divine. The heavenly light of Hoku’s candle illuminates the paths of the Menehune’s lives on earth.
The Menehunes know Hoku always watches over them enlightening their lives with her angelic presence. Hearing the divine drumming of the Ipu in the distance, the Menehunes sense that Hoku is near. Sometimes she allows them a glance at the heavenly glow of her Ipu candle or a glimpse of her angelic white feather wings passing by to remind them how brightly the Aloha spirit is shining from their own souls. All they have to do is call and Hoku appears offering her wisdom and guidance.

Welcome Hoku as your guardian angel! She is devoted to protecting and guiding you on your life’s journey.

Hoku often rests in the serene Hawaiian Ohia forest, worshipping the beautiful world around her. She never tires of rejoicing in the abundant splendor of nature.

Hoku wears a turquoise Hawaiian Lava Lava (wraparound dress) with a white Plumeria flower and a star crystal in the front and white crocheted panties. Her yellow Hulu (feather) haku (head lei) represents spiritual strength, unity and love. A white Plumeria flower adorns her beautiful long brown hair. She is holding an Ipu with a star crystal and a candle in her hands. The angel wings are crafted out of real white feathers.

Hoku is about 3.5” 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. Hoku has tiny little hands and feet, ears, buttocks, and a belly button. All accessories were individually handcrafted.

Hoku is a one of a kind display doll handcrafted by Hawaiian Dolls. She is a collector’s item bringing you the spiritual power of Hawaii. Hoku comes with her story and a certificate of authenticity.

Hoku’s Mana (spiritual energy) radiates unconditional Aloha.

www.Etsy.com

Magical Menehunes Tailored to the Heart

Menehune Babies: Maile and Puli (Blessing) with Pueo (Owl)

Recently a pregnant lady requested a custom order for 2 Menehune Babies from me: one for her unborn child and one for her infant daughter. She wanted them to convey the Aloha spirit of Hawaii with a Pueo as their Guardian Spirit.
She specified her preferences for colors, leis, coconut cradles, etc., and her ideas stimulated my creativity. I started adding and integrating certain aspects to my art which I had never considered before.

I kept working on what was becoming one of the most inspiring projects I have done. I was losing and finding myself in the developing spirits of the dolls.

Without me knowing it, the first Menehune was finished on the same day the baby was born.
The spiritual connection people, who have never even met, can make is just amazing.

Maile, Puli and Pueo became a spiritual and priceless gift to the Babies, my customer and myself.

Maile

Here is part of Maile's story:

“Eia la he 'ala, he' ala anuanu, he ala hu'ihu'i, eia la i ka houpo

Here is a fragrance, a beautiful fragrance that goes to my heart.” 

The Menehunes are chanting softly to Maile. Maile is a newborn pepe (baby) and the Menehune’s Keiki Punahele (beloved child). Surrounded by her Ohana’s (family’s) Aloha (love), Maile lies contently in her coconut cradle sucking on her thumb.
The Menehunes rejoice in her sweet innocence. They love and always watch over her, nurturing her with warm baby milk whenever she is hungry.
Maile is named after the traditional Maile Lei which in Hawaii represents the umbilical cord to the spiritual world. Maile just left the spiritual world and her memory and connection to her origin are very strong. The deep inner knowing that she is always taken care of fills her with trust and love.

Maile’s Mana (spiritual energy) helps us to reconnect with our spiritual origin, the eternal presence of love within and all around us...

Puli (Blessing) & Pueo (Owl)

Here is part of Puli's and Pueo's story:

Puli is a happy little Menehune Pepe (baby). Puli’s name means ‘Blessing’ and her magical Mana (spiritual energy) radiates blessings of love and joy upon everybody she meets. 

Puli’s Aumakua (Guardian Spirit) is Pueo, the Hawaiian Owl. The Pueo has always been sacred to the Hawaiian people and is considered a guardian and the bringer of good luck”.
Puli is so closely connected to her Aumakua that Pueo chose her as a close friend. Pueo appears whenever Puli calls on her but she also often comes on her own at important times of change when she knows that her advice is needed. Pueo always lands on Puli’s left hand where they greet each other with love and respect. Together they honor Hawaii’s enchanting Aloha spirit.
Puli knows that Pueo brings Mana, supernatural powers. Her messages are revealed to her in visions and dreams. Puli always follows Pueo’s guidance and advise knowing that it will keep her and her Menehune Ohana (family) save from all harm and lead them to happiness and good fortune.

Let all your cares fall away, pursue that which brings you joy, and soar with Puli and Pueo above all limitations...

www.HawaiianCollectibleMenehuneDolls.com