Blog

18th Annual Ku Mai Ka Hula Competition

On September 13, 2025 from 11am-4pm, I will be at the 18th Annual Ku Mai Ka Hula Competition at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center! I will have a large booth right next to the front door of the Castle Theater entrance.

I will have my wahine “hula” tops, mens t-shirts and home decor: including pillow covers, tea towels, table runners and my famous drink mat sets. Come early for best selection. Stop by even if you are not attending the competition, as parking is free. I would love to see you and talk story!

Merrie Monarch Fair Cancellation

Aloha all,

I will not be at the 2025 Merrie Monarch Invitational Craft Fair this year due to a family member’s health issue. If you would like to purchase my Hula T-shirt, please email me at palapaladesigns@gmail.com and I would be happy to ship an order to you (supplies are limited).

I hope to see you all next year!

Palapala

Hau’oli Makahiki Hou 2025

As 2024 ends, I want to send a mahalo nui to all my customers, my ohana and my store accounts! I am grateful for your support and continued purchases of my blockprint artwork. My mission has always been to promote and perpetuate the Hawaiian culture in a pono and humble manner.

For 2025, I will be scaling back craft fair events and begin looking at semi retirement. I will be at the Kamehameha School Ho’olaule’a on March 1, the Swap meet in Kahului occasionally and I will also do the Maui Arts and Cultural Center Hawaiian concerts (Ki Ho’alu (Slack Key) Festival in June, Ukulele Festival in October and the Ho’onanea series). I may decide to participate in more 2025 craft fairs, so check back for details!

Hau’oli Makahiki Hou,

Palapala

Lahaina Festival 2024!

November 24 and 25th, 2024 – I will be one of the Hawaiian crafters at the Lahaina Festival on the grounds of the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows. This celebration of Lahaina and the Makeke are from 3pm – 9pm daily and everything is free to the public! There will also be a free shuttle between the event and Whalers Village/surrounding hotels.

Some of the best Hawaiian entertainers will be performing including: Kalani Pe’a, Amy Hanaiali’i Gilliam, Nuff Sedd trio, Lawakua, Raiatea Helm, Napua Silva, Kulaiwi along with Hula Halau Ke’alakahinano o Puna.

The event is being put on by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.

Na Makua Xmas Fair in Hilo!

On December 6 & 7 2024, I will be a vendor at the Na Makua Christmas Gift Fair in Hilo on the Big Island! This event will be held in the Edith Kanakaole Tennis Stadium which is the site of the Merrie Monarch hula festival. Hours: Friday 2pm – 7pm, Saturday 10am – 4pm. My booth (75) is just to the left as you enter the stadium.

I will be previewing my new 2025 Merrie Monarch womens t-shirt along with my new mens Nalu t-shirt. Along with my home decor, I will have new “palaka” holiday tea towels and pot holders. As always, come early for best selection as inventory is limited. E komo mal!

 

New Hula Wahine T-Shirt 2025

I have designed a new wahine Hula T-shirt for the 2025 Merrie Monarch Hula Festival which will be held at the end of April 2025 in Hilo on the Big Island! It is called Lei Po’o which means head lei with text that reads: “A’a i ka hula, waiho ka hilahila i ka hale”. Translation: “When one wants to dance the hula, bashfulness should be left at home”. This comfortable v-neck shirt comes in black and military green and as always, inventory is limited. Sizes: small – 2xlarge

 

New Nalu T-Shirt 2024!

I have a new mens t-shirt design which I created for the upcoming holiday season! It is my popular Nalu (Wave) blockprint design which is repeated in blue on the front of a mens t-shirt . My t-shirts are 100% lightweight cotton (4.2 ounce) and slim fit.

Below the design is a Hawaiian proverb: He ‘ale kua loloa no ka moana (A long-backed wave of the ocean). In Hawaiian culture, there is also the kaona, or poetic hidden meaning: A strong man who likens his back to the powerful waves.

You can purchase this and my other t-shirts at the upcoming Ukulele Festival, the Made in Maui Festival and the Na Makua Christmas show in Hilo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Made in Maui Festival 2024

On Friday, November 1 & Saturday, November 2, 2024, I will be one of the curated vendors at the Made in Maui Festival! Come visit me in booth #236 on the lawn of the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. Hours on Friday are 1:30pm – 6pm for buyers and VIP shoppers, Saturday 8am – 4:30pm for the general public. Come early as the line to get in is long and everything goes fast!

Ukulele Festival at the MACC!

On Sunday, October 27, 2024, I will be at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center for the 17th annual Maui Ukulele Festival! I will be located in the main entrance breezeway facing the stage and lawn from 2pm – 7pm. I will have my annual sale items along with home decor, mens t-shirts, and womens clothing.

Ku Mai Ka Hula at the MACC

On September 14, 2024, I will be at the Maui Arts and Cultural center for the 17th annual Ku Mai Ka Hula Competition! Hawaiian crafters will be set up around the Pavillion from 11am -4pm. Even if you do not have tickets to Maui’s very own hula competition, you can come shop and enjoy the pre event entertainment.