Leis came with the Polynesians as they moved eastward across the Pacific Islands before arriving in Hawaii. They are meant to symbolize welcome, protection, and mercy–the attributes of Hilaka ...

Feather lei making Tuesday, February 07, 2017 11:31 pm 1/4 ... By Jan Wizinowich Special to West Hawaii Today Share this story ...

A red and black lei on display in “Royal Hawaiian Featherwork: Nā Hulu Ali‘i,” an exhibition at the de Young Museum that may be the most valuable collection of Hawaiian feather artistry ...

They're not as well-known as flower leis – but feather leis are part of a Hawaiian tradition dating back 250 years, one that a local family is working hard to bring back.

Mary Lou Kekuewa and her daughter Paulette Kahalepuna still make feather leis in their small Waikiki shop, Na Lima Mili Hulu Noeau (Hawaiian for "Skilled Hands Touch the Feathers"). The most ...

Royal Hawaiian Featherwork: Nā Hulu Ali’i, on view at the de Young museum and on loan from the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum in Honolulu, is a gorgeous collection of 18th to early 20th century objects ...

It's an iconic Hawaiian image. But for many locals, like Britney Texeira, leis have a deeper meaning. As a Native Hawaiian, lei is tied closely to her identity as well.

Bishop Museum, which maintains the largest Hawaiian feather work collection in the world, is caretaker of more than 13 cloaks, 24 capes and numerous kahili staffs and lei.

Equally impressive is that he is self-taught in both pursuits. “I always enjoyed seeing feather leis and hatbands but they’re very expensive. I said I could make it myself,” said Miyashiro, 81.

They're not as well-known as flower leis – but feather leis are part of a Hawaiian tradition dating back 250 years, one that a local family is working hard to bring back.