Kiley Kelson: Haku Lei Artist

There are many ways the culture of a place can be celebrated. Creating art that showcases the history and the unique nature of a place is a great way of inviting people to enjoy a culture different from their own. 

For Kiley Kelson, creating leis with local flowers and products not only brings joy and connection for herself, but it also allows people to experience a little piece of Hawaiian culture.

Each Haku Lei Kiley makes represents not only her own hard work of artistry, but it also links her to the generations of women before her who were creating together. In this way, she’s keeping the traditions alive, especially as she shares her knowledge with her two young daughters.

“Creating something with our hands as women…there’s something so rich and historical about a group of women sitting down to make something together…”

What really drives her to keep creating, besides her own connection to the Hawaiian land and traditions is to bring love and joy to the people who enjoy her leis.

“That’s why I started this whole thing. I just want to make people feel like queens.”

Kiley doesn’t just make and sell leis, she also teaches workshops so people can create their own versions. She says an important part of Hawaiian culture is passing on knowledge so the traditions can continue throughout the future generations. 

“You don’t just keep something for yourself. You share and you teach.”

For more information about Kiley and her beautiful work, visit the Hakus by Ki website.

Follow Kiley on Instagram.

This episode was produced, filmed, and edited by Lia-Lucine Cary.