This hand drawn palapalai fern print was inspired by my time living and working with the people of Limahuli Hā‘ena, nestled on the brilliant green north shore of the island of Kaua‘i next to the Nāpali coast. Limahuli is home to endangered Hawaiian plants, but more importantly it is a place cared for by its people.
The people at Limahuli Garden and Preserve take care of the valley by using a traditional Hawaiian holistic land management approach and live in perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture. Working there, I learned that relationships to each other and to the land are the true measure of strength and resilience in the face of change.
I remember fondly Aunty Lahela Chandler, Aunty Aloha as many know her, greeting everyone with warmth and aloha. I see her sitting on the porch welcoming locals and visitors alike while making her palapalai lei. Limahuli valley is part of larger Hā‘ena, one of the birthplaces of Hula and an ancient hula school. Some speculate that Limahuli, which means turning hands, as in ‘hands that work and turn the aina‘ (land), was a valley that provided food for hula students and the community that called the place home. Today, Limahuli continues to metaphorically and literally feed students and anyone who comes there ready to learn.
This print represents all these things. I hope that when you wear this print you feel the power and love of all it represents.
Part of your purchase will go to support Limahuli Garden and Preserve.
-David Shepard