Meet the local lei makers nurturing a Native Hawaiian tradition
More and more Native Hawaiians are moving to the Pacific Northwest. In fact, Washington state has the third largest number of Kanaka Maoli, or Native Hawaiians, outside of Hawaii and California.
As they move here, people are bringing their beloved customs and traditions with them. Like the artform of making lei, which are garlands made using all kinds of materials including flowers, nuts, clay and feathers.
Seattle Times business reporter Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton belongs to this community and was curious about how cultural traditions and customs have evolved in the Seattle area. Her article, Hawaiian lei makers blossom in Seattle area, but challenges grow, dives into this issue.
Boyanton spoke with Meet Me Here host Jeannie Yandel about what she learned from local lei-makers for this story, and about the history of lei in Hawaii.
This interview originally ran on KUOW's daily news podcast, Seattle Now.
Sponsored
Where’s your favorite place to meet up around arts and culture in the region? Drop us a line at meetmehere@kuow.org.
Got an arts idea you want to pitch KUOW? Email us at arts@kuow.org
Your support helps create shows like Seattle Now, Soundside, and Meet Me Here!
Sponsored
-
Jeannie Yandel
Special Projects Editor
Jeannie Yandel is a special projects editor focusing on podcasts and broadcast shows. She created and co-hosted the KUOW podcast Battle Tactics For Your Sexist Workplace and ran and edited KUOW's podcast about local curiosity, SoundQs. She also co-created and co-hosted KUOW's YouTube interview series, Are We Going To Be OK?. Previously, she was senior producer for The Conversation and KUOW Presents, and was Executive Producer for The Record.
More stories from Jeannie Yandel » -
Katie Campbell
Online Editor/Reporter
Katie joined KUOW's online team as an editor and reporter in 2024, after serving three years as senior producer of the local Morning Edition program. She has covered a variety of local topics, including the Seattle City Council, elections, and breaking news. She also brings readers some levity with a weekly news quiz.
More stories from Katie Campbell » -
Dyer Oxley
Online Editor/Producer
Dyer Oxley joined KUOW as an Online Editor/Producer in 2020, handling day-to-day upkeep of the station’s website while providing editorial oversight. He also helms KUOW’s Today So Far newsletter, an insightful daily roundup of what KUOW is reporting ... so far.
More stories from Dyer Oxley »
