KŪPĀ’AIKE’E

Kūpā’aike’e is a program of Ko’ihonua that aims to revitalize the tradition of Hawaiian ki’i carving by training a new generation of carving practitioners. From our first workshop at Waipā, Kaua’i in 2016, we’ve since grown into a full fledged three-year apprenticeship training program to start in January 2019.

Previous Workshops

April 2018, Kona, Hawai’i, Adze making with Sam Ka’ai

Kupa’aike’e participants learned Sam Ka’ai’s methods for making adzes using guava handles and steel blades from beginning to end including making the handle, forging and curing the blades, and lashing techniques. The ko’i is the primary tool we will be relying on for ki’i carving.

*Funding for this workshop was provided by Hawaiian Airlines.

November 2016, Kahalu’u makai, Hawai’i

Participants engaged in a 6 day intensive workshop with Master’s Sam Ka’ai and Lyonel Grant.  This workshop included tree selection and methods to properly handle ‘ohi’a logs to prevent the spread of Rapid ‘Ohi’a Death.

*Support for this workshop came entirely from Kamehameha Schools Bishop Estate.

July 2016, Waipa, Kaua’i