Kanaka ʻōiwi (native) māmā owned.

~ The Meaning Behind Hua Hoʻāla ~

With the introduction of colonialism, indigenous beadwork was banned by colonizers in an attempt to assimilate indigenous people and erase their cultural identities.

Beads were perceived by colonizers as a form of resistance. Any semblance of beadwork was confiscated and destroyed.

Beadwork had (and still has) much symbolic and spiritual value. It was even a representation of wealth and prestige. For indigenous families experiencing erasure, it was a sign of love and hope.

Now even more so, beads represent strength and INDIGENOUS RESILIENCE.

Beadwork has since changed, but the foundation remains the same.

Although beadwork is not necessarily Hawaiian, I am indigenous in more ways than one. I am both Tsalagi (Cherokee) and Hawaiian.

This is why I chose the name Hua Hoʻāla.

Hua - meaning “bead”

Hoʻāla - meaning “awaken”

Hua Hoʻāla - Awakened Bead

Since the founding of Hua Hoʻāla we have branched out into creating statement apparel as well as other mea.

Hua Hoʻāla lole allow ʻōiwi to voice themselves without repeatedly having to open their waha.

Saying something without having to verbally SAY it.

Our goal is to raise awareness + halt the oppression that indigenous people face on their own ʻāina.