Preserving Hawaiian Culture through
Kaulumaika was born out of a strong to reconnect with our cultural heritage and help others to do the same. It started with us learning Hawaiian as a young family and has grown to a community that uplifts and encourages one another to continually perpetuate Hawaiian Language and Culture.
A collection of soft watercolor washes inspired by Hawaii
Kaelepulu Elementary School
This mural, inspired by the stories of Kailua, was made with the help of the students of Kaelepulu Elementary School.
Sewing blog
Sewing is just another one of our hobbies. While we don't sew on a commercial scale, we sew for fun and to try out our designs!
Working with local
We support other small businesses and work with them when we get the opportunity! This lei collection is part of our biggest collaboration with the Keiki Department
Our art started out as watercolor and fabric design so now whenever we explore new mediums there is always an element of both.
Are pineapples Hawaiian?? "Aole!!" At Kaulumaika we like to learn about and showcase endemic, indigenous, and polynesian introduced plants in Hawaii like this pohuehue flower.
Watercolor is one of our favorite mediums, but whenever we get the chance we like to try our hand in other ones. We always learn so much when we try new things!
Aloha mai Kakou!
Hi. I'm Emily! I am a Hawaiian, Chinese, Jewish, Korean, German, English, (and probably a few other things), wahine and artist.
I fell in love with art as a child because it was the only thing that could keep my hands busy while keeping my body still, my heart happy, and my mind at peace. That remains true to today!
I'm a mother to 3, raising my kids in my own hometown on the island of Oahu. My children are me plus Japanese, Portuguese, Irish, and more Hawaiian, which they get from their father. Being part of such a multicultural family makes me very passionate about language, culture, and the bridging of cultural gaps and misinformation.
Though English is my first language, I have learned ASL, Hiligaynon, and Hawaiian throughout my life. I believe language is an art form in and of itself and unlocks culture in ways that nothing else can!
You're never too young or old to learn, we try to make our workshops, lessons plans, and activities for all ages.
Stay a while! Learn to sew a quilt. Our quilts are predesigned to make it easier for you!
Don't be shy! You're here to learn and be encouraged and we're here to help you do that. If you're really committed to learning Hawaiian then check out our resource page on our language site.
"Your content is real. You share your ups and downs, good and bad days. I can totally relate. I love watching your process from start to finish. When you’re not feeling it and redo your pieces to perfection. You stick to your theme. Your native flowers. But not only do you paint them. You educate on them. It’s not like a random person saying ooh that’s pretty let’s sell it. Every flower has meaning and you share its use, which brings value to your art."
"[Emily's content] is helpful, with good vibes, to build community. I love that it is very educative on the Hawaiian culture and language. I learn how to respect it and honor it for what it is. It confronts me on my own mistakes and biases in a very tactful and genuine way which I appreciate."
What about Kaulumaika resonates with you? "Perpetuating Hawaiian language in a commerce and creative space, in addition to creating an environment that feels inclusive for all."
We always find ways to give back to our community because of all the precious pearls of support we have been given. One of our favorite ways is providing free clipart for teachers and families to use in their classrooms and homes.
