Art Lunch: G. Umi Kai – Hawaiian Tools

Gordon ‘Umialiloalahanauokalakaua Kai will share his 45+ years of experience crafting na mea Hawai‘i, including na mea kaua (things of war) and implements of daily use (such as the pahoa (dagger), ihe (spear), hina‘i hinalea (fish trap) or poi pounder. Umi and his wife Janice are part of a small group of Native Hawaiian artists working to perpetuate the craft of making tools and weapons that were once essential to survival in these islands. Umi Kai will talk about the time-consuming process of transforming raw materials into a functional, high quality works of art and show examples of his craftsmanship.

Art Lunch is a free monthly art lecture series at the Hawaii State Art Museum, held on the last Tuesday of the month. Bring your own lunch (or buy one at Artizen cafe!) and feed your creativity!

First floor Multipurpose Room, No. 1 Capitol District Building. Parking across the street in the Ali'i Place building (entrance at 1099 Alakea St., $3 flat rate on weekends, cash only), metered parking at ‘Iolani Palace, or metered street parking. Several TheBus lines stop either in front of or close to the building.