25-04-2025
Merrie Monarch brings opportunities to support local
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Merrie Monarch is in the air in Hilo, but it's not just about hula. The other big component of Merrie Monarch is supporting local.
When we think of craft fairs, we think of the official Merrie Monarch Craft Fair at the Civic Center, but craft fairs are spread across town, such as Manono St Marketplace.
Merrie Monarch Festival named in honor of King Kalākaua
KHON2's Kamaka Pili started with an ʻono breakfast at the Hawaiian Style Cafe and stumbled across Aunty Piʻilani Akana and her beautiful lei hula bracelets.
Aunty Piʻilani had a dream 20 years ago when her grandma appeared and showed her how to create her signature pieces.
'I retired, took care of my mom, then she passed away and I thought, 'hey, I better do my kuleana and get back to my Tūtū and listen to her. And so, I did that,' she said.
She started her craft right as COVID came to the islands. It wasn't until her friend introduced her to Manono Marketplace that she was able to continue carrying out her dream.'She invited me and this was my first time selling. And a lot of people thought it was unique when they passed here and bought it.'
According to Akana, it took her seven years to get a chance at her craft.
'You think it's just a dream. It's something that happened to you and came back in your dream. But then I thought, 'No, I never seen it.' So she has a point there. I better go check it out. And I want to respect her too. If she came into my dream, let's check this out and sure enough.'
More one-of-a-kind treasures can be found at the Merrie Monarch Festival and the Manono Marketplace.
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Click here for Piʻilani Akana. To contact Lovely Creations, email lovely_creations_art@
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