I believe that part of my responsibility as a Hawaiian artist is to share the beauty and culture of Hawaii and its Hawaiian people. If you would like to assist me with this, feel free to download the free template that shares the names of colors in both Hawaiian and English and some of the native and invasive species that create these colors. Click on the image below to access the free PDF. *Note- I use AstroBrights Smooth Cardstock at 110lb for my cards. This allows easy color application and is fairly sturdy so its easy to save.

This activity is intended for the individual to color in each circle using the natural plant materials that are either listed in the back of the card or any other that would be most prevalent in your garden or location. I personally use;

  1. Pink - Hau Anther. I have the adult or child pick their hau flower and then show them how to use the hau anther and smoosh it on the ʻĀkala circle. Adding a touch of lemon lightens the color. If water is on the flower or the card then the color will turn more of a purple (poni) then pink.

  2. Blue - ʻUkiʻuki &/or Butterfly Pea Blossom. Depending on the season and availability from my garden I will choose both or one of these.

  3. Yellow - Fresh Milo nut. Pick from the tree either day of or day before, leave it in water until its time to use it. Cut a very small area on the nut, show the person how the color rushes to the surface and allow them to paint their circle directly by applying the nut to the paper.

  4. Brown - Aged Kukui bark. After using the kukui bark to create the brick red dye I save the remaining dye bathe, dry it out, and the remaining powder is a pretty brown. You can also use any other dye or even ʻāina (dirt).

  5. Green - Pōpolo leaves. I normally pick a branch or dig out a small bush and bring it with me to the event and have the individual pick the leaves and smoosh it into the correct circle.

  6. Red - ʻAlaea (Iron Oxide). This is the red dirt that is used for a lot of traditional medicines and is also added to spices (inamona, Hawaiian salt, poke, etc).

Whatever plant you choose to take with you that day, please try to study up on some basic uses of each to better educate and allow the person (child or adult) to experience a bit of Hawaiian culture and history through this activity. As a reminder, please be sure to malama our ʻāina by foraging and harvesting from your garden or the community responsibly.

Enjoy and mahalo for sharing your love of Hawaii and its colors!

Kapa Curious is dedicated to teaching what we know of creating kapa, processing hau, and making natural dyes with people of all ages. Our children are the future so a portion of each workshop is donated to the Kapa Curious Scholarship which will support Hawaiʻi students dreams of attending college.