MNBG Calendar

Learn in-person and get hands-on experience at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens from Dr. Marian Chau of Kalehua Seed Conservation Consulting and MNBG's Seed Storage Technician, Cathy Davenport. This workshop is part of a series in the Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death Seed Banking Initiative, which aims to expand capacity for collection and banking of ‘ōhi‘a seeds across all islands in response to the ROD crisis.

It is free and open to anyone who wants to learn how to properly collect, handle, and process ‘ōhi‘a seeds without doing harm to trees or forests, using methods that protect seed viability and ensure conservation value for future restoration. Field trips to natural areas to practice what you learned will be offered as a follow up to this class.

This workshop is sponsored by the USDA Forest Service Region 5 Urban and Community Forestry Program. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Cost: FREE. Preregistration is required.

In this workshop, Kumu Kukini Suwa will provide participants with the knowledge and practice to make a niho ʻoki (Hawaiian utility knife). Niho ʻoki was traditionally utilized for woodworking, stripping wauke bark for kapa making, cutting cordage, and many other uses. Participants will use native koa or milo wood to craft the handle of this traditional tool, gaining hands-on experience with filing and rasping techniques before securing the shark tooth blade with cord.

All workshop materials will be provided.

Members: $125
Non-Members: $150, includes Naupaka-level Garden Membership

In this workshop series, participants will focus on learning double weave interlocking wheft technique using ʻieʻie to create art of their own with Daniel Kahaʻialiʻi. Each class will have a different focus: piko, peʻahi, hīnaʻi, ʻeke, and miniature mahiole. Each class will focus on a different technique.

ʻIeʻie (Freycinetia arborea) is a member of the Screwpine family, like hala, and it's aerial roots were once used extensively for weaving of hīna'i (basket, fish trap), mahiole (helmets), kiʻi, and more. Daniel is a veteran member of the Na Koa Kau I Ka Meheu o Na Kupuna at the Na Aikane o Maui Cultural Center in Lahaina led by Keʻeaumoku Kapu where he practices and assists in teaching cultural exchange, Hawaiian chant and dance, and the Hawaiian Martial art of Lua. He is careful to spread knowledge and awareness of Hawaiian cultural practices and arts while keeping in mind not to exploit local tradition and culture.

NOTE: While this is a series of classes, participants are not required to attend all classes and must register individually for each class. There are only 13 spots available in each class. Due to the quantity of classes, we will maintain a waitlists by class subject (piko, peʻahi, etc.).

All workshop materials will be provided.

Members: $35
Non-Members: $60 for first class, can use member rate for remaining classes; includes Naupaka-level Garden Membership

Classes & Dates:
2/5 Piko 1
2/12 Peʻahi 1
2/19 Hīnaʻi 1
2/26 ʻEke 1
3/5 Piko 2
3/12 Peʻahi 2
3/19 Miniature Mahiole

Cancellations (paid workshops): Space is limited and registering without payment does not guarantee a spot. Once paid registration is full, MNBG will accept unpaid registrations in the order they are received to place you on a waitlist. Refunds for cancellations will be given only if you call 249-2798 to inform us of the cancellation at least seven days before the workshop begins. No-shows and cancellations less than one week before a workshop will forfeit registration and membership fees. However, if a waitlist registrant pays for a forfeited spot less than one week before the workshop begins, MNBG will refund registration fees in the order in which they were forfeited. Mahalo for your understanding.

Cancellations (free workshops): Space is limited, so if you need to cancel please call us at 249-2798 to free space for others to register.

MNBG Calendar

Events & Workshops 2025