More and more Native Hawaiians are moving to the Pacific Northwest. In fact, Washington state has the third largest number of Kanaka Maoli, or Native Hawaiians, outside of Hawaii and California.

As they move here, people are bringing their beloved customs and traditions with them. Like the artform of making lei, which are garlands made using all kinds of materials including flowers, nuts, clay and feathers.

Seattle Times business reporter Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton belongs to this community and was curious about how cultural traditions and customs have evolved in the Seattle area. Her article, Hawaiian lei makers blossom in Seattle area, but challenges grow, dives into this issue.

Boyanton spoke with Meet Me Here host Jeannie Yandel about what she learned from local lei-makers for this story, and about the history of lei in Hawaii. 

This interview originally ran on KUOW's daily news podcast, Seattle Now. 

 

Where’s your favorite place to meet up around arts and culture in the region? Drop us a line at meetmehere@kuow.org. 

Got an arts idea you want to pitch KUOW? Email us at arts@kuow.org 

Your support helps create shows like Seattle Now, Soundside, and Meet Me Here! 

Become a KUOW member today.

More and more Native Hawaiians are moving to the Pacific Northwest. In fact, Washington state has the third largest number of Kanaka Maoli, or Native Hawaiians, outside of Hawaii and California.
As they move here, people are bringing their beloved customs and traditions with them. Like the artform of making lei, which are garlands made using all kinds of materials including flowers, nuts, clay and feathers.
Seattle Times business reporter <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/author/megan-ulu-lani-boyanton/">Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton</a> belongs to this community and was curious about how cultural traditions and customs have evolved in the Seattle area. Her article, <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/business/local-business/hawaiian-lei-makers-blossom-in-seattle-area-but-challenges-grow/">Hawaiian lei makers blossom in Seattle area, but challenges grow</a>, dives into this issue.
<a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/author/megan-ulu-lani-boyanton/">Boyanton</a> spoke with Meet Me Here host Jeannie Yandel about what she learned from local lei-makers for this story, and about the history of lei in Hawaii.&nbsp;
This interview originally ran on KUOW's daily news podcast, <a href="https://www.kuow.org/podcasts/seattlenow">Seattle Now</a>.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Where&rsquo;s your favorite place to meet up around arts and culture in the region? Drop us a line at meetmehere@kuow.org.&nbsp;
Got an arts idea you want to pitch KUOW? Email us at arts@kuow.org&nbsp;
Your support helps create shows like Seattle Now, Soundside, and Meet Me Here!&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.kuow.org//donate/meet">Become a KUOW member today</a>.

Meet Me Here is your podcast guide to the most exciting arts and culture events in Seattle. In each episode, we’re fighting the freeze and meeting you around the region for art shows, concerts, author talks, geeky get-togethers, and more. There’s a lot to do in this region, so let’s make some plans and go experience it together.

HOSTS
Jeannie Yandel covers arts and culture events. Jeannie's goal is to get you out and about in the city's arts and culture scenes, especially stuff that's free or inexpensive or doesn't make your typical critic's list.
Katie Campbell covers Seattle’s literary scene, including visiting authors on tour, local writers, and maybe even cozy places to read in and around Seattle. Katie is your book club bestie, here to help you build community around reading.
Dyer Oxley covers pop culture and how it intersects with life in the Puget Sound region. We’re a geeky place, and Dyer will dig into the conversations and debates overheard at local comic-cons, movie theaters, and happy hours with your friends

Meet Me Here&nbsp;is your podcast guide to the most exciting arts and culture events in Seattle. In each episode, we&rsquo;re fighting the freeze and meeting you around the region for art shows, concerts, author talks, geeky get-togethers, and more. There&rsquo;s a lot to do in this region, so let&rsquo;s make some plans and go experience it together.
HOSTS
<ul>
<li>Jeannie Yandel covers arts and culture events. Jeannie's goal is to get you out and about in the city's arts and culture scenes, especially stuff that's free or inexpensive or doesn't make your typical critic's list.</li>
<li>Katie Campbell covers Seattle&rsquo;s literary scene, including visiting authors on tour, local writers, and maybe even cozy places to read in and around Seattle. Katie is your book club bestie, here to help you build community around reading.</li>
<li>Dyer Oxley covers pop culture and how it intersects with life in the Puget Sound region. We&rsquo;re a geeky place, and Dyer will dig into the conversations and debates overheard at local comic-cons, movie theaters, and happy hours with your friends</li>
</ul>

Meet Me Here is your podcast guide to the most exciting arts and culture events in Seattle. 

Meet Me Here

Meet the Native Hawaiians in Washington state who are continuing a beloved tradition: creating handmade lei out of everything from flesh flowers to nuts to feathers. 

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