Name: Uilo: Braiding Identity and Meaning Through Poetry and Art
Start: 2026-11-14T10:00:00-1000
End: 2026-11-14T12:00:00-1000

Uilo: Braiding Identity and Meaning Through Poetry and Art

Saturday November 14, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm HST

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo

Uilo describes the eight strand braid used for the lei niho palaoa, the lei worn by aliʻi consisting of braided human hair and a curved sperm whale tooth pendant showing their high rank lineage. As with much of Hawaiian culture, we have had to adapt and change the way we practice since contact. In this keynote, the uilo will be used as both metaphor and practice of how we can weave our experiences to connect and build intentional community. It ultimately shows why we should continue to hold humanity at the center of everything we do.

In the workshop to follow, participants have the opportunity to learn the practice of haku kaula, or making rope, as a way to process and learn patience, perseverance, and even a kind of meditation. They will be able to make their own bracelet, anklet, or necklace with nylon cord and learn the 4, 6, and/or 8 strand braid. This practice acts as functional, aesthetic, and spiritual by allowing participants to learn a tactile, possibly new, skill, its connection to Hawaiian culture, and a beautiful piece they can wear or gift to someone they love.

Speakers

Leilani Portillo

Poet & Educator

leilani portillo (they/ʻo ia) is a Kanaka ʻŌiwi artist-educator and graduate student in English at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. They teach HS English on Hawaiʻi island hoping to inspire the next generation of Kānaka to see the world differently, become more empathetic... Read More →

Saturday November 14, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm HST
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo 93 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI 96720

Keynote

2026 HLA Conference

Leilani Portillo

Attendees (2)

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2026 HLA Conference

Leilani Portillo

Attendees (2)

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