Kauai's First Lei Hulu Graduation Celebrates Tradition

More than 100 feather leis grace ceremony as six students become teachers

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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In a ceremony at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall, Kumu Hulu Robin Kaheaokalani Goss and Lei Hulu Kauai celebrated the graduation of six haumana, or students, from around the island. The graduates, including Lainy Knauf, Kehau Acob, Katherine Harrison, Naomi Young, and Diane Gonzalez, transitioned from haumana to kumu, or teachers, in the traditional Hawaiian art of lei hulu, or feather lei making.

Why it matters

The graduation ceremony highlights the preservation and passing down of this unique Hawaiian cultural tradition. Lei hulu making has roots dating back to the 1950s and the work of master teachers like Leilani O. Fernandez and Mary Lou Kekuewa. The event demonstrates how this art form continues to be nurtured and shared with new generations on the island of Kauai.

The details

The ceremony featured over 100 lei hulu, with each graduate receiving special oli (chants) and blessings. One graduate, Diane Gonzalez, completed her 'uniki or advanced training process under Goss after first starting as a haumana under Kumu Hulu Lookelani Reichert with Lei Hulu of California. Reichert, to whom the graduation was dedicated, passed away in 2019, leaving the completion of the 'uniki process to Goss.

  • The graduation ceremony took place on February 15, 2026.
  • Gonzalez started as a haumana in 2007 under Kumu Hulu Lookelani Reichert.

The players

Robin Kaheaokalani Goss

Kumu Hulu and founder of Lei Hulu Kauai, who guided the graduates through their training and led the ceremony.

Lainy Knauf, Kehau Acob, Katherine Harrison, Naomi Young, Diane Gonzalez

The six haumana who transitioned to become kumu, or teachers, in the art of lei hulu.

Lookelani Reichert

Kumu Hulu who founded Lei Hulu of California and was the original teacher for graduate Diane Gonzalez, before passing away in 2019.

Leilani O. Fernandez

Master teacher who first taught the art of feather work to Mary Lou Kekuewa in the 1950s, establishing the lineage that led to the founding of Lei Hulu Kauai.

Mary Lou Kekuewa

Recognized as the matriarch of the feather arts, she learned from Leilani O. Fernandez and went on to teach others, including Mary Kovich who founded Lei Hulu of California.

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What they’re saying

“Just as you taught us to tie each feather with intention and care, planting the seeds of knowledge and nurturing our love for lei hulu, we are the living lei of your legacy, forever connected by the beauty and strength you shared.”

— Graduating Class

“This event was a blessing, the displays were amazing, and demonstrated the hard work and beauty of this uniquely Hawaiian art.”

— Bernard Carvalho Jr., Kauai County Councilmember

What’s next

Kumu Hulu Robin Kaheaokalani Goss plans to continue teaching and passing down the traditions of lei hulu making to new generations of students on Kauai.

The takeaway

The Lei Hulu Kauai graduation ceremony showcases how this traditional Hawaiian art form is being preserved and carried forward, with a strong lineage of master teachers nurturing new generations of practitioners to ensure these cultural practices endure.