Hawaiian Lauhala Baskets Make Popular Gift Baskets

Many people who want a Hawaiian gift basket, want the Hawaiian gifts to be in a handwoven lauhala basket. A lauhala basket has come to symbolize Hawaii because of the ancient native Hawaiian tradition of weaving (the correct word is actually plaiting but most people say weaving) lauhala into numerous useful items. The Hawaiian people wove lauhala into canoe sails, wall thatchings, window shutters, roof linings, mats, and even clothing! Today most contemporary weavers make lauahala purses, placemats, napkin holders, and of course baskets.

What is lauhala and where does it come from? Before I tell you the correct answer, I was dismayed to see several online Hawaiian gift retailers mistakenly referring to lauhala as a lauhala grass, with their description of "lauhala grass basket". Lauhala does not come from a grass, it comes from the Hawaiian Hala tree. The Hawaiian word lau simply means leaf, so lauhala translates to the leaf from the Hala tree.

The Hawaiian Hala tree is a species of Pandanus, or screwpine, because the leaves grow in a screw pattern up the trunk of the tree. It is a wide spread native tree found growing on beaches as well as the mountains through out the Hawaiian Islands. The Hala tree has numerous long aerial prop roots, and long sturdy but flexible leaves with sharp razor like teeth or thorns on the edge of the leaves. It also has fruit that resemble a pineapple--creating a visual joke that locals have been playing on tourists since probably the start of tourism. Has anyone heard of pineapples coming from the "pineapple tree"?

Weaving a lauhala basket is a labor intensive process as the hala leaves need to be prepared and cleaned properly, then stripped into uniform strips before you can even begin to make the basket. View illustrated instructions on how to weave a lauhala basket.

If you don't want to make your own lauhala gift basket, please visit us if you are ever in the need for some great Hawaiian gifts packaged in lauhala gift baskets. We also do custom lauhala gift baskets where you can choose from any of our Hawaiian gifts to create a unique gift basket.

Comments

[Anele]

I have 5 lauhala baskets and a lauhala hat in the house. I LOVE the look of them! I'd love to learn how to weave them, it seems like it would be a good stress reliever!

[skeet]

I have several beautiful lauhala baskets that were given to me as gifts. I'm familiar with the Hala tree, but have never thought about the preparation that is needed to plait the leaves, so mahalo for the lesson. Pineapple trees, hmmmm? I'll have to remember that one the next time I have guest from away, lol!

Visiting for the Carnival of Aloha!

[Evelyn]

Trust me, the next time I see someone giving a demonstration on making the baskets I will pay closer attention. Thank you for the great information, my friend!

I must confess, I never put two and two together -- I see those trees all the time but never pay attention to what purpose they might serve. You see how much we take for granted?!?

Those trees now have my full respect! I do love those baskets and they do make the best "wrapping paper!" :)

[HawaiiVacationGifts]

Anele, Skeet, and Evelyn,
Thanks for sharing your lauhala stories! Lauhala baskets are fairly inexpensive but have you seen those finely woven lauhala handbags? Those cost big bucks! The lauhala wallets or coin purses are more affordable though.