Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristina Alvarez of Ha’awi Aloha.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Cristina Alvarez, and I am the proud owner of Ha’awi Aloha, located in San Diego, California. Established in 2023, Ha’awi Aloha has been my way to showcase my love for lei making and creating art with the natural plants of the earth. My love for lei-making began 12 years ago when I explored the world of Polynesian dancing under the direction of Aunty Kathy Gore-Stanley from Heali’i’s Polynesian Revue, which I still call home to this day.
While learning the ways of Polynesian dancing, I also became more embalmed into the cultural practices and works of art; lei making. I had the honor of taking part in multiple performances that required the dancers to create their own fresh adornments—thus sending me down a creative journey of my own. Through my 12+ years of dancing, I learned the different styles of lei-making. I learned how much strength the flowers and plants of the earth can hold and how much love can be shared with a simple lei.
As I have grown to admire the Hawaiian culture, one thing I have noticed to ring true is the love and acceptance that is shared among the people. As I was able to find my home in the Polynesian community, I wanted to show that aloha can be shared among all backgrounds and origins and that there are no boundaries when it comes to Ha’awi Aloha (Giving Love). Thus, the birth of our story. The beautiful wāhine (woman) of Ha’awi Aloha represents the natural beauty and grace that is accentuated when adorned by a Ha’awi Aloha creation. Her gray tone is reminiscent of Polynesia in that it stands for the many islands and not just one. She is a representation of the multitude of cultures that Ha’awi Aloha hopes to make an impact on through the art of lei-making.
My hope is to spread love and happiness through my lei creations as long as my hands and mind are capable of creating.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
If the road were smooth, then I would not have ventured outside my comfort zone to create Ha’awi Aloha. Creating my brand was not easy, as I do not come from Polynesian decent myself. I am not Polynesian, but as I have grown into this community, it has become who I am.
In creating Ha’awi Aloha, I wanted to be sure I was staying true to the Hawaiian culture of lei making and respecting their art. In doing so, I am constantly learning about the culture to ensure I am using the right techniques and not endangering plants in the process. I educate myself on an art I was not born into because, as I have learned: by closely following the correct protocols for lei making, I can show my respect, appreciation, and admiration towards the Hawaiian culture and ensure I am keeping lei making traditions alive.
I continue to venture on this path of learning, but through it all, I want nothing more than to exemplify the beauty of lei-making and the history behind it. The art of lei making is more than just the pretty flowers that is adorned on an individual; but instead about honoring those we love, respect, and hold in high regard.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
At Ha’awi Aloha, we create to bring smiles on people’s faces, we aim to give aloha, and we hope to inspire others on their own creative journey. We specialize in fresh flower, handmade leis to be worn around the neck or head. Ha’awi Aloha creations can be worn for any occasion: weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, celebration of life, or any other occasion that calls for the gift of love.
We hold honor in our unique handmade creations. All leis are custom-made to order, and not all lei are made the same. Each lei is thoughtfully created with love and appreciation for the art. I am proud of how much Ha’awi Aloha has been a part of momentous occasions and will continue to spread light to those adorned.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Connect with Ha’awi Aloha on Instagram @Haawi_AlohaSD or email us at Haawi.AlohaSD@gmail.com so we can start creating with you.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @haawi_alohasd
