Pale Papahele Tufted Yarn Creations Offer a Soft, Joyful Touch
Textile artist Anale‘a Kahaiali‘i tufts rugs and wall hangings in vibrant hues and designs inspired by Hawaiian and island motifs.
Photos: Courtesy of Pale Papahele
“My personality is a lot, I’m pretty colorful,” says Anale‘a Kahaiali‘i of Pale Papahele. “If someone had to pick a color to represent me, I don’t think they could pick just one.”
That same vibrant energy pours out of the Waiehu textile artist’s tufted rugs and wall hangings depicting traditional kui iki patterns and island elements in a rainbow of exuberant hues. The former mechanic discovered tufting while doomscrolling on TikTok during the pandemic. “At the time, I was already punch needling,” she says. “It’s the same concept, just on steroids and with power tools.”
She bought a tufting gun, enrolled in “YouTube University,” as she calls it, and fell in love with the craft’s endless possibilities. “There are so many cool things to make—pillows, purses, cushions, upholstery,” Kahaiali‘i says. “I even came across someone who made a cat house.”
Photos: Courtesy of Pale Papahele
Along with the quilt motifs inspired by her Hawaiian heritage, she’s also tufted rugs shaped like mu‘umu‘u, cowboy boots and even kole (yellow eye tang fish). Kahaiali‘i releases pieces in small drops, so you’ll want to watch her Instagram, and O‘ahu fans should keep an eye out for her collab collection with Waiāhole Poi Factory, releasing in June.
SEE ALSO: La Tienda’s Kapa Kuiki Throw Pillows Pack a Punch
Brie Thalmann is the home and style editor of HONOLULU Magazine.
