The Hawaiian islands were named by Hawaii Loa, and King Kamehameha was the first king of Hawaii. On August 21, 1959, Hawaii became part of the United States with Honolulu as its capital. Some of Hawaii's products are pineapple, sugarcane, macadamia nuts, coffee and sandalwood. The islands are also kid friendly. By visiting attractions such as North Hilo's Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park, as well as whale watching, kids and their family can enjoy a memorable trip. Making Hawaiian kids crafts can be a great way to learn about the Hawaiian islands and its rich history.
Hawaiian Flower Leis
The Hawaiian symbol for welcoming visitors to the island is the flower lei. These decorative necklaces are placed on each visitor upon arrival. Each flower and color represents an island, such as yellow for Oahu and pink for Maui. Make templates of different flower shapes with a circle at center. Copy each template on color card stock and cut out the flowers and center. Cut elastic cord 32 inches in length. Slide three to four colorful plastic beads onto the elastic cord, followed by a paper flower. Repeat by adding beads and flowers until the lei is complete.
Appropriate for ages 8 and up.
Paper Coconut Tree and Pineapple
Make colorful coconut trees with green and brown construction paper. Draw a template of the tree, palm leaves and coconuts separately. Cut your parts out. Use a glue stick to attach the palm leaves and coconuts. Insert a few coconuts under the leaves.
Make a template for a pineapple. Draw individual scalloped sections within a pineapple shape using a brown marker for the scallops and yellow construction paper for the pineapple. Use green paper for the leaves. Cut out your parts. Use a glue stick to attach each scallop by layering each piece onto each other. Finish the pineapple with the leaf topper.
Use glitter glue or decorative glitter pens to highlight the coconut tree and pineapple.
Appropriate for ages 5 and up.
Hawaiian Grass Skirts
Recycle your gift wrapping paper or crafting paper to make Hawaiian grass skirts and learn the hula. Measure your child's waist and add 5 to 6 inches. Measure the length from your child's waist to your skirt's desired length. Cut two bands 3 to 4 inches wide for the waist. Take two to three sheets of your gift wrapping paper or crafting paper and place on top of each other. Cut your fringe from the bottom to top. Stop two inches from the edge. Staple or glue the two waistbands across the top and sides, leaving the bottom open. Insert the fringe skirt in between the two layers and glue or staple. Add Velcro tabs at each waistband tip to attach the skirt.
Appropriate for ages 12 and up.
Tags: Appropriate ages, child waist, construction paper, crafting paper, each other, elastic cord, gift wrapping