Can you pronounce ‘Kal’ia’iou’amaa’aaa’eiou’? How about ‘humuhumunukunukuapua’a’?
Not easy, is it? Ironically, these tongue-twisters come from a place famous for having some of the most easy-going, relaxed people in the world—Hawaii!
For the curious, the first word is a street name, while the second is the reef triggerfish, Hawaii’s official state fish. But Hawaii is about much more than difficult names. As soon as we hear “Hawaii,” our minds drift to bright colors, fragrant flowers, warm sunshine, and pure happiness.
With National Hawaii Day approaching on July 5th, there is no better time to bring a slice of the islands into your home or classroom. Whether you are a teacher planning a geography unit or a parent looking for summer fun, these Hawaii crafts for kids are the perfect way to learn about the 50th state.
Below, we dive into fun facts about the islands and explore 20 creative craft ideas ranging from traditional cultural symbols to fun tropical nature projects.
Fun Facts About Hawaii to Teach Your Kids
Before breaking out the glue and scissors, set the scene with some geography and history. Context makes crafting much more educational!
- Isolation Station: Hawaii is the most isolated island chain on Earth. It is located roughly 2,390 miles from California and 3,850 miles from Japan. Being there truly means you are away from it all!
- The Great Eight: While there are many small islets, Hawaii consists mainly of eight islands: Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, Kahoʻolawe, and the Big Island of Hawai‘i.
- The Royal Motto: Hawaii’s official state motto is ‘Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono’, which translates to “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.” It reflects the deep respect native Hawaiians have for nature.
- History Lesson: Famous explorer Captain James Cook is believed to have been killed in Kealakekua Bay in Hawaii.
- Presidential Birthplace: Hawaii is the birthplace of former U.S. President Barack Obama, as well as stars like Bruno Mars and Jason Momoa.
Now that we know a bit about the islands, let’s get crafting!
Part 1: Iconic Cultural Symbols
These crafts focus on the traditions and history of the Hawaiian people.
1. Traditional Flower Leis
You cannot have a list of Hawaii crafts without the Lei. In Hawaiian culture, a lei is a symbol of affection, honor, and friendship. While real ones are made of fresh flowers, nuts, and feathers, kids can make durable versions using tissue paper or silk flowers.
- How to do it: Cut tissue paper into flower shapes. Punch a hole in the center and thread them onto yarn, separating each “flower” with a cut piece of drinking straw to act as a spacer. This mimics the fluffy look of a real carnation or plumeria lei.
2. Toilet Paper Roll Tiki Masks
Tikis represent Polynesian deities and often feature large eyes and expressive mouths. They are a significant part of mythology in the Pacific.
- The Craft: Save your cardboard tubes! Have kids paint them brown to look like wood. Then, using construction paper, add exaggerated features—angry eyebrows, big teeth, and colorful headdresses. This is a great lesson in symmetry and expression.
3. Grass Hula Skirts
The Hula is a complex art form used to preserve history and legends.
- The Craft: Create a mini (or child-sized) grass skirt using green crepe paper streamers or even a brown paper grocery bag cut into strips. Attach the strips to a ribbon waistband. It’s a fantastic way to encourage movement and dance after the crafting is done.
4. Cardboard Ukuleles
The ukulele was introduced to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants but became synonymous with Hawaiian music.
- The Craft: Cut a ukulele shape out of a cereal box. Use a paper towel roll for the neck and rubber bands for the strings. While it won’t play real notes, it’s a perfect prop for a pretend Luau.
5. Tapa Cloth Designs
Tapa is a bark cloth made in the islands of the Pacific, often decorated with geometric patterns.
- The Craft: Crumple up a brown paper bag to soften it and give it a fabric texture. Flatten it out and have kids draw geometric patterns using black and brown markers to mimic traditional Tapa art.
Part 2: Tropical Flora & Fauna
Hawaii’s unique climate allows for some of the most beautiful plants and animals in the world.
6. Bubble Wrap Pineapples
If one fruit represents Hawaii, it is the pineapple. Introduced in the 18th century, it thrived in the tropical climate.
- The Craft: Cut a pineapple oval shape from yellow paper. Paint a piece of bubble wrap yellow and stamp it onto the paper to create the prickly texture of the fruit’s skin. Add a green handprint at the top for the crown!
7. Paper Plate Sea Turtles (Honu)
The Green Sea Turtle, or Honu, is a symbol of good luck and longevity.
- The Craft: Flip a paper plate upside down to be the shell. Paint it green and add hexagonal patterns. Cut out flippers and a head from green cardstock and staple them to the rim.
8. Tissue Paper Hibiscus
The Yellow Hibiscus is the state flower of Hawaii.
- The Craft: Use bright yellow and red tissue paper. Pinch the center and twist to create a blooming effect. Add a yellow pipe cleaner in the center for the stamen. These make beautiful decorations for a classroom bulletin board.
9. Fingerprint Coconut Palm Trees
Nothing says “island vibes” like a swaying palm tree.
- The Craft: Draw a brown trunk on paper. Let kids dip their fingers in green paint to create the palm fronds. It’s a messy, sensory-friendly activity perfect for toddlers.
10. Reef Triggerfish Collage
Remember that long name—humuhumunukunukuapua’a? Let’s make one!
- The Craft: Print an outline of a triggerfish. Have kids tear up small pieces of yellow, black, and white paper (mosaic style) to fill in the fish’s distinct angular patterns.
Part 3: Landscapes and Ocean Life
Hawaii’s geography is explosive—literally!
11. Erupting Paper Mache Volcanoes
The Hawaiian islands were formed by volcanic activity. The Big Island is still growing today thanks to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
- The Craft: Build a small volcano around a plastic bottle using clay or paper mache. Paint it black and red. For the grand finale, use the classic baking soda and vinegar reaction to simulate an eruption.
12. Surfboard Bookmarks
Surfing was the sport of Hawaiian kings long before it went global.
- The Craft: Cut long oval shapes from sturdy cardstock. Let kids decorate their “boards” with racing stripes, flowers, or shark bite designs. Punch a hole at the top and add a tassel.
13. Ocean Slime
The Pacific Ocean surrounds the islands with stunning shades of blue.
- The Craft: Create a batch of clear slime and add blue glitter and small plastic fish or shell charms. This sensory play mimics the clear blue waters of the Hawaiian coast.
14. Seashell Necklaces
- The Craft: If you have access to shells (or pasta shells), paint them and string them onto a cord. It’s a simple jewelry craft that improves fine motor skills such as threading.
15. The “Nene” Goose
The Nene is the state bird of Hawaii and is distinct because it has evolved to walk more on lava rock than swim.
- The Craft: Create a Nene using gray and black felt or construction paper. Focus on its unique neck stripes.
Part 4: Fun & Movies
Hawaii is a popular filming location for massive blockbusters like Jurassic Park and Avatar.
16. Hula Minions
Kids love Minions. Why not give them an island twist?
- The Craft: Use yellow construction paper to make the body. Add the signature goggles. Then, dress the character in a grass skirt and a coconut bra made of paper. It blends pop culture with island themes.
17. Jurassic Dinosaur Terrariums
Since Jurassic Park was filmed on Kauai, dinosaurs are technically a Hawaii theme!
- The Craft: Use a mason jar to create a mini-jungle. Put moss and rocks inside, and place a small plastic dinosaur toy in the center.
18. Lilo & Stitch Ohana Sign
“Ohana means family.”
- The Craft: Have kids paint a wooden sign or a piece of cardboard with the word “OHANA.” Decorate it with painted tropical leaves. This is a great keepsake for the home.
19. Paper Fan Sunsets
Hawaiian sunsets are legendary.
- The Craft: Take a white paper plate and paint it in gradients of yellow, orange, and red. Cut a silhouette of a palm tree from black paper and glue it to the foreground.
20. Origami Boats
To celebrate the voyaging history of the Polynesians who discovered Hawaii using the stars.
- The Craft: Fold simple paper boats and test them in a tub of water. Discuss how difficult it must have been to travel thousands of miles across the ocean in a canoe.
Conclusion: Bringing the Aloha Spirit Home
Celebrating National Hawaii Day is about more than just wearing a floral shirt. It is an opportunity to explore a unique culture that values nature, family, and history.
These 20 Hawaii crafts for kids offer a tactile way to learn. Whether you are building a volcano to understand geology, stringing a lei to learn about kindness, or painting a pineapple just for fun, you are engaging in the “Aloha Spirit.”