How to Make a Hawaiian Kahili

Kahili are the symbol of royalty, with swaying feathers indicating high stature in the Hawaiian culture. Carried by the mo'i wahine, or queen, and the mo'i, or king, the traditional symbols of the upper class are made from feathers grouped together to look like flowers and then tied to create a large standard. These beautiful symbols of the history and traditions of Hawaii can be created at home with time, effort and a few tools.

Sand the ends of the dowel to make them rounded and give them a finished look. Stain the dowel and allow it to dry according to the manufacturer's directions if you desire a different color of wood.

Tape the bottom of six feathers together to form a half fan. Repeat this with as many feathers as you desire to cover the dowel.

Attach the half fanned feathers to the top of the dowel using the floral tape. Bend them and prop them with pieces of the tape so they point out perpendicular to the dowel.

Use several fans side by side to cover the entire circumference of the dowel. Work your way around and down the wood to cover three quarters of the dowel.

Insert any more half-moon groups of feathers in to the covered dowel in any areas that are not fully covered by feathers.

Fluff up the feathers using your hands. Attach more feathers if need be using the tape.