How to care for your tools…

Since they are made here on Hawai’i of local native hardwoods ( Ohia in most cases ), these tools are of this place. The humidity, temperature and overall environment of your location is likely to be different from the one here in Honaunau.  As they are not sealed up with a chemical finish, they will respond to changes in the temperature and humidity, usually by cracking. We try to reduce this by slowly letting  the wood dry here.  We also put a very light coating of beeswax on the wood to protect it after carving.  You should renew this occasionally, especially on the ends of the I‘e kuku and the kua.

But, unless  you live in a museum with carefully controlled humidity and temperature and very slowly allow the tools to acclimate to your environment, cracks are going to happen..  You can reduce this by keeping your  tools  in a cool, dark place when you are not using them. If you live where the humidity gets very low ( like Arizona or Seattle ) ,  especially in the winter, you should consider keeping them in a humidified room  or near a source of water such as a damp cloth.  No leaving them in hot ( or cold ) cars,  or any place that you wouldn’t leave your children.   But  when it does happen, don’t stress. Most cracks are easily fixed with a small amount of glue and a little sanding.. But wait a little first. As  the humidity and temperature changes,  they often close back up.  This will likely stop as the tools adjust to your climate.

 Resanding the tools, particularly the kua la’au, is also part of the care.. As you  use them, the tools will wear and will require resurfacing.  Most of the Kapa artists that we work with have small hand sanders as part of their tool set.   They’re inexpensive and make fast work of a dull job.

Do not soak your Kapala… They are not dishwasher safe and can not be left overnight in water. The best way to clean them is:  Immediately after printing ( the ink or paint is still wet ), lightly scrub them with a toothbrush under running water to get them clean.  When you‘re done, let them dry.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.. Also check our website regularly… We are always adding new tools and patterns.

A hui hou,

 Greg and Kauhane

  Ka Ulu Hawaii

  P.O. Box 882

  Captain Cook, HI 96704