Basket

A small, square ʻeke lauhala (pandanus leaf basket) made of woven palm leaves.

Basket-making in Hawaiʻi was closely connected to mat-weaving, with baskets often conceptualized as folded mats and mats as opened baskets. Loulou palm (Pritchardia martii) and pandanus (hāla) leaves were often utilized to create baskets, producing circular and rectangular forms through mat-like plaiting techniques. Circular baskets were especially valued for their lightness and durability, varying in size and handle construction according to function, while smaller covered baskets (hīnaʻi lauhala) served personal storage needs.