Hawaii is famous for its beautiful beaches.
A boring lesson on Hawaii can turn into an amusing activity with themed crafts that explore different aspects of the fiftieth state. Including Hawaiian crafts gives children an opportunity for hands-on learning about the island. From its famous beaches to its lei flower necklaces, Hawaiian culture offers many unique inspirations for craft projects.
Beach in a Bottle
The beautiful beaches are a popular attraction for anyone who visits or lives in Hawaii. Help children capture some of the summer fun with a "Beach in a Bottle" craft consisting of a clean plastic bottle, sand, seashells and colored water. Each child fills the plastic bottle half full of water and adds a drop of blue food coloring. After adding some sand and seashells to the bottle, children glue the cap back on the bottle. Other beach decorations in the bottle can include mini plastic fish or boats.
Clay Volcano
Volcanic islands form the state of Hawaii and small lava flows are a part of daily life in many areas. Children can construct their own volcanoes with clay and paint, and they can make them active with baking soda and vinegar. Each child builds a small clay dome with a thin, finger-shaped hole in the top. Decorations for the dried clay volcano can include brown paint for dirt and red paint for lava. Children can add a little vinegar to baking soda in the volcano hole to create an explosion.
Paper Lei Necklace
Lei necklaces are famous Hawaiian decorations consisting of a braided flower loop. Children can create their own leis with green yarn, drinking straws and colorful construction paper. Each child cuts large flower shapes from the paper and cuts the straws into 1-inch lengths. The children string the yarn with alternating paper flowers and straw beads until the decoration is long enough to tie into a necklace.
Paper State Flower
The yellow hibiscus, known as pua ma'o hau hele, is the state flower of Hawaii. The delicate and bright flower is easy for children to create with chenille stems and tissue paper. Each child cuts five large petals shapes from yellow tissue paper. The children loop a yellow chenille stem around the bottom of the petals to tie the flower together.
Pinecone Pineapple
Pineapples are one of the ultimate symbols of Hawaii in terms of common conception. Children can create their own mini pineapples with pinecones, paint and paper while enjoying fresh pineapple snacks. Each child covers the tips of the pinecone with yellow craft paint. The children cut and glue green paper leaves to the pinecone to form the top of the pineapple.
Tags: Each child, baking soda, Beach Bottle, beautiful beaches, child cuts, Children create, Children create their