Let’s bring the spirit of Hawaii right into your living room with these 25 delightful crafts for kids! From vibrant flowers to erupting volcanoes, these activities are perfect for a rainy day, a summer luau party, or just learning about the beautiful Hawaiian culture.
Most of these crafts require minimal supplies and are suitable for a variety of age groups.
So, grab some construction paper, paints, and a sprinkle of creativity – we’re getting crafty!
Flower Power:
Hibiscus Headbands:
Hibiscus flowers are the unofficial symbol of Hawaii. Cut out large hibiscus shapes from red, pink, or yellow construction paper and glue them onto headbands made from felt or yarn. Decorate with glitter or sequins for extra flair.
Plumeria Crowns:
These fragrant flowers are another Hawaiian staple. Use white cupcake liners or construction paper to create simple plumeria shapes. String them together on yarn or pipe cleaners to form beautiful crowns.
Tissue Paper Lei Making:
Leis are a traditional Hawaiian way of showing love and friendship. Cut colorful tissue paper into strips. Tape one end to a straw and start rolling! Kids can alternate colors and add construction paper leaves for a festive touch.
Footprint Plumeria:
This adorable craft is perfect for younger children. Dip a little foot in paint and make a flower shape on paper. Add a green pipe cleaner stem and decorate with fingerprints for leaves.
Under the Sea:
Paper Plate Fish:
This classic craft gets a Hawaiian twist! Paint paper plates in bright colors and add googly eyes and a fin cut from construction paper. Decorate with glitter or markers to create different types of fish.
Seashell Mobiles:
Collect some seashells (real or craft store finds) and tie them with colorful yarn to a wooden dowel or hanger. Hang it up for a touch of the ocean breeze.
Salt Dough Seahorses:
Mix flour, salt, and water to create a playdough-like consistency. Shape into seahorses and bake on low heat until hardened. These can be painted and decorated once cool.
Paper Bag Pufferfish:
Decorate a brown paper lunch bag with stripes or spots. Stuff the bag with newspaper or tissue paper to create a plump body. Glue on googly eyes, a mouth cut from construction paper, and a straw or pipe cleaner fin for a playful pufferfish.
Island Vibes:
Volcano Eruption:
For a more science-oriented craft, create a volcano model. Build a mountain shape from cardboard or paper mache. Cut out an opening on the side and line it with foil. Pour baking soda inside the volcano and carefully add vinegar for a fizzy eruption!
Shaving Cream Rainbow:
This sensory activity doubles as a beautiful decoration. Cover a baking sheet with shaving cream and let your child drip drops of food coloring to create a vibrant rainbow.
Ukulele Painting:
Cut out a simple ukulele shape from cardboard. Let your child paint it with bright colors or traditional Hawaiian patterns. Decorate with buttons or glitter for extra sparkle.
Coconut Cups:
Transform empty plastic cups into adorable coconuts. Paint them brown and glue on black circles for eyes and a small mouth. Top with green yarn or construction paper leaves for a tropical touch.
Luau Fun:
Grass Skirt Craft:
Cut long strips from green construction paper or fabric. Attach them to a piece of yarn or elastic to create a mini grass skirt. Pair it with a floral shirt or lei for a complete luau look.
Paper Bag Drums:
Decorate brown paper lunch bags with colorful markers or paint. Cut out circles from construction paper and tape them to the open ends of the bags as drumheads. Kids can use spoons or sticks to create their own luau music.
Shaker Hulas:
Fill small plastic bottles with rice or beans. Decorate the outside with paint, markers, or fabric scraps. These shakers make the perfect accompaniment to any luau song!
Learning Through Play:
Hawaiian Alphabet:
Decorate construction paper letters with traditional Hawaiian symbols like plumeria flowers, palm trees, and surfboards. This is a fun way to learn the alphabet and Hawaiian culture.
Hawaiian Flag Craft:
Cut out three red, white, and blue stripes from construction paper. Glue them together to create a miniature Hawaiian flag. Discuss the meaning behind the colors with your child.
Hula Hand Puppets:
Make simple hand puppets by drawing or gluing hula dancers on paper bags or popsicle sticks. Decorate with colorful clothes and lei. Use them to tell
Animal Encounters:
Sea Turtle Shell Painting:
Paint a large oval on cardboard or paper plate to represent a sea turtle shell. Decorate with geometric patterns or stencils inspired by real sea turtles. Add a green pipe cleaner head and flippers for a complete turtle.
Paper Plate Honu (Sea Turtle):
This craft is a simpler version for younger kids. Cut out a circle from a green paper plate. Add a smaller circle for the head and googly eyes. Glue on construction paper flippers and decorate the shell with paint or markers.
Dole Pineapple Craft:
Cut out a yellow pineapple shape from construction paper. Glue on green construction paper leaves at the top. Decorate with paint, markers, or even real dried pineapple slices!
Paper Bag Pufferfish (Variation):
This variation creates a more realistic pufferfish. Paint a brown paper lunch bag yellow and add black spots. Glue on googly eyes and a small mouth cut from construction paper. Pinch the bottom of the bag to create a rounder body shape.
Take it Home:
Seashell Picture Frames:
Decorate plain picture frames with collected seashells. Use a hot glue gun (with adult supervision) to attach the shells for a unique and beachy keepsake.
Aloha Sign:
Cut out the letters “A,” “L,” “O,” “H,” and “A” from construction paper. Decorate them with flowers, pineapples, or other Hawaiian motifs. Glue them together on a piece of cardboard to create a colorful “Aloha” sign.
Paper Plate Ukulele:
This is a simpler version of the cardboard ukulele. Paint a paper plate and glue on a popsicle stick for the neck. Decorate with markers or stickers for a fun and musical craft.
Bonus Tip: Turn these crafts into a learning opportunity! Talk to your child about Hawaiian culture, geography, and animals while creating these crafts. You can even play Hawaiian music or read stories about Hawaii to enhance the experience.
With a little creativity and these fun ideas, you can bring the magic of Hawaii right into your home! Don’t forget to take pictures of your child’s creations and share them with friends and family. Mahalo (thank you) for crafting with us!
