As a teenage I spent many hours on the beach and surfing on the Big Island. Naturally, I started collecting shells, and soon became somewhat obsessed with them and began collecting different specimens to learn about. A family friend, who was also a marine biologist, took notice to my new interest and gave me my first Hawaiian Seashell books, and some rare specimens that I treasure to this day. We went on boat trips along the coast to secret coves and caves and would look for special shells.
I was fortunate to also know a Hawaiian Cultural Practitioner who taught me how to twist rafia into rope cord. I worked at mastering this skill, and began weaving hau into rope cord and wove in shells. I would make necklaces for friends, and occasionally sell some necklaces along Ali'i Drive in Kona, or at a beach to tourists.
At this same time, I started to explore photography and took my first black & white photography class. I was hooked, and was soon taking roll after roll of film.
In 2001, I moved to Santa Cruz and continued to make and sell shell jewelry. I also worked at the UCSC darkroom as well as Bay Photo, and became quite involved with taking, developing, and printing photographs. I was soon selling cards made from my photographs and my shell creations, and I needed a name for my little art business....and Pualilia Creations was born.

Pualilia means "Lily Flower", is my middle name, and was given to me by the same man that taught me how to weave:)

Today, I live a mellow, peaceful life in Waimea on the Big Island. And, I have a new passion, being a mama! Pualilia Creations allows me to be both creative and stay at home and raise my daughter. I enjoy working with many different materials and I make jewelry, mobiles, mosaics, sand & shell art signs, wristlets, and much more. I also love to capture nature through a different light, or shadow, in a photograph.
Thank you for visiting. Aloha~