Māla, Atelier & Friends
Māmaki (Pipturus albidus) is a plant found only in Hawaiʻi, cherished for both its cultural significance and its healing properties. Belonging to the nettle family (Urticaceae), māmaki evolved here as a stingless variety—unlike many of its relatives around the world—reflecting the unique ecosystems of the Hawaiian Islands, where no grazing herbivores were present.
For generations, Native Hawaiians have prepared māmaki leaves as a soothing tea and as a traditional medicine. The tea is known for its gentle, cleansing qualities and is often used to restore energy, ease digestion, reduce stress, and support overall wellness. Modern studies suggest that māmaki tea may also be rich in antioxidants, beneficial for cardiovascular health, and supportive of liver function. Beyond its physical benefits, drinking māmaki carries the spiritual practice of nourishment and balance, a reminder of the deep relationship between people and ʻāina.
The plant also offers materials for the arts: its bark can be pounded into fine fibers for making kapa (barkcloth), linking māmaki not only to health but also to the creative and cultural traditions of Hawaiʻi. In this way, māmaki embodies resilience and reciprocity—sustaining the body, strengthening the spirit, and connecting us to ancestral ways of living in harmony with the land.