Randy Spicocchi
Akalei DesignsRandy Spicocchi is a Maui-based Kumihimo artist whose work is deeply influenced by Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty, cultural traditions, and lei-making practices. His artistic roots began in Northern New Mexico, inspired by Native American weaving and pottery traditions, but it was his move to Maui in 2020 that transformed his creative direction. After taking a Lei Poʻo class at Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center, Randy immersed himself in embellished beaded Kumihimo, blending traditional braiding with contemporary glass and lampwork beads. He founded Akalei Designs—akalei meaning “bead reflections”—to create innovative Forever Beaded Lei that honor the spirit of lei as symbols of connection, celebration, and aloha. Randy’s work has been featured by the Hawaiian Council through their Pop-Up Mākeke on Oʻahu and online. In 2023, he exhibited lampwork “Sea Life” Kumihimo pieces in the juried exhibition Surrounded by Water with the Hawaiʻi Handweavers’ Hui, and his beaded design received the Best Beaded Lanyard award from the American Kumihimo Society. Randy has taught Kumihimo in Maui and Honolulu since 2023, offering patterns and classes for confident beginners through advanced students. He will premiere eleven Hawaiian Beaded Forever Lei designs at the 2026 Glass & Bead Expo in Las Vegas Selected Exhibitions & Awards • Hui No’eau Annual Visual Arts Juried Exhibition – Maui (2026). “Two Paths, One Line” blended beaded kumihimo necklace (CBB and kaku yatsu) • Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center – Oahu (2022). Juried exhibition “Surrounded by Water” with three kumihimo beaded selections showcased (Continuous Beaded Sea Life Designs) • American Kumihimo Society (2023). “Best Beaded Lanyard” during the Annual Kumihimo Gathering (San Francisco, CA.) • “HI NOW - Live Television Segment” (Dec 14, 2023). Television Interview and Presentation on Akalei Designs and “Art of Kumihimo.”
2026 GCBE Classes by Randy Spicocchi
- WE-65 | Bracelet - Forbidden Island Inspired
- WE-66 | "Loose Strands" Hawaiian Island Style Kumihimo Necklace
- WE-E-94 | Long-Drops Beaded Kumihimo Necklace
- TH-56 | Necklace “Forbidden Island” Inspired
- TH-57 | Tiered Necklace - Forbidden Island Inspired
- TH-E-88 | Hoop Earrings - Forbidden Island Inspired
- FR-29 | Ninth Island Floral Necklace -Hawaiian Inspired
- FR-E-86 | Pear Drop Beaded Kumihimo Necklace
- SA-41 | Rose Petal & Lamp Work Focal – Hawaiian Style Lei
- SU-08 | Coconut Palm (Dragon Scale) Glass Beaded Hawaiian Lei
- SU-09 | Lentil Focal Bead - Dragon Scale Style Necklace