Keoni's original design honors Hawaiian ancestral spirit guides, or ʻaumākua. The triangle symbolizes the shark (mano), protector in the water; the feathers symbolize the owl (pueo), guardian on land. The wavy lines represent the ocean’s powerful life force. Keoni's design also includes the signature band he carves into the headdresses of his tikis.
Part of Keoni's 2011 Makau Pendant Collection, the hook is a symbol of fortitude -- it means you can provide for yourself and others.
Posted by Steve Nichols from San Francisco, CA on 15th Dec 2016
I had been looking for a gold Makau pendant for quite some time. While I came across several, they all looked mass produced, not feeling "special" in any way. That is until I discovered Keoni's work. The minute I came across the site, I knew my search was over.
I quickly realized this isn't simply a piece of jewelry, but rather a complete experience. I'm truly thankful for the time Keoni spent on the phone explaining the meaning behind the Makau and what it meant to him both personally and spiritually. Heather was also amazing, walking me through the entire process, discussing options, and even helping me with chain options.
As people, they are truly as beautiful as the art itself.
They have created a customer for life. To anyone contemplating purchasing a piece of Keoni's work, I can't recommend it highly enough. You absolutely will not be disappointed.
Posted by Ben Gillikin on 26th Mar 2014
As I now live on the North Shore, I'm very familiar with Keoni's work and have owned one of his silver hook pendants for several years. I've never really been into gold jewelry for myself, but when I saw the gold hook pendant, I had to have it. It became a "late" retirement gift to me!! It's a beautiful and very well made art object which I wear with pride. Thank you Keoni!
Posted by Pam & Charlie Lootens from Lutz, FL on 21st Oct 2013
We just returned from a vacation to Kauai. While researching things to see in Kauai I saw Keoni's work advertised on a shopping website. I had purchased a gold hook pendant in 2000 while on a trip to Ohau and decided to contact Keoni when we got to Kauai as I was interested in his hook pieces. We called Keoni and he and Heather responded immediately. They are both very nice and agreed to meet us while we were in Hanalei one day. After looking at several of his beautiful pieces we were drawn to the gold tattoo makau and purchased it. Keoni explained the meaning behind it and shared other stories of his Hawaiian heritage which he has a deep respect for. We appreciated both of them being so welcoming and allowing us to take pictures with them. Hopefully we will meet again someday as we are a member of his team! We would highly recommend purchasing a piece of Keoni's artwork, you won't regret it!
Posted by Guy Shampaine on 17th Oct 2013
I had purchased a silver tattoo hook from Keoni several years ago. On our most recent return visit to his display in Hanalei Farmer's Market I spied the gold version. I never considered a gold piece of neck jewelry before. I tried it on and instantly was taken with the hook. As it turned out it was sold and the only one at the time. I extended my stay a week just to purchase it. It is my favorite piece of jewelry with real significance and special feel to it. Keoni is a real artist not just a craftsman.
Posted by Charles and Inger Eisenhour on 9th Jun 2013
We were surprised to find the amazing fish hooks and their creator while on holiday in Hanalei in the Farmers Market. After the stories of Hawaiian lore woven by Keoni and Heather, we couldn't resist buying one for our daughter. If you have the means, you should follow suit. Amazing!
Posted by Rebecca Durrett on 22nd Jun 2012
I purchased this for my husband for an anniversary gift. Hearing Keoni and Heather describe the symbolism of the piece reminded me so much of my husband I knew he had to have it. He wears it every day. Keoni's work will always have special meaning to us.
Posted by Steve, Fallbrook CA on 11th Feb 2012
We've been to kauai many times and went recently to celebrate my retirement and met Keoni and saw his amazing work. the Hawaiian Tattoo Makau in 18k gold was the perfect reminder of 42 years of service as a veterinarian. I wear it with pride.
Posted by David & Kelley from Chicago on 13th Dec 2011
we met Keoni & Heather in Evanston, IL when Keoni was visiting and was asked to carve a tiki out of a very old tree cut down due to a lightning storm. We ran into them at the Hanalei weekly farmers market while on vacation and were entranced by Keoni's awesome jewelry. We immediately bought the Hawaiian Tattoo Makau in 18k gold and a mother of pearl 6 barb fish hook that Keoni had recently carved. It has a very masculine energy to it that I really dig and very rarely do I buy jewelry for myself but I found this piece absolutely irresistible. My wife & I share the use of the gold Hawaiian Tattoo Makau.
Keoni also carved a special necklace clasp of mother of pearl with hand braided rope that he took extra time to make. I really respect Keoni's attention to detail in everything he does as he offered to make a 2nd necklace for my fish hook as the first was a little tight but now with a little usage, the original necklace fits perfectly.
Keoni's work is just gorgeous and buying directly from them is much better than going thru a traditional jewelry store. I love wearing my jewelry all the time now and even wear to sleep!
Posted by Chris (Yakima, Washington) on 10th Dec 2011
This piece is just beautiful, with so much meaning behind it. My husband and I were fortunate to have met Keoni last April and see some of his other collection as well as some of his carvings. As said, the quality and craftsmanship and love of Keoni's heritage shows in each piece. This piece is a Christmas gift to my husband, and I know he will love it as much as I do.
Posted by Anthony on 23rd Nov 2011
My wife and I just happen to stumble upon Keoni and his work and saw this piece and immediately knew it was something I had to have. The quality, craftsmanship and the soul of artist are very much part of what I feel is the greatest piece of jewelry I own.