Island Treasures: Hawaiian Dolls—Wood Valley

As a little girl in Germany, Sabine Hendreschke had about 30 dolls that all had a name and a “soul.” Her childhood was filled with fairy tales and magic. One of her most cherished toys was a coconut cradle that her parents made with a baby doll inside. Fourty-five years later she reinvented the coconut cradle design integrating her legendary Hawaiian Menehunes.

Sabine moved to Hawai‘i Island 30 years ago to work as an artist and writer, as well as educational assistant and computer instructor at the Ka‘ū High School. About five years ago she started her art business.

Hawaiian Menehunes are one-of-a-kind miniature collectible dolls individually handcrafted on Hawai‘i Island with the greatest love and respect for all that is Hawai‘i.

All dolls are about 3.5” tall and fit in the palm of a hand. The bodies are made out of stretch cotton and wired for flexibility. The dolls have tiny little hands and feet, ears, buttocks, and a belly button. The eyes and mouth are intricately embroidered onto the face.

Hawaiian Menehunes are “dolls with a soul,” carrying the spiritual power of Hawai‘i. They are intended to serve as guardian angels and spiritual guides. Each Menehune has a story to tell and conveys a personal, inspiring message for guidance and protection. Their detailed personalities and accessories reflect the wisdom of Hawaiian culture and spirituality.

All dolls come with a booklet of their special story and a certificate of authenticity. They are unique art dolls for display and inspiration rather than a child’s toy.

Tremendous time and mana (spiritual energy) are devoted to each doll. This makes the Menehunes priceless.

“Honoring magical Hawai‘i and spreading its magnificent aloha spirit throughout the world has become my life’s purpose. Expressing the individual characters of my dolls and writing their stories has involved intensive studies and research of Hawaiian culture, which has given me some knowledge to integrate Hawaiian traditions and symbolism into my art and writings.”

Sabine’s main objective with her Hawaiian Menehunes is to bring joy and inspiration to people.

Hawaiian Dolls
96-2337 North Road, Wood Valley (6 miles above Pāhala)
808.928.6491
menehunebabies@gmail.com
HawaiianCollectibleMenehuneDolls.com