Polynesian Design was founded by Ma’ata Tukuafu [pronounced Mah-AH-tah] who found throughout her interior design experience that there was a limited amount of authentic Polynesian design in homes and businesses in the Hawaiian Islands. “While there are are wonderful homes decorated in “Tropical Asian” or Indonesian design, I felt there was a shortage of true Polynesian influence,” says Ma’ata.

On the Big Island of Hawaii where she currently resides, much of the interior design is influenced by “Hawaiian plantation”, 1950’s-Hawaii design, or Asian/Indonesian motifs. “I would love to bring more authenticity and Polynesian realism to the world of interior design,” Ma’ata says. “Contemporary, transitional or even modern design may be intermixed with meaningful Polynesian symbols and design elements to create an intentional and timeless statement in living and working environments.”

Ma’ata Tukuafu is part Polynesian (Tongan) and was raised on the North Shore of Oahu, Tongatapu, and in the states of California and Utah. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Travel Management and worked in the Los Angeles tourism arena for ten years. Moving back to the Big Island of Hawaii, she helped open a fine dining restaurant, worked at a large law firm and began writing freelance articles for local newspapers and monthlies (Read Stories).

Ma’ata has worked for over three years as a Design Assistant, creating beautiful interiors for a variety of clients. Her connections in the design world include numerous sources for furniture, floor coverings, window treatments, artwork, accessories and much more. Polynesian Design’s talented team of professionals includes architects, artists and craftspeople who may be called upon depending on the project and it’s needs. Ma’ata’s interest in cultural issues, fine design, textiles, tasteful furnishings, Polynesian lore and ancient symbols culminates in her passion for meaningful and functional interior design in both residential and commercial settings.

 

About Polynesia
The term Polynesia means many islands. The Polynesian triangle starts in the Northern Pacific with the Hawaiian islands, extends south to Aotearoa (New Zealand) and to the east at Rapa Nui (Easter Islands.) While there are common threads of language, characteristics and tradition, each Polynesian island group has their own distinct culture and style. Polynesian Design aims to use or combine any of the unique and authentic Polynesian elements into a cohesive and visually impressive interior design.

Ancient Polynesian designs were discovered on pottery fragments in both Tonga and Fiji. Scientists linked the pottery designs to the Lapita people and although it isn’t certain where the Polynesians originated from, their distinct designs continued through the ages into the present, where they are found in contemporary and modern tapa cloth, hand-sewn bedding, tiki sculptures, artwork and tattoos.

Polynesian Island Groups
The following list is of the main island groups considered Polynesian. There are other sub-groups that are not necessarily within the Polynesian triangle that do have traces of Polynesian origin, however they are not listed here. (Adapted from Wikipedia.)

• Aotearoa (New Zealand)
• Fiji
• Hawai’i
• Niue
• Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
• Rarotonga (Cook Islands)
• Samoa, Western and American
• Tahiti and her islands, including Marquesas (French Polynesia)
• Tokelau
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Vanuatu
• Wallis and Futuna


Additional Links

Stories by Ma’ata Tukuafu

Moorea Tattoo