Duke's Waikiki has honored master quilters John and Poakalani Serrao with its eighth annual Duke's Ho'okahiko Award. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the culture and traditions of Hawai'i.

"Without community members such as John and Poakalani Serrao, many valued Hawaiian traditions would be lost," said general manager Ross Anderson. "Duke's Waikiki feels it is important to keep such traditions alive and thus takes pride in honoring those individuals, such as the Serraos, who share their knowledge and talents with the community."

John and Poakalani Serrao have been designing custom Hawaiian quilt designs for individuals and families for more than 35 years. Both have worked together to keep the traditions and culture of Hawai'i alive through teaching classes, holding workshops and attending seminars.

John Serrao has created more than 1,000 quilt designs. Among his most renowned designs are "Pele," a design in honor of the Hawaiian fire goddess, and the "Ali'i" Series, which honor Hawai'i's royal families.

John Serrao specializes in consulting with families to determine which tradition or heritage they would like to pass down to future generations through a tailored Hawaiian quilt pattern. The Serraos have made Hawaiian quilts for many notable people, including Vicky Cayetano, an American Samoan chief's wife and the president of the Philippines.

Past recipients of the Duke's Waikiki Ho'okahiko Award include the Kamaka Brothers, Pualani Mossman, Genoa Keawe, Violet Lilikoi, George Kanahele, Wright Bowman Sr., Nona Beamer and Ester Westmoreland.

The Hawaiian word ho'okahiko means "cling to the traditions," and the Duke's Ho'okahiko Award was established to honor those who exemplify those traditions.

On the Web: www.dukeswaikiki.com