Kea’au Elementary School
Kea’au, Hawai’i
Mural Name: Kū Mai Au
Dates: April 2024
School Served: Kea’au Elementary School
Lead Artist: Estria Miyashiro
Cultural Practitioners, Kūpuna, Community Orgs:Kūpuna Awai
Sponsors & Supporters: Iwalani Harris, Crystal Motomura, Blake Lau, Brandon Tanabe, Sharyn Nakano, Kyle Toriano.
At Keaʻau Elementary, students came together to create a vibrant mural that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii and the stories that shape their community. During their time at Pōhaku, students sketched their ideas and painted the mural with enthusiasm, utilizing scaffolding to bring their artistic vision to life.
The mural features several key elements, each representing important aspects of Hawaiian history and nature. The students highlight the depiction of birds, or manu, particularly the yellow ‘Amakihi and the red ‘I’iwi, which once filled the skies of the thriving Olaʻa forest. They shared the traditional practice of sustainably capturing bird feathers using a sticky substance from the Pāpala Kēpau tree, which was vital for creating feather cloaks for aliʻi (chiefs).
When describing the mural at the unveiling event, Kainoa Cummings focuses on the central figures of women in the mural, specifically the story of Hōpoe from Hāʻena. He recounts how Hōpoe was turned into stone by Pele for teaching hula, a dance forbidden to women at that time. The mural captures Hōpoe’s final dance, symbolizing her enduring spirit and connection to aloha.
The students bring attention to Pōhaku, a rock that has a special significance in the area. Despite attempts to move it, Pōhaku has remained steadfast in its place, believed to be a protector of the sacred land. The mural illustrates keiki (children) interacting with Pōhaku, embodying the lesson of stewardship and love for their environment.
Together, these narratives woven into the mural not only celebrate the beauty of Hawaiian culture but also serve as a reminder of the importance of connection to the land, community, and the stories that shape their identity.
