2024 Mele Mural Summer Program
Kāne’ohe, O’ahu , Honolulu, O’ahu, Mountain View, Hawaii
Throughout the program, students learned that when the ʻāina is honored and nurtured, it can provide abundantly for its people. The health of the land is directly linked to the actions of the kanaka (people), fostering an understanding that caring for the land and sea is essential for sustaining their environment. Participants gained a clear understanding of their kuleana (responsibility and privilege) as kauwā (servants) to the land.
One of the key skills imparted was the practice of daily kilo (observation), enabling students to assess the well-being of the land, streams, ocean, and their surroundings. This practice aimed to help them identify healthy and unhealthy ecosystems. Weekly huakaʻi (field trips) provided opportunities for the keiki to engage with community members and environmentalists, allowing them to actively mālama ʻāina (care for the land).
During these excursions, students took time to meditate on ideas for a mural, collaboratively developing concepts and sketches inspired by their observations and experiences. Each art lesson was designed to enhance their understanding of various art materials, ensuring that the keiki created unique works of art reflecting their insights.
Overall, the program empowered students to recognize their roles as stewards of the land while fostering creativity and a deeper connection to their environment.
Mountain View
Mountain View Mural – “Mai Ka Pūnana A Lele”
This Mural depicts two ʻAlalā; Native Hawaiian endangered crow birds as the centerpiece. The ʻAlalā signify their loyalty to each other as they are birds that mate for life and are symbolic of our commitment to hōʻola lāhui (reproduce). Many of our native manu (birds) have gone extinct or are on the verge of extinction, including the Palila, ʻAkekeʻe, and ʻAkikiki that are found on our mural. The students were extremely lucky to visit these manu in the forest of Keauhou and learn about the problems that they are facing with reproduction. Itʻs a reminder of what can happen to our Hawaiian people if we don’t reproduce within our people and culture. We were able to witness the feeding of newborn ʻAlalā and that memory was added to the mural to symbolize the constant nourishment needed to ensure the life of our culture continues through the up and coming generations.
This 3 panel mural features three native birds, each representing the health of the ecosystem and the importance of caring for the land.
On the left panel, the **alae ‘ula** (Hawaiian moorhen) is depicted amidst cascading waterfalls that flow down steep cliffs, surrounded by mist. This imagery captures the beauty and vitality of the area, highlighting the importance of freshwater sources.
The middle section showcases an **auku’u** (heron), envisioned by the students as embodying the waters flowing down from the mountains. The panel illustrates a dynamic scene with multiple streams and springs, emphasizing the region’s fertility and the rush of water during heavy rains, which can lead to flash floods. This imagery reflects the natural cycles that sustain the land.
The third panel features the **nene** (Hawaiian goose) soaring over the ocean. An interesting element of this section is that, during the painting process, rain fell, creating a beautiful wash effect that added depth and texture to the mural. This organic detail serves as a reminder of the weather’s influence on the landscape.
Together, these birds symbolize the health of the area, reinforcing the idea that as the community takes care of the streams and wetlands, the native birds return and thrive, creating a flourishing ecosystem. This mural not only enhances the school’s environment but also inspires students to appreciate and protect their natural surroundings.
This mural tells the rich story of their place, inspired by the legend of Hiʻiaka battling a moʻo (lizard). This narrative ties to the area’s older name, Moʻo’ili’ili, which means “little pebbles,” a reference to the pebbles found on the backside of the campus.
The mural features a cloudscape shaped like the ridge at Hanauma Bay, where the children envisioned sea creatures hidden among the clouds. These sea creatures symbolize ancestors and guardians, enriching the mural with cultural significance. The background view, which could be interpreted as either a sunset or an underwater scene, invites viewers to engage with the artwork on multiple levels.
At the bottom of the mural, colorful coral surrounds small ponds, evoking the springs that once flourished in the area before disappearing in the 1930s. During construction, contractors accidentally punctured the aquifer, causing water to shoot out for three days and resulting in the drying up of local springs. The coral elements reflect the streams that once flowed in the region and serve as a reminder of the area’s geological history, when the ocean level was approximately 25 feet higher than today.
Kuhio Elementary School is situated on a small hill that may have once been an island in those ancient waters. This mural represents the students’ commitment to caring for the underground waters of their community, emphasizing the importance of stewardship and the deep connection to their environment. Through this artwork, the children not only celebrate their heritage but also take an active role in preserving the natural resources of their beloved land.
Viewer can find this mural below…
Mural Name
Date Completed
June/July 2024
School Served
Kūhiō Elementary, Mountain View Elementary, Kāne’ohe Elementary
Lead Artists
Cultural Practitioners, Kūpuna, Community Orgs
Sponsors & Supporters
Documented By
Hawai’i Department of Education
We Need Your Help
Your tax deductible Annual Membership provides much needed support for arts education in Hawaiʻi.
Help purchasing much needed supplies for our wall murals.
Assist in funding cultural advisers for our youth workshops.
Help stage events surrounding our public mural unveilings.
We Need Your Help
Your tax deductible Annual Membership provides much needed support for arts education in Hawaiʻi.
Help purchasing much needed supplies for our wall murals.
Assist in funding cultural advisers for our youth workshops.
Help stage events surrounding our public mural unveilings.