This mural celebrates the rich cultural and natural history of **Moʻoanalua Ahupua‘a**, a land and water division in O‘ahu that is steeped in Hawaiian mythology, marine life, and the unique landscape shaped by volcanic forces. The imagery of the mural is deeply connected to the vibrant sea life, the ancient legends surrounding **Pele**, and the environmental features of the area, including the sacred **Āliapa‘akai** (Salt Lake) and its neighboring craters.

At the heart of the mural is a dynamic collection of **fish species** that inhabit the waters around Moʻoanalua. Each fish represents the richness of the area’s marine ecosystem and the connection between the people and the ocean:

• The Hapu’upu’u (grouper fish) stands as a symbol of the strong, resilient creatures of the sea, often found in caves and rocky outcrops.
• The Ula’ula Koae, or **red fish in the cave**, evokes mystery and the hidden treasures of the ocean, referencing the practice of fishing in caves where these creatures hide
• The Uhu (parrotfish), with its vibrant colors, symbolizes transformation and beauty, as it plays a crucial role in maintaining coral reef ecosystems by grazing on algae.
• The Ehu (ruby snapper) is depicted as a sought-after prize by fishermen, representing the abundance and bounty of the waters.
• The U’u (menpachi), a small fish that seeks shelter in caves when young, highlights the delicate balance of marine life and the places where creatures find refuge.
• The Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (reef triggerfish), Hawaii’s state fish, is a symbol of resilience and adaptability, a playful reminder of the wonders of the ocean’s creatures.

The mural ties these fish to the land through the larger context of **Moʻoanalua Ahupua‘a**, an area known for its deep connection to both the land and sea. The fish not only represent the abundance of life in the waters but also the interwoven relationship between the **āina** (land) and the **kai** (sea), integral to the concept of **ahupua‘a**, a traditional Hawaiian land division that stretches from the mountains to the sea.

The mural also honors the **mythology** surrounding **Pele**, the goddess of volcanoes, and her connection to the **Āliapa‘akai** (Salt Lake) and the **Āliamanu** craters. According to legend, Pele and her sister **Hi‘iaka** traveled to O‘ahu after leaving Kaua‘i. The sisters, in their journey, left behind traces of **red dirt** and **salt** from their homeland. As they dug into the land of Moʻoanalua to make a home, the earth became encrusted with salt, giving rise to the names **Āliapa‘akai** (Salt-Encrusted) and **Āliamanu** (Salt-Encrusted Bird). The salt that accumulated in the lake and surrounding soil created stunning, crystalline formations on the beach and the lakebed, a phenomenon that Western visitors marveled at in the 19th century.

The **salt** imagery is integrated into the mural, emphasizing the enduring connection between the land and the people, as well as the natural beauty of this sacred site. The **salt-encrusted soil**, with its delicate frost-like crystals, symbolizes the passage of time, the presence of the divine, and the ability of nature to create awe-inspiring wonders when honored and respected.

This mural is not just a visual narrative—it is a reflection of the living, breathing landscape of Moʻoanalua. It speaks to the timelessness of the stories passed down through generations, the interconnectedness of all living things, and the guardianship of both land and sea that defines Hawaiian culture. Through the lens of **Pele’s myths**, the **fish of Moʻoanalua**, and the sacred **salt lakes**, the mural captures the essence of a place where the earth, the ocean, and the sky are united in harmony, each sustaining and enriching the other.

In summary, the mural brings to life the vibrant marine life of Moʻoanalua, the powerful imagery of Pele’s mythology, and the delicate, salt-encrusted beauty of **Āliapa‘akai**. It serves as both a reminder and a tribute to the **spiritual** and **environmental connections** that bind the people of this land to their ancestors, their culture, and their natural surroundings. The mural is a call to remember and protect the unique, sacred environment of **Moʻoanalua Ahupua‘a**, ensuring that its stories and ecosystems continue to thrive for generations to come.