Aliamanu Middle School

Honolulu, Hawai’i

This mural tells a poignant and powerful story of love, cultural exchange, and environmental responsibility, capturing the moment an **Aliʻi** (chiefess) arrives from Hawaiʻi Island with two precious gifts: the vibrant **ʻohiʻa keiki** (young ʻōhiʻa trees) and the rare, now-extinct **oʻo birds**. These symbolic gifts are more than just a representation of a marriage between two royal figures—they are an offering of life, growth, and continuity, which underscores the profound connection between the people, the land, and the delicate balance of nature.

The **Aliʻi** from Hawaiʻi Island arrives with her gifts, an embodiment of both spiritual and physical nourishment for the people of **Moʻoanalua**, where she weds a local **Aliʻi** (chief) in a union that binds not only two individuals but also two lands, two ecosystems, and two communities. The **ʻohiʻa keiki**, representing new life and growth, signifies the strengthening of these bonds and the shared responsibility to care for the land. The **oʻo birds**, whose calls once filled the air, stand as a testament to the vitality and richness of the area before their tragic extinction.

The **oʻo bird**, once abundant in the forests of Hawaiʻi, was a striking symbol of the land’s thriving ecosystem. However, its extinction has become a painful reminder of the fragility of nature and the consequences of environmental neglect. Its absence today serves as a grim warning that the delicate balance of nature, once broken, may never be restored. In this mural, the **oʻo** represents not just a lost species, but also the importance of active stewardship over the **ʻāina** (land) and **wai** (water)—the two essential elements that sustain all life.

As the gifts are presented in the mural, they call upon the community to reflect on the legacy of both abundance and loss. The image of the **ʻohiʻa** trees, which continue to thrive in the Hawaiian landscape, offers hope for regeneration and growth. These trees are a vital part of the Hawaiian ecosystem, and their presence in the mural reminds us of the importance of preserving native flora and fauna as part of a larger cultural and environmental responsibility. Meanwhile, the **oʻo birds**, now gone, serve as a stark reminder of what can be lost when the natural world is not properly cared for.

This mural speaks not only to the legacy of a love story between two royal figures, but also to the enduring lesson of environmental responsibility passed down through generations of Hawaiians. It reminds us that the health of the land and the waters is inextricably linked to the well-being of the people who depend on them. The extinct **oʻo** bird becomes a symbol not just of what has been lost, but of the urgent need to protect and preserve what remains.

The union of these two Aliʻi symbolizes the ongoing partnership between people and place. In this story, love for the land and the wisdom of the kūpuna (elders) are as vital as the love between the couple. It is a call to action for future generations to live in harmony with nature, to be guardians of the land and water, and to honor the responsibility entrusted to them by those who came before.

In summary, this mural is a powerful visual reminder of both the beauty and vulnerability of the Hawaiian environment. It speaks to the cyclical nature of life and loss, urging us to reflect on our role as stewards of the **ʻāina** and **wai**—to protect, preserve, and honor what has been given, so that future generations may continue to thrive in this precious, interconnected world.

Viewer can find this mural below…

3271 Salt Lake Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96818

Mural Name

ʻO Kahiki Ā

Date Completed

May 2023

School Served

Aliamanu Middle School

Lead Artists

Estria Miyashiro

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.

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