This Hālau Pāheona project with Aliamanu Middle School started in the Spring of 2020. Due to a short Spring semester, our work with the haumāna continued in the Fall for the production of the mural. The haumāna (students) learned to observe how the season changes and what grows around them like the coming of the goddess/diety of Haumea.

Haumea represents birth, fertility, and all life giving things. She is the mother of vegetation and the beauty of all the ʻāina (land). She is our honua (earth). Her hands holding up the volcano represent the creation of the islands but also us, as her children. Haumea provides, nurtures, and gives us all that we need to continue the cycle of life on this ʻāina.

The ānuenue (rainbow) is symbolic of all the good things. Each ua (raindrop) represents the blessings in our lives that we are given. The rain also represents the storms that come and go to fertilize the land. The kalo seen at the bottom of the mural in all sizes are representations of our ʻohana and connection to the ʻāina and one another.

In this time of COVID we are reminded of Haumea more than ever because we have to stay connected and help one another as she does. These times feel like a storm but with the rains will come blessings and growth of the ʻāina and us.

Mahalo to Principal Al Hetrick, Cherie Teraoka, after school Hālau Pāheona, Lindyn Viloria Diones, Riley Thomas, Natalie Hill, Corrine Brindley, Grayce Burton, Sophie Lo, Mālia Puckett, Makayla Sergent, Selena Shi, Cinta Burkhart, the staff of Aliamanu Middle School. Mahalo to our lead artists, Zully Davila and Uncle Estria, who lead the team of haumāna, teachers, and staff of the school to paint the beautiful mural. Lastly mahalo to Tina Tagad, Angela Pastores, and our staff for all their kokua.