We are humbled with the completion of three large Mele Murals at our home at Kaimukī High School. The concepts of the murals came through meditation from our Mele Murals Summer Program haumāna (students) after their huaka‘i (journey) to Ka Papa Lo‘i o Kānewai, Waʻahila Ridge, and Kūkaniloko birthing stones in Wahiawa.

Piko are shown in all three murals. Our bodies have three piko (navels/portals). Piko I at the top of our heads is the connection to the heavens, ancestors, and the past. Piko A at our na‘au is our connection to here, to us in the present. Piko O at our groin is the connection to the earth, children, and future.

The first mural is a nod to the great ali‘i of our Waikiki ahupuaʻa and the roles they played in our history. It is a message of leadership and kuleana, to set a vision and work towards it together. The piko in the ali‘i has an ānuenue (rainbow) shooting out of it. Ānuenue are thought of as pathways to heaven, and is a hoʻailona (symbol) that our ancestors are watching over us. The mountains are Waʻahila ridge and the Koʻolau range behind Kaimukī. This mural is titled “I ka Nānā No a ʻIke” – By Observing, one learns.

The lighting firing from the portal represents Kānehekili, the lighting form of Kāne. It is a hoʻailona for new life, artistic inspiration, spiritual enlightenment, and growth.

The second mural shows a piko in the kalo leaves. A gigantic mo‘o (lizard shapeshifter) travels through the portal. The ridges along its back are kūpuna (elders). ʻOhana is a spear. We, the living, are the head, and those who came before us are the barbs behind us. The moʻo made of luʻau leaves was an image numerous students saw in their meditation at Ka Papa Loʻi o Kānewai.

The third mural shows the piko atop Mauna a Wākea, Mauna Loa, Hualalai, Haleakalā and other peaks across our islands. These sacred piko are the realm of the akua. The theme written on the third wall is “Hoʻi I ka Piko” – Return to the source.

The woman in the third mural is the late Kumu Hula Leina‘ala Kalama Heine, known to many as Aunty ‘Ala. She danced for many years alongside the Brothers Cazimero and led her own award-winning halau, Na Pualei O Likolehua. She spent her lifetime defending the ʻāina, advocating for lāhui (the people), and advancing moʻomeheu (culture). Her teachings helped form the foundation of the Mele Murals program. She created our Mele Murals oli, “Hiki Mai ka Lā” and “Holu Nape.” Aunty ‘Alaʻs teachings continue to carry us forward in aloha!

A big mahalo to all the haumāna of our 2019 Mele Murals Summer Program! We would also like to thank the City & County of Honolulu Grant-In-Aid, Ka Papa Loʻi O Kānewai, Principal J Dela Cruz, and Vice Principal Ken Agcaoili and Kumu Kaleo Hanohano Akim of the Hospitality Academy and the staff of Kaimukī High School. Mahalo to our artists, Uncle Estria, Luke Pomai DeKneef, Ran Noveck, Justin Vasconcellos, Naomi, and Zully Davila.  Mahalo to Pomaika‘i Lyman and all the entertainers and musicians that performed for our Unveiling Event, Hālau Nā Pualei O Likolehua, Mele Apana, Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong, Kelly Boy and Lilo Delima of Kapena, Halehaku and ʻElia, Ke ʻOlu, and Kaimuki High School Hawaiian Language School. Lastly, a mahalo to the support of our staff, Tina Tagad, Michele Tanabe, Angela Pastores, and Lacey Evans for all their support.

Mural #1 title: Na Ali‘i o ke Kuamo‘o o Hāloa

E lei mau i lei mau kākou e nā mamo aloha
I lei wehi ‘a’ali’i wehi nani o ku’u ‘āina
Hoe a mau hoe a mau no ka pono sivila
A ho’iho’i hou ‘ia mai ke kū’oko’a

Mural #2 title: I ka Nānā No a ʻIke – (By Observing, one learns)

Mural #3 title: Hoʻi I ka Piko – (Return to the source)

“Kū Haʻaheo”

E lei mau i lei mau kākou e nā mamo aloha

I lei wehi ‘a’ali’i wehi nani o ku’u ‘āina

Hoe a mau hoe a mau no ka pono sivila

A ho’iho’i hou ‘ia mai ke kū’oko’a

– na Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu