The mural at **Manana Elementary**, located in **Pearl City** (historically known as **Ewa**), is a rich visual representation of the area’s deep cultural heritage, its connection to the land, and the spiritual guardians that have watched over it for generations. Drawing on the myths, history, and natural beauty of the region, the mural tells a story of guardianship, abundance, and harmony between people and nature.

At the heart of the mural is **Kaʻahupahau**, the revered **aliʻi** (chiefess) of the area, who is known for her ability to transform into a powerful shark. Kaʻahupahau and her brother **Kahiuka** were legendary protectors of **Puʻuloa** (Pearl Harbor), using their supernatural powers to chase away dangerous, man-eating sharks and ensure the safety of the waters for the people who depended on them. In the mural, Kaʻahupahau is depicted with elements of the shark, her body flowing into the deep waters, a visual representation of her guardian spirit that continues to protect the area today. Her presence reminds the community of the connection between the land, sea, and the spiritual forces that sustain them.

The background of the mural highlights the once-thriving environment of the region, including the fertile **loʻi kalo** (taro patches), which fed thousands of people in ancient times. The **loʻi** are an important symbol of the relationship between the Hawaiian people and the land, showing the deep respect for **ʻāina** (land) and the sustenance it provides. The presence of **Puʻuloa** (Pearl Harbor) is also central to the mural, depicted as a thriving ecosystem with abundant **sea life**, including **oysters** that were so plentiful they could be seen on calm days from the surface of the water. The legend tells that people would remain silent when passing over the oysters, as they believed the oysters could “hear,” reflecting the sacredness of nature and the reverence in which it was held.

A prominent feature of the mural is the graceful **aukuʻu bird**, known for inhabiting the wetlands. The aukuʻu is a symbol of the health and vitality of the environment, and its presence in the mural signifies the thriving, balanced ecosystem of the Pearl Harbor area. In Hawaiian culture, the presence of certain animals, like the aukuʻu, can indicate the well-being of the land and its waters, and the bird’s inclusion in the mural is a reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship.

The mural also features **butterflies**, which were often seen as **hoʻailona** (omens or signs) in Hawaiian tradition. Butterflies, delicate and beautiful, symbolize transformation and renewal, acting as spiritual messengers and reminders of the cycles of nature. Their frequent presence in the mural speaks to the themes of change, growth, and the ongoing connection between the physical and spiritual realms.

In summary, the mural at Manana Elementary captures the essence of **Pearl City’s** rich history and its deep spiritual connection to the land and waters. It honors the legacy of **Kaʻahupahau** and the guardian spirits that protect the area, while also celebrating the natural abundance that once sustained the people—through the loʻi kalo, the oysters of Puʻuloa, the aukuʻu bird, and the butterflies that visited the land. This artwork serves as a visual reminder of the enduring relationship between the people of Pearl City and their environment, calling on the community to continue to honor and care for the **ʻāina**, just as their ancestors did.