Mililani ‘Ike Elementary School

Mililani, O’ahu

The mural at Mililani ʻIke School is a powerful representation of the school’s unique location and the deep cultural ties that bind its community to the land. Nestled high on a mountain ridge, the school’s surroundings—lush, misty mountains and expansive vistas—serve as a backdrop to the mural’s rich imagery, which tells the story of identity, wisdom, and environmental stewardship.

At the heart of the mural are the graceful **pueo** (owls) soaring through the clouds. These birds symbolize the children of Mililani ʻIke as they come into their own identities and wisdom. The **pueo** represents the guiding forces of knowledge, protecting and watching over the next generation. The pueo perched in the clouds is also the great **Pueo Aliʻi (Kāne)**, the guardian spirit of the area, whose presence is a reminder of the deep cultural roots that the land holds.

The mist rolling over the mountains adds another layer of meaning, evoking the concept of **hoʻailona**—the signs and symbols that connect past and present. On the days when the clouds would drift across the campus, kūpuna (elders) would often gather to help paint the mural, ensuring that their wisdom and connection to the land were part of the school’s living history.

To the right of the mural, we see children actively engaged in the act of planting, a visual tribute to the ongoing environmental restoration efforts in the nearby **Kūkaniloko** area. Here, volunteers are replanting native **koa** trees, which will eventually serve as symbiotic partners to the revered **Iliahi** (sandalwood) trees. This planting reflects the vision that by caring for the land today, the future will flourish—both in nature and in the minds of the children growing up with these values.

Flanking the mural are columns adorned with imagery of the sacred **Waiʻanae mountains**, further connecting the school to its landscape. The depiction of **pōhaku** (stones) honors the sacred nature of the area, grounding the mural in the ancient knowledge and strength of the land.

This mural is not just a work of art—it is a living tribute to the culture, heritage, and values of Mililani ʻIke School. It weaves together the wisdom of kūpuna, the energy of youth, and the ongoing care for the environment, creating a visual story of identity, connection, and responsibility for future generations.

Viewer can find this mural below…

95-1330 Lehiwa Dr, Mililani, HI 96789

Mural Name

Wai Ola o Nā Ali’i

Date Completed

May 2024

School Served

Mililani ‘Ike Elementary School

Lead Artists

Estria Miyashiro

Cultural Practitioners, Kūpuna, Community Orgs

Kahu Ka’imiloa Dahang

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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