The 1st Annual Mele Murals ʻAha (conference), called “MOKU,” was held at Keahuolū in Kailua-Kona. Haumāna (students) from seven different high schools attended the five day ʻaha also brought together leaders of the community who collectively supported and nurtured the Mele Murals process of Āina-Based, ‘Ike-Based, and Na‘au-Based education.

During the 5-day ʻaha, students between the ages of 12-17 years old, completed “the NUI,” a 125 by 25 foot Mele Mural on the wall of HPM Kona. The moʻolelo (story) depicted was of the ahupua‘a, the socio-economic climatic and subdivision of land, of Keahuolū, Kona. A giant pueo (owl) was painted and within the wings of the pueo are reminders of this once thriving community. Those elements are freshwater springs, ‘uala (sweet potato) and ‘opelu koa (fishing grounds).

In addition to working alongside indigenous artists, haumāna also participated in a two day kukakuka (discussion or KUKAX2) with cultural practitioners, community leaders and business owners from the Kona community. These leaders provided a space of empowerment and encouragement for the participating youth to pursue their passion.

The unveiling for Makaʻala was held on October 22, 2016 at HPM Kona in conjunction with O.N.O. Kona (Our Night Out Kona) food, arts and crafts vendors will be on hand along with live entertainment and activities for the keiki.

Oli:
E Kona
‘Āina maika‘i
No kēia wei wei
‘A‘ohe no he mea like me
Kona kai ‘ōpua
Ka u‘i ka nani
A me ka make‘i
– Ka‘elemaakule Mā

 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haSZT2Z_znk&ab_channel=MeleMurals