Before any painting was started, we went on a huakaʻi (fieldtrip) where kumu Babā told stories of Pālolo including the story of Maui and how his hook, Manaiakalani, made Kaʻau crater. Kumu Babā also told the story of Awapuhi Melemele and Awapuhi Keokeo, the two moʻo sisters who fought over the affection of one man and became stones in the valley, and of Kaʻauhelumoa the magic rooster-man chief that battled Kamapuaʻa for control of Pālolo valley.

The mural exhibits the concepts and ideas from the Pālolo Elementary students and participants from our reflection sessions. The keiki were inspired by the story of Kaʻauhelumoa, deciding to put him on the left side of the mural. Behind him is Kaʻau crater. There is a spring honoring his name, called Kaʻauhelemoa, where reddish wai (stream water) flows from the crater. In the moʻolelo (story), Kamapuaʻa, the pig-man, fights Kaʻauhelemoa for the right to rule the valley. Kaʻauhelumoa dies in the fight. However it is believed that he continues to guard the valley and its inhabitants to this day. The lesson here is that Kaʻauhelumoa was too mean, too hard on people, and despite his love for them, they wanted him removed. Kaʻauhelumoa is there to tell the students to be brave like a rooster, and to be unafraid to admit oneʻs mistakes, make a change, and have a second chance.

The central image is of a child connecting to the heavens and the earth, rising up to the ʻike. The child is connected to the rooster and the tree with white light. On the right of the mural is an ‘ulu tree. The ʻili ʻāina (land division) of the area was called Kaʻululoa. One definition of that is the never-ending ʻulu tree. ʻUlu also means to grow, and it is important for our haumāna to always strive to grow, to learn new things, and to be curious in life. Water is a central theme in the piece and the stream connect us all.

“Haili Moe Na Ke Ola Pono o Pālolo”

Dream-like glimpse of Palolo’s Living Spirit

‘Oli lines: “Eia la no ‘oe. E ola e”