Waikoloa Elementary School

Waikoloa, Hawaii

Nestled in the heart of Waikōloa, a vibrant mural pays homage to the rich cultural and natural heritage of this enchanting region. The name “Waikōloa,” meaning “the water carried far,” reflects not only the physical landscape but also the deep spiritual significance of the area. Revered as an akua (deity) of the makani (wind), Waikōloa is often envisioned as a young, beautiful woman drifting through the clouds, embodying the powerful breezes that sweep across the land.

One of the mural’s central themes draws from a poignant story involving Kamiki, who descends from the heights of Mauna Kea with water from the sacred Lake Waiau for an ʻawa ceremony. In this narrative, Waikōloa lovingly scoops water from Kamiki’s ʻumeke (calabash) and uses it to form a serene pond at Waikiʻi, symbolizing the profound connection between Waikōloa and the sacred waters of the islands. This act serves as a reminder of our interconnectedness with the cyclical nature of water that sustains the land and its people.

The waters that nourish this area flow from two revered mountains, Mauna a Wākea and Kohala, each contributing to the rich ecosystem that defines Waikōloa. Adding to its unique charm are the ancient Wiliwili trees, some of which have stood for hundreds of years. These trees are a rare sight in many parts of Hawaii, and when their striking orange blooms emerge, they shed their leaves, marking a beautiful transformation in the landscape.

The mural also honors the presence of pulelehua, the native butterflies that flutter gracefully through the area. These butterflies serve as a constant hoʻailona (symbol) throughout the project, representing the spirit of kūpuna (ancestors) and their enduring connection to the land.

This mural not only beautifies Waikōloa but also encapsulates the stories and natural elements that define this sacred space, celebrating the intertwined relationships of water, wind, and life that are central to the Hawaiian experience.

Viewer can find this mural below…

68-1730 Hooko St, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738

Mural Name

Kawaikōloaokawahine

Date Completed

March 2024

School Served

Waikoloa Elementary School

Lead Artists

Estria Miyashiro, Katoe

Cultural Practitioners, Kūpuna, Community Orgs

Keali’i Bertelmann, Lana Laura

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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