Waiau Elementary School

Mural Name: No Nā Hanauna

Dates: February 2023

School Served: Waiau Elementary School

Lead Artist: Sarah Farris

Cultural Practitioners, Kūpuna, Community Orgs:

Sponsors & Supporters: The Alakaʻi of Waiau Elementary Haumana 2023, Waiau Elementary Haumana 2023, Graff Bot, Nikki Aviles, Trahvae Freraire, Daniel Chen, ‘Āina Paikai, Johnny Macas, Krissey Mathews, Troy Takazono, Kim Koga, Kumu Lahela, Greg Wong, Raeceen Satele, Jenn Kenui, Lina Arquero, Michoriann Hudgens, Staff & Custodians of Waiau Elementary, Tina Tagad, Michele Tanabe, Sheanae Tam

This mural tells a powerful story of place, culture, and the deep connection between the people and the land, spanning from the towering mountains to the vast ocean. What makes this mural unique is the journey it traces—starting from the heights of a mountain ridge and extending all the way down to the waters of Pearl Harbor. It reflects the natural and spiritual relationship the community has with the land, its resources, and the stories that have been passed down for generations.

From the mountain ridge, one can gaze upon the expansive views of Pearl Harbor, the Ewa Plain, and the majestic Waiʻanae mountains. The mural invites viewers to explore this landscape, beginning with the towering **mountains**—the source of life and the first part of the story. The land is rich with history, and this connection is embodied through the ancient tale of **Kaʻahupahau**, a young aliʻi (royalty) whose love for the land and its people remains legendary. Kaʻahupahau, along with her brother **Kahiuka**, were known for their deep reverence for the area, and it was said they had the supernatural power to transform into sharks. This powerful transformation allowed them to protect the area from dangerous, man-eating sharks that once threatened the waters of Puʻuloa (Pearl Harbor), ensuring that the waters remained **kapu** (sacred) and protected.

The **portals** depicted on the left of the mural represent significant locations in the story, each a doorway between realms—**freshwater to ocean water** to the **sun and sky**—symbolizing the different ecosystems that fed the land and its people. This was a fertile area, home to many **loʻi** (taro patches), which nourished thousands of people and sustained the community through generations. The transition from mountain to ocean is not just geographical, but spiritual, representing the flow of life and the interconnectedness of all living things.

This mural is not only a visual history; it is a testament to the stewardship, protection, and profound respect the people have for their environment. By weaving together elements of nature, mythology, and the daily life of the community, the mural honors the legacy of Kaʻahupahau and the timeless relationship between the mountains, the ocean, and the people who call this place home. It serves as a reminder of the sacredness of the land, the protection of its waters, and the enduring cultural wisdom that has guided this community for generations.