New Mele Mural tells the story of Keauhou’s past, present

Local artists, cultural advisers and students collaborated to create a large-scale, outdoor mural focusing on the Hawaiian lyrics, stories of place, cultural and historical heritage of Keauhou.

This is the fourth collaboration by The Estria Foundation for its 20 Mele Mural series. This new mural was led by more than 50 students at Ke Kula o Ehunuikaimalino, which is committed to perpetuating the language, customs, traditions, skills, spirituality and character of the Hawaiian people. However, a total of approximately 170 West Hawaii students, from preschool to high school, were given the opportunity to participate.

Prior to painting, Ke Kula o Ehunuikaimalino students participated in a series of educational workshops and excursions with community leaders, cultural practitioners and kupuna, all of whom helped them create a visual concept on how mele relates to place. Estria Miyashiro, founder of The Estria Foundation, and John “Prime” Hina, 808 Urban founder, mentored the students through the process. Kamehameha Schools, which owns Keauhou Shopping Center, was also a key partner to making this public art piece possible.

The seven-panel Mele Mural is at Keauhou Shopping Center, near Regal Keauhou Stadium 7. It will be unveiled during a community celebration from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, followed by the Hui Kakoo Benefit Concert Series with Hawane Rios.

Through Mele Murals, The Estria Foundation hopes to develop arts-interested youth into visual storytellers, to preserve Hawaiian values, increase cross-generation and cross-island engagement for all to learn and share the mele and stories that highlight important artistic, cultural and historical themes with a global audience.