A new sculpture outside the East Hawaii Cultural Center was dedicated Friday to Pualani Kanahele Kanakaole.
A new sculpture outside the East Hawaii Cultural Center was dedicated Friday to Pualani Kanahele Kanakaole.
Michael Shewmaker, a Hilo sculptor, created the piece to symbolize two figures in mirrored partnership. The two figures look to be dancing until resolving at the top of the 8-foot statue.
Shewmaker left it to Kanakaole to name the sculpture since it is dedicated to her legacy. She named it Anaha, meaning “reflection.”
“The word anaha is perfect for the cultural center, because this place gives talented people a way to show their art,” Kanakaole said. “This is a place of progression, there are new thoughts and movement reflected here every day.”
Kanakaole is of pure Hawaiian descent and has a deep history in the arts in Hilo. She is a retired kumu hula for Halau o Kekuhi.
Kanakaole is a scholar and author who currently leads a team of researchers in reestablishing an ancient Hawaiian system of cultural intelligence.
“I’m honored that this piece that I love is dedicated to me, and I don’t feel quite worthy of this,” Kanakaole said. “There are so many possibilities and interpretations to the piece, which is what it’s supposed to do. It is wonderful to have it here.”
Kanakaole’s family honored the sculpture with a traditional hula and chant to end the dedication.
