Local artisans in Hawaii recently unveiled handmade works of art displayed at The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas on Maui.
The art pieces, along with a corresponding olelo no eau, or Hawaiian proverb, are showcased within four pillars in the resort’s lobby and will be permanently on display for guests and the public to view and learn about the history and values of Hawaiian culture.
Each piece was created using natural materials and traditional methods that were passed down from generation to generation within each of the practitioner’s families.
The first pillar exhibits three kahili, or feather staffs. They were made by Kumu Kapono‘ai Molitau from koa wood and feathers. The second pillar is a collaboration between cultural consultant/practitioner Kekai Kapu and fisherman Gigi Gomes. This pillar showcases fishing implements, including a hinai (fishing basket), upena (fishing net), luhee (octopus lure), makau (fishing hooks), and auamo (carrying stick for transporting gourds of food and water).
The third pillar is a pealauhala (pandanus leaf sail) that was hand-woven by Pohaku Kahoohanohano. The fourth pillar displays a 300-pound kulani hakoi (stone bowl), with a mo o (lizard) sculpture and lauae (fern) engravings that took two years for Anthony “Hoaka” Delos Reyes to shape and carve by hand.
“It requires great skill and a lot of time to create these handmade pieces,” said Makalapua Kanuha, the resort’s complex director of culture, in a written release. “Nowadays there are very few people who practice these traditions to the level of these artisans, so we’re very fortunate to have their work here on display.”
Visit www.westinnanea.com.
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