Ho'ohuli Hou
Acrylic and paper on 40 mahogany ply boards, 2005
A community mural project, led by Meleanna Aluli Meyer, with students from Hakipu'u Learning Center, Halāu Lōkahi, Kamehameha
Schools, Punahou School, Ke Kula 'o Samuel M. Kamakau, and the University of Hawai'i.
E iho ana o luna Such was the prophesy of Kapihe, who lived during the time of Kamehameha the Great. He predicted an overturning—a change in the social and political order—yet this chant is as relevant today as it was then. Often heard at Hawaiian gatherings, it acknowledges that despite the overthrow and annexation, the Hawaiian people are still here. They are a stronger and more united community, not in spite of this past, but because of it. In 2005, over 20 Native Hawaiian students and artists gathered together, under the leadership of artist Meleanna Aluli Meyer, to contemplate Kapihe's prophesy chant. In it, they saw Māui's fishhook rising from beneath the sea, the rain falling forth, and the cloaks of the chiefs with the people of the land forming the foundation. Over the course of 10 weeks, their ideas became manifest in this 40-board mural. A number of great spiritual significance, these 40 boards embody the hopes and dreams of the next generation.
E pii ana o lalo
E hui ana na moku
E ku ana ka paia
That which is above will come down
That which is below will rise up
The islands shall unite
The walls shall stand firm