Public Art

Rising 14 stories above the makai side of Halawa View Apartments, “Hina” is the largest portrait mural ever painted in the state of Hawaiʻi. Created by renowned artist Kamea Hadar, this powerful image honors Hina, the Hawaiian goddess of the moon, known for guiding Polynesian voyagers by moonlight and starlight.

The mural was inspired by the historic voyage of the Hōkūleʻa and the global Mālama Honua mission—both of which embody the values of navigation, cultural pride, and environmental stewardship. Positioned directly across from Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, Hina serves as a symbolic light to guide all sailors safely home, past and present.

The Halawa View Apartments, redeveloped by Pacific Development Group and awarded LEED Gold Certification, provide a meaningful canvas for this work. Hina’s presence reflects not only the ancestral knowledge of the sea but also the shared commitment of Mālama Honua and Pacific Development Group to care for our Island Earth.

Artist Kamea Hadar shared:

“The image I am painting is a depiction of Hina, Hawaiian Goddess of the Moon who helps to guide sailors at sea. I felt that this image was fitting not only because of Hōkūleʻa, but also because of the proximity to Pearl Harbor. The building is directly across the street from the parking lot of the Arizona Memorial, and I felt that Hina could be a universal light that helps guide all sailors of the world home safely.”

This vibrant, three-story mural titled “ʻĀina”—the Hawaiian word for “land”—is an abstract expression of the deep relationship between people and place in Hawaiian culture. Painted by local artist Mark “Devour” Visaya, the mural invites the viewer to experience a perspective from the land, looking outward toward the sea beneath the glow of a luminous moon.

The flowing, interwoven shapes and colors represent land, ocean, moonlight, and foliage—each element carefully layered to evoke balance, harmony, and unity. Soft greens, rich earth tones, and pale blues blend into one another, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all parts of the natural world and our responsibility to mālama (care for) it.

In Hawaiian culture, the ʻāina is more than just land—it is a living ancestor, a source of life and identity. The mural’s composition suggests not only a journey through space, but also a spiritual one—an invitation to reflect, connect, and “find our way home” through respect for one another and the environment.

For Visaya, the piece is about more than aesthetics: it’s about honoring the spirit of togetherness and reciprocity. The sweeping curves mimic ocean swells and island contours, while botanical impressions speak to native plants and the quiet presence of nature that surrounds the community every day.

As this mural graces the walls of Halawa View, it reminds residents and visitors alike that the land sustains us—and in turn, we are called to sustain and respect it. “ʻĀina” is both a grounding force and a guiding light, celebrating the beauty and responsibility of living in balance with Hawaiʻi’s natural world.

This intimate indoor mural by Kamea Hadar features Haʻa Keaulana—renowned waterwoman, photographer, and cultural ambassador—whose deep roots trace back to the west side of Oʻahu, particularly Mākaha, a place known for its powerful surf and powerful sense of community. Painted in 2020, the portrait anchors the end of the community room, offering both a literal and symbolic presence of strength, identity, and cultural pride.

Haʻa’s gaze is calm yet unwavering, a reflection of her connection to both the ocean and the legacy of her kūpuna (ancestors). Her haku lei, delicately detailed with native Hawaiian greenery and blossoms, represents both beauty and purpose. In Hawaiian tradition, a haku is more than adornment—it is a sign of respect, status, and the bearer’s connection to the natural world.

The mural was created as a tribute to resilience, community, and the importance of remembering where you come from. It reflects Haʻa’s life as someone who lives in harmony with the ocean and who carries the stories of West Oʻahu with her, whether in the lineup or behind the lens.

Placed inside a shared space meant for gathering and celebration, this portrait becomes a source of quiet empowerment and a reminder that identity, culture, and place are interwoven threads that shape the stories of those who live here.

Gracing the entrance of Hale Makana O Māʻili is a lush, hand-painted mural by Hawai‘i artist Kamea Hadar, paired with elegant, custom lettering by sign painter Jeff Gress. This collaborative artwork celebrates the beauty of native flora and the spirit of aloha that defines the community within.

Hadar’s mural features a lei of greenery interwoven with fragrant pua melia (plumeria blossoms), evoking the natural abundance of the Wai‘anae Coast and the warmth of Hawaiian hospitality. These traditional elements were chosen to reflect a sense of welcome, healing, and cultural pride—ideals central to the mission of Hale Makana O Māʻili as a place of refuge and renewal.

Framed below the mural, the hand-lettered sign by Gress beautifully displays the name “Hale Makana O Māʻili” (“The Gifted Home of Māʻili”), combining craftsmanship and cultural integrity. The font style bridges old and new, giving a timeless quality to the name that anchors the property.

Together, the mural and signage create a visual experience that honors place, people, and tradition—marking this affordable housing community not just as a shelter, but as a home rooted in belonging.

Perched high above Halawa, this dreamy two-story mural by local artist Melon transforms the Sky Lounge at Naulu into a serene, cloud-filled escape. Soft blues, warm pinks, and layered shapes drift across the double-height wall, echoing the expansive skies and panoramic views just beyond the glass. Melon’s signature style brings a playful yet calming energy to the space, complementing the lounge’s modern interiors and open, light-filled design. This piece is part of Naulu’s broader public art initiative celebrating local creativity and community identity.

In Hāloa, artist Corey Taum pays tribute to one of Hawaiʻi’s most sacred symbols: the kalo (taro) plant. Representing nourishment, ancestry, and the deep relationship between land and people, the mural evokes the story of Hāloa, the first taro plant and elder sibling of the Hawaiian people in creation chants.

The rich blues and greens pulse with vitality, while geometric bands reflect the layers of identity—earth, water, ancestry, and growth. Set within the office at Naulu, Hāloa serves as a reminder of kuleana (responsibility) to both ʻāina and each other, connecting residents to place, story, and sustainability.

In Waiola, Honolulu-based artist Punky Aloha paints a powerful vision of feminine strength, connection to land and water, and cultural identity. The mural features a graceful wahine rising from the waters, adorned with native flora and framed by misty rains, lush valleys, and ocean currents—symbols of nourishment, life, and resilience.

With bold color blocks, fluid lines, and signature simplicity, the artwork honors the spirit of Naulu—named for the rain cloud that appears unexpectedly—and reflects the deep relationship between people and place in Hawaiʻi. Located in a communal gathering space, Waiola is a vibrant reminder to breathe deep, stand grounded, and move with grace.