The blessing of the art installations was conducted by Kumu Kapono‘ai Molitau with artists Kekai Kapu, Gigi Gomes and Pohaku Kahoohanohano present.

KAANAPALI – Local artisans recently unveiled handmade works of art displayed at The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas.

A blessing of the art installations was conducted by Kumu Kapono’ai Molitau with artists Kekai Kapu, Gigi Gomes and Pohaku Kahoohanohano present, along with resort guests and members of the community.

Following the blessing, kindergarten through fifth grade students from Princess Nahi’ena’ena Elementary School performed Hawaiian songs and enjoyed Makahiki games.

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 skillfully created using natural materials and traditional methods that were passed down from generation to generation within each of the practitioner’s families.

Kumu Kapono‘ai Molitau blesses the column representing Akua/Ali‘i comprised of kahili that he created from koa wood and feathers.

The first pillar exhibits three kahili, or feather staffs. They were made by Molitau from koa wood and feathers.

The second pillar is a collaboration between cultural consultant/practitioner Kapu and fisherman 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 pea lauhala (pandanus leaf sail) that was hand-woven by 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.

“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.”

Commissioned by Kanuha, these authentic artifacts highlight four important elements in Hawaiian culture: Akua/Ali’i (god/royalty), lawaia (fisherman), waa (canoe), and wai (fresh water). The pillars symbolize the reverence of God and royalty, honoring the fishing village that was here before, voyaging and navigation, and the value of water as the source of life in Hawaiian culture.

“Everything here was done with purpose and meaning – from the concept of the lobby, to the design of the landscaping and the names of the buildings,” added Kanuha.

“These four elements add to the deeper meaning, allowing us to share our culture with people who come to visit The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas. Together it all tells a story.”

To learn more, guests and the community are welcome to view the artwork or visit the resort’s Pu’uhonua o Nanea Cultural Center, which is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, visit westinnanea.com or call 662-6300.