Conceptualized and facilitated by Kākāʻōlelo, Pua Ishibashi, the Māmala Hoa web site was constructed by the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Conference Center and launched on February 26, 2008.

Na Aliʻi by Herb Kawainui Kane

Featured artwork by Herb Kawainui Kane
“Na Aliʻi - A Gathering of Chiefs” is a stunning 15-by-7-foot mural painted by Hawaiʻi’s foremost artist Herbert Kawainui Kane of Kailua, Kona, Hawaiʻi.

The painting depicts a summit of aliʻi (chiefs) of Moku O Keawe (Big Island), resplendent in ʻahu ʻula and and mahiʻole (feathered cloaks, capes and helmets), battle apparel of the aliʻi.. The highest ranking aliʻi wear the lei niho palaoa (carved whale tooth on human hair), a prized symbol of aliʻi rank. At each end are young warrior aliʻi bearing the kahili (feather aliʻi standards). The guard on the left holds a pohaku newa (stone-headed club); while the guard on the right holds a lei o mano (shark’s-tooth weapon). A third guard sounds a blast on the trumpet shell. A chanting kahuna (priest), also of chiefly class, holds aloft a stalk of ti as a signal that peace must be observed. Here Kamehameha wears a cloak made entirely of yellow feathers, an emblem his of supreme status as king of Moku O Keawe. Mahalo nui to Mr. Kane for allowing Māmala Hoa to feature this beautiful work of art on the Māmala Hoa website.

For more infomration on Herb Kane and his artwork please go to http://www.herbkaneart.com/

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