As we wrap up 2021, we are pleased to share a list of local artists who create art inspired by the ʻāina and forests of Kauaʻi. Our final episode for the year hosted seven artists to share their work and what brought them to create through various mediums. The KISC and KFBRP team spoke with Keahi Manea, Haylin Chock, Kamalani Lovell, Holly Kaʻiakapu, Kehaulani Kekua, Kawika Viets, and Angela Headly. Check out the link to our Youtube to watch the full episode and learn about what inspires these artists to create their stunning works. All participating artists are listed below, and a few others donate portions of their profits to conservation efforts.
Keahi Manea
Ka’imi Na’auao O Hawaii Nei Institute
Keahi Manea is with the Ka’imi Na’auao O Hawaii Nei Institute and has supported the Kaua’i Forest Bird Recovery Project for many years. Keahi has written many mele and oli to express her love for the birds. Her creative skills have extended to creating children’s literature. She has written a book about our precious native forest birds in Hawaiian (there is also an English translation). The book title is He Mo’olelo Pokole. Keahi shared a few pages of her book with our virtual audience, and if you would like to hear her reading check out our episode on the KISC youtube or Facebook. To purchase He Mo’olelo Pokole
Angela Headley
Lū.lā, Hanapēpē
Angela Headley is the owner of Lū Lā Hanapepe. Lū Lā, is an Island Art Gallery and shop that carries locally made art and products. You can find various products and merchandise at her store that support local artists and non-profits such as KFBRP. Angela is also an artist and is inspired by the forests of Kauaʻi and the work of KFBRP. She recently participated in a portrait challenge where artists were asked to represent somebody who made a massive difference for the island. Angela shared a portrait of Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project Leader, Dr. Lisa (Cali) Crampton. Lū.lā Instagram
Holly Kaʻiakapu
The HK Experience
Holly Kaʻiakapu from Hanapēpē values the power of community and the endless potential of art to share her love for her home. These values led her to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Visual and Public Art from California State University, Monterey Bay. Holly aims to combine her interest in the natural world with her artistic skills to create a meeting place for environmental awareness and visual communication. Holly has volunteered with local non-profits such as Waipā Foundation, Nā pua noʻeau, and now directs community beautification projects with Kamāwaelualani Corp. on Kress Street. The HK Experience Website
Haylin Chock
ʻIke Kumu
Haylin was born and raised on Kauaʻi and grew up dancing hula since the age of three. Her love for the land, community, and preservation of natural spaces pushed her to pursue a bachelor’s of science from UH West Oʻahu. She now works as the KISC outreach specialist and creates hair picks and jewelry from ethically sourced wood on Kauaʻi. Haylin has worked at fellow non-profits such as Waipā Foundation and Mālama Hulēia. She is inspired to share Moʻōlelo and knowledge of her community through her woodworks, ʻIke Kumu. Haylin handcrafts each piece from start to finish and shares unique meanings of her designs through social media and attaching each creation with tags explaining her design choices. ʻIke Kumu Instagram
Kamalani Lovell
Lovelly Sea
Kamalani was born and raised in Kauaʻi. Her love for the ocean and hobby of shelling inspired her to start her business, Lovelly sea, where she has honed her skills in creating jewelry. After years of crafting inspired by the ocean, she was introduced to the art of Ulana Lauhala or lauhala weaving. She is a student under her Tutu wahine (grandmother). Kamalani has learned how to create intricate adornments and accessories utilizing the leaves of the Hala tree. Kamalani expressed how she sees learning to weave as an essential skill and gift for her to know so that she may one day pass it down to the next generation. Lovelly Sea Website
Kawika and Jen Viets
ʻĀina Inspired
Kawika and Jen have been growing, promoting, and appreciating the native plants of Hawai’i for 20+ years here on Kauaʻi. They have propagated native plants and spread awareness about preserving our forests. Kawika shared with our audience how ʻĀina Inspired started from a simple woodblock print that has now evolved into a business. They specialize in block-printed hats, shirts, and other various items that feature some of their favorite native plants. When we asked Kawika about the most rewarding part of continuing Āina Inspired, he spoke about how he feels that through sharing wearable art, they can bring awareness to work being done to save our forests and ongoing threats to our ecosystems. ʻĀina Inspired Etsy Shop
Kumu Kēhaulani Kekua
Lavena Hawaiʻi
Kumu Kēhaulani Kekua is the Kumu hula of Hālau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai, a traditional school established on Kaua’i by her grandmother, the late grandmother hula master, Helen Kaipuwai Kekua Waiau in 1945. She is the Director of Studio HA`A, and Designer and Artist of Lavena Hawai`i. Rooted in the formalities of her cultural practices, she is often guided and inspired by ancestral chants, stories, and experiences associated with Hawai’i’s native forests. The myriad life forms and natural resources of the environment are the core inspirations of Lavena Hawaiʻi. Studio HA’A offers specially curated products, merchandise, and opportunities to learn, create, and experience culture and the arts. Kumu Kēhau makes various hand-painted silk pieces that she sells at Studio HAʻA, online and at craft fairs such as the Merrie Monarch Festival. Lavena Hawaii Instagram Lavena Hawaii Website
