Wahi Pana: Storied Places is a temporary public art project of the City and County of Honolulu Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA) and is a winner of the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Public Art Challenge grant.
Beginning February 2025, the project will feature art installations across the island of O‘ahu that connect each site with their indigenous, Native Hawaiian mo‘olelo (stories).
Wahi Pana engages and educates Hawai‘i's residents and visitors through art that explores the layered and profound mo‘olelo (stories) of our ‘āina (land).
By presenting these cultural narratives, we aim to inspire respect and appreciation for our island's rich heritage, prompt meaningful conversations, and strengthen connections within our community. Through the creative expressions from talented local artists, Wahi Pana seeks to deepen the understanding and appreciation of our history and culture, fostering a shared sense of place among all who experience these powerful stories.
ʻIke i ka Nani o Lēʻahi (Know the Beauty of Lē’ahi)
Join Wahi Pana: Storied Places on Friday, June 12, for an evening of music, poetry, and stories inspired by Lēʻahi, curated by Brandy Nālani McDougall.
The evening features the unveiling of Ke Aloha ʻĀina Paʻa Mau Loa, a historic mele recreated through a new composition by TJ Keanu Tario @laritzalabouche. Originally composed and sung by nā koa o ke aloha ʻāina during the Kaua Kūloko of 1895, as they took up arms against the U.S. military-backed oligarchy in an effort to restore Queen Liliʻuokalani to the throne. This powerful mele will be performed at Lēʻahi for the first time in 131 years.
RSVP Requested. Link in Bio.
Featured Musicians:
TJ Keanu Tario @laritzalabouche
Makaʻala Perry-Tario @makaalaperry
Moana Maeva @_neimoana
Featured Poets:
Donovan Kūhiō Colleps
Kalilinoe Detwiler @kalilinoedetwiler
ʻIhilani Lasconia @inalihi
Kealiʻi MacKenzie @kealii0529
Heoli Osorio @jamaicaosorio
Lyz Soto @lyzsoto
Featured Storytellers:
Kauwila Mahi @olapakauwila.wilz
Kaʻimi Naʻauao Kahikina @mahucha_art
📍 Operation Red Wings Medal of Honor Park
3906 Kahala Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816
Thursday, June 12
5:30–8:30 p.m.
Program:
5:30–6:15 p.m. — Music, refreshments & beverages
6:15–6:30 p.m. — Opening welcome
6:30–6:50 p.m. — Artist conversation
6:50–8:30 p.m. — Poetry, mele & storytelling
This free public event takes place at the site of Brandy Nālani McDougall’s Wahi Pana installation, Lēʻahi from Aloha Kaʻapuni (2025).
Limited seating will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs. Light refreshments and beverages will be served.
This event is co-sponsored by Pu’uhonua Society @puuhonuasociety , Shangri La @hi_shangrila , Mayor’s office of Culture and the Arts @moca.oahu , Bloomberg Philanthropies @bloombergdotorg , and Hawaii Tourism Authority @bloombergdotorg
Lunch & Learn
with Kaili Chun & Kaʻiminaʻauao Kahikina
Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden
Friday, May 1, 12:00PM
Join us for a Lunch & Learn at the site of ‘I Ka Uhiwai o Ke Koʻolau’ a sculptural installation by Kaili Chun @babysurf2 .
This gathering invites educators, program administrators, and community members to engage with the artwork and moʻolelo of the Koʻolau Mountains alongside artist Kaili Chun and researcher Kaʻiminaʻauao Kahikina @mahucha_art . Together, we’ll explore approaches to place-based learning and the histories of the Koʻolau range.
‘I Ka Uhiwai o Ke Koʻolau’ features four corten steel sculptures positioned as nānā (viewing portals), encouraging visitors to slow down, stand still, and kilo—to observe the landscape with intention. Each opening aligns with a puʻu: Konahuanui, Puʻu Lanihuli, Keahiakahoe, and the sacred waters of Hiʻilaniwai.
This program will be offered once a month throughout the summer period.
RSVP required. Link in bio.
Please feel free to bring a chair or mat to sit on.
Join us for the next Wahi Pana: Storied Places Snorkel Tour with @kekahiwahi!
WAHI PANA: GUIDED SNORKEL TOUR
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 @ 7am
Join @kekahiwahi and members of SnorkelClub for a guided community snorkel at Hanauma Bay. Developed alongside the Wahi Pana featured short film Hanauma: He Wahi Loli Mau (2025), this experience invites experienced ocean swimmers to reconnect with the stories, environment, and living systems of Maunalua.
Participants will complete a short pre-dive reflection, gather for orientation and kilo (observation), then enter the water for a guided snorkel. The experience closes with a shared discussion focused on stewardship and care.
•Limited to 6 participants
•Film viewing required before the dive
•Bring your own snorkel gear: mask, fins, appropriate swimwear, sun protection, and water
This gathering will recur every 3–4 months and is designed to strengthen community relationships to this important #wahipana
Early registration is recommended— space is very limited. Scan the QR code or use the link in bio to secure your spot today.
#wahipanastoriedplaces #hanaumabay #snorkeltour #maunalua
Wahi Pana: Storied Places, a fundraiser by the Mayorʻs Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA).
In support of Kona Low relief efforts across Oʻahu, the Wahi Pana Project is releasing a limited-edition T-shirt series featuring all Phase 3 sites. Communities across Oʻahu have been deeply impacted— homes damaged, landscapes altered, and families are navigating a long road ahead. These stories and artworks connect each place to collective action, honoring the significance of Wahi Pana while supporting communities as they recover and rebuild.
*All proceeds from this fundraiser will support the work of Lāhui Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting our communities through cultural preservation, ʻāina stewardship, and direct support to families in need. Mahalo to our fiscal sponsor, Bishop Museum.
PRE-ORDERS OPEN NOW through May 20
Shirts will be available approximately 3 weeks after purchase. Pick-up details to be announced soon.
$40 each Sizes S–XXL
🔺Laniwahine — Artwork by Amber Khan & Jordan Souza
Moʻolelo by Paige Okamura
Haleʻiwa Beach Park
🔺Nā ʻIli o Kahe — Artwork by Meleanna Aluli Meyer & Solomon Enos
Moʻolelo by Ulukoa Duhaylonsod
Kahe Point
🔺I Ka Uhiwai o Ke Koʻolau — Artwork by Kaili Chun
Moʻolelo by Kaiminaʻauao Kahikina
Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden, Koʻolaupoko
Purchase, wear, and stand in support.
. @moca.oahu
Storied Places remember.
Across Oʻahu, unveiled stories live within the land, the wind, the ocean, and within us. Wahi Pana brings these moʻolelo forward through public art shaped by community and grounded in place.
Look closer. There’s more beneath the surface.
Oʻahu is speaking. Come answer the call.
@colour.amber @jordansouza808 @solomonenos @meleannaameyer @kamehana_o_kala @ua_lala @koloikeao @mahucha_art @olapakauwila.wilz @kailichunstudio @babysurf2 @kekahiwahi @carlfkpao
@bloombergdotorg @puuhonuasociety @oahuvb @bishopmuseum @hnl.dts @honolulu_parks @honolulu_gov @mayorrickhnl
In light of the recent storm and its impacts on the North Shore community, the Wahi Pana event at Haleʻiwa Beach Park on April 4th is postponed to allow time for recovery and healing following the devastating losses experienced. The event will be rescheduled for a later date this summer, and updated details will be shared once confirmed.
The Wahi Pana team deeply appreciates your understanding and continued support, and encourages those who are able to contribute to ongoing recovery efforts in the community. Please follow the One Oʻahu @oneoahu and Lāhui Foundation @lahuifoundation for updates, resources, and ways to support those affected.
Stay tuned for more from Wahi Pana Project!
Introducing the Wahi Pana Handi-Van—now in service!
Ka Pā‘ū Ehuehu o Hi‘iaka (The Animated Skirt of Hi‘iaka) by Cory Kamehanaokalā Taum
A companion to the popular Wahi Pana Bus, we are happy to announce the next iteration of the Wahi Pana Handi-Van, a public transit service for persons with disabilities who are unable to use the City’s bus service.
The vehicle features a graphic vinyl wrap by Taum, referencing the moʻolelo of Hiʻiaka as she traverses the islands, with flowing pa‘u patterns representing her journey through O‘ahu and mirroring TheBus + Handi-Van circuits. Hi‘iaka chants the many kau (poetic and sacred chants) honoring the persons and landscapes she encounters, teaching us how to respectfully engage with our surroundings and one another.
TheHandi-Van provides paratransit service, a curb-to-curb, shared-ride transportation option for qualified riders on the island of Oʻahu who are unable to use the City’s bus service, TheBus. TheHandi-Van service operates during the same days and hours as TheBus and is available in areas located within three-fourths (3/4) of a mile of TheBus routes.
Mahalo to all our partners, artists, storytellers, bus drivers, and contractors who made this project possible.
@bloombergdotorg @kamehana_o_kala @hnl_moca @mayorrickhnl @hnl.dts @ots_thebus_hv @puuhonuasociety @aupunispace @oahuvb @mahucha_art @olapakauwila.wilz #StudioOntheRock
Mahalo to all who joined us to celebrate Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and welcome the Wahi Pana Handi-Van into service!
It was an incredible day of student performances featuring oli, mele, hula, and haʻiʻōlelo by Pūnana Leo o Mānoa, Hālau Kū Māna, and Ke Kula Kaiapuni ‘o Ānuenue.
