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Kinolau Community Native Species Art Exhibit
September 2026 Exhibit
Supporting: Boys & Girls Club of Maui
Plants Celebrated: Kukui & Lama
Community Art Submissions: 175
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 Kaira Kukui My kukui nut represents my family. |  Terniesia-Joerie Kukui My kukui nut tree represents the Hawaiian culture and nature in all of the Hawaiian Islands. |  Kolton Kukui These kukui nuts represent my culture. The people who light my way are my dad and mom because they inspire me to keep chasing my dreams. |
 Christina Kukui Boys & Girls Clubs...I love this because it is nice and entertaining. |  Kolby C. Kukui Someone who inspired me is my dad because he always keeps choosing my dream. |  Kiana Lei Kukui My kukui nut represents me & how far I've come in life. How all my support from my family and friends helped me become who I am today. |
 Rex Kukui Kukui nut candle shining so bright, lighting the way thru the night. |  RJ S. Kukui My kukui nut represents my culture and how far I came along. |  Rilee Kukui I went on a field trip. I learned that they made candles out of them. I learned that in 4th grade. |
 Maia Kukui My kukui nut represents my family because my nut is strong & my family is strong together. |  Kealoha Jr. Kukui My kukui nut represents my culture and it lives up to all the Hawaiians on this island. |  Sophia Kukui Nature inspired my kukui nut. |
 Ena Kukui My kukui nut represents my family because we are beautiful and strong. |  Ivi Kukui My kukui nut represents my friends & family. My kukui nut is fun, kind, & strong through all the weathers and breakups. It will stick together. |  Beck Kukui It represents my nee doh. |
 Legend Kukui My kukui nut represents how I grow over time. |  Kalo Kukui Never steal, only admire. |  Aizlee Kukui Hawaiian culture inspired me to make this kukui nut leaf with some kukui nuts on it. |
 Emma Kukui My kukui nut is inspired by my Kumu Sharan from my luau because of its story. |  Kaimani Kukui I drew a kukui nut tree because I really like them. |  Violet Kukui You need to find la peace. |
 Avery Kukui My kukui nut has glasses because I’m cool. |  Daniel Kukui My kukui nut represents my passion for video games. |  Samson Kukui |
 Adrian Kukui Kukui is a family. |  Lucas Kukui The kukui nut means that I am safe at home and sleepy. |  Renata Kukui |
 Cayla Kukui Thankful. |  Aiden Kukui My kukui nut represents my abstract mind. |  Olivia Kukui It is a cute way. |
 Nixon Kukui |  Cruze Kukui My kukui nut represents my love for football. |  Aiden Kukui I like to play outside. |
 Uriel Kukui This shows how happy I am. |  Dominick Kukui My kukui nut represents what makes me, me. |  Lukela Kukui My kukui nut represents my love for music and guitar. |
 Amirrah Kukui This kukui nut represents our islands Maui. |  Mana Kukui My kukui nut was inspired by my friend, Santi. |  Emily Kukui My kukui nut tree on the beach represents the place I go when I feel lost. |
 Audri Kukui My kukui tree. |  Joey Kukui My kukui plant represents no matter how hard times are, you can still have new and beautiful beginnings. |  Briggs Kukui My kukui represents my family and friends. |
 Axel Kukui My kukui nut represents soccer. |  Serah Kukui My kukui nut tree also known as the candle nut tree is the state tree of Hawai’i. |  Ekela Kukui My kukui nut represents my relationship with my family. |
 Kano Kukui My kukui nut tree represents my love to draw and the kukui nut tree by my house. |  Benjamin Kukui My mom gives me light because she is amazing. |  Athena Kukui My kukui nut lei represents kindness. |
 Aariyah Kukui Pattern. |  Ka'ena Kukui I drew this picture of a kukui tree because it’s connected to underground. The things you can use from the kukui tree is a lot, like oil, fire, candles, tea, serum for skin, and food. |  Aariyah Kukui My kukui nut leaf represents my family. This is inspired by my friends. |
 Eva Kukui My kukui leaves represent a new beginning and fresh start! |  Mahina Kukui My art work represents my love for the beach and surfing. The kukui represents the land and the ocean represents the sea. This portrait is meaningful to me because I love going surfing and swimming, but I also love nature walks and gardening, so I painted this. |  Sadela Kukui My kukui tree represents me because of the love of nature. The pretty colors represents me and my picture. |
 Eleili Kukui |  Eleili Kukui You can always find light in da dark. |  Keaumahinaikealani Kukui My kukui tree is keakua. |
 Aaron Kukui My drawing represents friendship. |  Joshua X. Kukui My kukui tree represents life and destiny. |  Autumn Kukui My light. |
 Austin Kukui My kukui tree represents the moon. |  Kawaiola Kukui My kukui tree represents growth. |  Ethan Kukui My kukui lei represents my family on the earth. Queen Liliʻuokalani's favorite color and flower is crown flower and her favorite color is purple. |
 Hunter Kukui My kukui nut lei represents God. This was inspired by my mind. |  Haumaka Kukui Fun! |  Gracelynn Kukui Kukui tree reminds me of you because through hard days, it’s always strong and doesn’t break. |
 CharLeeRae Kukui My kukui represents the island of Moloka’i & it’s native plant (kukui). |  Luca Kukui My tree represents fun and freedom. |  Mika Kukui The Kukui nut, tree, or seedling is important in all different ways to represent growth. The Kukui seedling, turning into a tree, represents personal growth and the way you turn out to be as you age. The Kukui nut lei can represent how far you've come and how your hard work can turn out to be worth it in the end. |
 Alexia Kukui My kukui leaf represents the shining bright of the kukui tree since kukui means “light.” |  Malachi Kukui My kukui nut/tree represents my life as a person where I know nothing but the most it shows, nothing is there but you only see yourself. Everything is black because you only see yourself. |  Reef Kukui My kukui tree represents challenges of my life. |
 Regulus Kukui Makawao Club |  Leila Kukui |  Analei Kukui |
 Vat Kukui |  Anonymous Kukui |  Hezekiah Kukui Dropping from above. |
 Elilei Kukui Honu Kukui |  Elilei Kukui |  Justus Kukui |
 Kymani Kukui Ku ku ku kukui. The kukui tree or plant can be used for many different reasons. I used it to make my hula costumes by using the kukui nut and boiling it to make a yellowish greenish color. |  Kubek Kukui My dog tree. |  Alexis Kukui Kukui nut tree is the State of Hawai’i tree. It has many uses like medicine, oil, & light for about 15 minutes. This piece is “Kukui nut.” |
 Londyn Kukui |  Na'u Kukui Your world is a lamp. |  Darius Kukui This kukui nut tree represents family, friends, & games. |
 Miracle Kukui Family |  Selena Kukui My kukui nut tree represents the one little act of kindness. A big step on making the world a better place, even a tiny, little toddler could change the world. My inspiration is my mami & papi who are here for me everyday. They help me when I’m stuck, cheer me when I’m blue, they say “I’m always gonna be here for you!” You don’t have to be old to help. You don’t have to even change the world. You just have to make someones day. |  Anonyamous Kukui What lights my way is my family, friends, and just being around people that support me. It feels nice to be around them. They are fun to hangout with. |
 Alaenna Kukui The beauty of nature is a great inspiration. My kukui branch represents the beauty of nature. If you get up early in the morning, that’s one of nature's beautiful wonders. The sunrise and sunset in Hawai’i are really pretty example of beauty. |  Ari Kukui My kukui tree represents my ‘ohana. |  Mariela Kukui I am inspired by my friends and they make my day full of joy. |
 Ka'iulani Kukui My ‘Ohana |  Emmaleigh Kukui Something that lights my way is food because it keeps me nourished and makes me happy. |  Elizabeth Kukui Something that lights my way is my friends who motivate me to keep going. |
 Zyler Kukui The kukui leaf is the tree outside the Boys & Girls Club. |  Hoola Kukui |  Sadi Kukui My art represents family. |
 Sophia Kukui My kukui lead represents my family. |  Ku'ulei Kukui This expresses me by knowing when I’m mad. I can change really fast. |  Iokepa Kukui It represents the memories I have with friends which is what shaped me to be the person I am today. All the memories represent a video game. |
 Selena Kukui My kukui nut represents me, my friends, and my family that heals me. |  Olivia Kukui My kukui tree represents my community because you can see the roots going into the community heart and what inspired my artwork was the heart because it shows us to always represent our community. |  Kaylia Kukui A Hawaiian ancient nut that use very importantly in 1900’s. |
 Alyssa Kukui The leis remind us to be thankful for where we come from, share aloha with others, and to always give back to the people & this place we love. |  Leland Kukui It is special to us but it kind of smells. |  Coral Kukui Made for a lei. |
 Zayden Kukui Kukui nuts mean peace. |  Kekua Kukui The kukui nut tree is filled with kukui nuts. |  Chris Kukui It means everything to me. |
 Laiku Kukui It is special to us but it kind of smells. |  Viggo Kukui Kukui grows with pointy leaves. They have nuts. |  Cheryl Kukui Kukui is a canoe plant with many uses. It is a symbol of knowledge and light. |
 Safina Kukui When water drops on kukui leaves it drops right off. |  Naomi Kukui Kukui nuts have nuts inside. |  Orion Kukui Kukui trees are good protection. |
 Poppy W. Kukui Kukui leaves are light green. |  Maverick A. Kukui Kukui nut is good to eat in poke. |  Luana Kukui Kukui nuts come from kukui trees. |
 Ke'oli Kukui Kukui trees can protect you from storms. |  Lilia Kukui Kukui trees have flowers. |  Kye Kukui Kukui nuts can make a spinning top. |
 Kaulanakoa Kukui Kukui nuts can make light. |  Dahlia Kukui Kukui nuts make light and are good in poke. |  Carter B. Kukui Kukui nuts can make medicine. |
 Jaxon Kukui Kukui nuts burn fast. |  Remington Kukui Kukui nuts have oil in them. |  Penelope Kukui Kukui nuts are used for medicine. |
 Olive Kukui Kukui nuts are used for candles. |  Levyn Kukui Kukui nuts are hard. |  Nathan Kukui Kukui nuts can make kukui nut lei. |
 Maverick H. Kukui Kukui nuts are used for light. |  Isla Kukui Kukui nuts can make medicine. |  Legend Kukui Kukui nuts grow on kukui trees. |
 Jolie Kukui Kukui nuts are bumpy. |  Harvey Kukui Kukui nuts are used for candles. |  Cooper H. Kukui Kukui nuts can catch on fire. |
 Charlie Kukui Kukui nuts can be used for fire. |  Carter K. Kukui Kukui nuts can make fire. |  Autum Kukui Kukui nuts can be used for light. |
 Rozaya Kukui Kukui trees have pointy, star shaped leaves. |  River Kukui Kukui nuts are used to make candles. |  Paulo Kukui Kukui nuts can be used for medicine. |
 Karina Kukui Kukui leaves can make lei. |  Kale'a Kukui Kukui nuts are used for lei for hula. |  Evelyn Kukui Kukui nuts can be used for candles and lei for wrists, ankles, and the neck. |
 Angelina Kukui Kukui nuts give light. |  Cooper M. Kukui Kukui nuts can be lit on fire. |  Clayton Kukui Kukui nuts can be used for candles. |
 Graham Kukui Kukui trees can be used to make lei. |  Benjamin Kukui Kukui trees are big, strong, and have lots of leaves. They are good for shelter. |  Aleiya Kukui Kukui leaves have five corners and can make lei for hula dancers. |
 Aeris Kukui Kukui nuts can make candles. |
July 2026 Exhibit
Supporting: Lahaina Community Land Trust, Hawaiʻi Land Trust, and Nā Hale O Maui
Plants Celebrated: ʻUhaloa, Nalo Meli Maoli, ʻAwa, and ʻĀkulikuli
Community Art Submissions: 31
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 Wendy WolfNalo Meli Maoli Nalo Meli Maoli is a pollinator! Without the bees, the entire ecosystem collapses. And this one has a cute facemask that reminds me of Ironman. Which is adorable. |
June 2026 Exhibit
Supporting: Maui Nui Marine Resource Council and Hui O Ka Wai Ola
Plants Celebrated: Limu Pālahalaha, Limu Kala, Honu, Uhu Uliuli, Pōhaku Puna, and ʻĀloʻiloʻi
Community Art Submissions: 45
 EkahaLimu ʻAkiʻaki |  EkahaLimu Kala |  EkahaLimu Pālahalaha |
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 |  Kit HarrisHonu |  Kit HarrisHonu |
 Kit HarrisHonu |  Kate LynchDiatoms are a micro phytoplankton and as such are part of the base of the entire Marine ecosystem! Though architecturally ornate they are in fact single cell organisms. The enlarged diatoms I carve, print and sew on this quilt Ode to the Diatom, are Trigonium arcticum and Trigonom formosum found here in the ocean surrounding the Hawaiian Islands. A reference to coral polyps I observed on coral fragments as a Marine Institute volunteer are depicted in red on the bottom corner of the quilt. |  Coral Nyomi Hōkūao YannellMy parents named me coral after this special keystone species, pohaku puna, that is so important to our ocean ecosystems. The Kumulipo tells us that the coral polyp was the first life ever created. I think their superpower is resilience. |
 Liz YannellLimu pālahalaha holds tight to the rocks despite the power of the shore break. It creates its own vibrant green color by converting energy from the sun! And it always tastes yummy! |  Zoe YannellHonu are my favorite animals. We have similar personalities. They are faster in the water than they are on land! I think honu swim faster than I do! |  Marie Tamura-SneedSea turtles are intelligent animals that can navigate the ocean and locate their feeding areas even after long migrations. |
April 2026 Exhibit
Supporting: Friends of the Childrenʻs Justice Center and Maui Youth & Family Services
Plants Celebrated: ʻAʻaliʻi and ʻUlu
Community Art Submissions: 56
 Mariah One of ʻulu's superpowers is its abundance and the way a single tree can produce hundreds of pounds of fruit each year. This quality makes ʻulu especially meaningful as a symbol of sustainable agriculture and food resilience here in Hawaiʻi. It's a powerful reminder of the way ʻāina provides, and that when we tend to the plants and resources we have, we can continue to nourish and sustain communities for generations to come. |  Angie ʻAʻaliʻi ʻAʻaliʻi is strong. |  Vincent ʻAʻaliʻi ʻAʻaliʻi is very strong, like a gust of wind canʻt knock it down. |
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 Mason ʻUlu ʻUlu leaves are super big and symmetrical. |  Marisol ʻAʻaliʻi ʻAʻaliʻi has super small flowers for lei. |  Margo ʻAʻaliʻi ʻAʻaliʻi is strong and healthy. We can make lei and we can plant them. |
 Mairi ʻAʻaliʻi ʻAʻaliʻi flowers are my favorite colors, pink, purple, red and green. |  Luna ʻAʻaliʻi ʻAʻaliʻi is a strong plant. |  Lona ʻAʻaliʻi ʻAʻaliʻi makes lei. |
 Loghan ʻAʻaliʻi ʻAʻaliʻi we care about trees. |  Leo ʻUlu ʻUlu have fruit so people can eat. |  Landry ʻAʻaliʻi ʻAʻaliʻi is a strong plant. |
 Isaiah ʻUlu ‘Ulu uses the fruit to feed lots of people. It's nature's way of providing food. |  Jayden ʻUlu ‘Ulu breadfruit makes you not get hungry. |  Grace ʻAʻaliʻi ‘A‘ali‘i is a type of flower that comes in different colors. Its special power is that lots of wind can not blow it off. |
 Goldie ʻAʻaliʻi ‘A‘ali‘i is really strong and it is rarely knocked over. |  Addison ʻAʻaliʻi ‘A‘ali‘i can make lei. |  C. Yoshida ʻUlu ‘Ulu grows in abundance and can feed many. |
 Vera ʻUlu ʻUlu is a hard food. |  Tyson ʻUlu If we didnʻt have ʻulu, we wouldnʻt have any food. |  Rocklynn ʻUlu ʻUlu grow in Hawaiʻi. |
 Saylor ʻAʻaliʻi ʻAʻaliʻi grows pretty flowers. |  Ryder ʻAʻaliʻi Some ʻaʻaliʻi flowers can be white. |  Rocco ʻUlu ʻUlu grows on Maui. |
 Nova ʻUlu ʻUlu are big. |  Olivia ʻAʻaliʻi ʻAʻaliʻi is red. |  Penny ʻUlu ʻUlu grows fruit. |
 Raelyn ʻAʻaliʻi ʻAʻaliʻi flowers can be red or pink. |  Livi ʻAʻaliʻi ʻAʻaliʻi plants are super strong. |  Mila ʻAʻaliʻi ʻAʻaliʻi is beautiful. |
 Kyani ʻAʻaliʻi ʻAʻaliʻi is pretty. |  Clara ʻAʻaliʻi ʻAʻaliʻi flowers are strong. |  Camber ʻUlu ʻUlu is a pretty plant. |
 King ʻUlu ʻUlu is a spiky thing. People pick it for food and some animals eat it. |  Emrid ʻUlu ʻUlu fruit is spiky. |  Veda ʻUlu ʻUlu, itʻs food |
 Robbie ʻAʻaliʻi ʻAʻaliʻi stays strong in the wind. |  Mateo ʻUlu ʻUlu can stay alive with a little water. |  Makayla ʻUlu ʻUlu is a yummy fruit. |
 Lily ʻUlu ʻUlu leaves have symmetry. |  Kailena ʻAʻaliʻi I really like the little pink ʻaʻaliʻi flowers. |  Anthony ʻUlu ʻUlu is food. |
 Clementine ʻAʻliʻi If the wind blows ʻaʻaliʻi, it bends but never falls. |  Henry ʻUlu The ʻulu is spiky. |  George ʻAʻaliʻi The ʻaʻaliʻi flower is powerful. |
 Aileyah ʻUlu ʻUlu, you can make poi out of it. |  Angela ʻUlu The ʻulu is food. |  Bianca ʻAʻaliʻi ʻAʻaliʻi can survive with little water. |
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October 2025 Exhibit
Supporting: Mālama Kahālāwai, Uhiwai o Halekalā, and Aloha Mākena
Plants Celebrated: Lobelia gloria-mantis, Koa, and Wiliwili
Community Art Submissions: 110
 Maggie Sutrov Wiliwili |  Maggie Sutrov Wiliwili |  |
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 Michelle Bailie Wiliwili The Wiliwili, a cornerstone of Hawaiʻi’s dryland forests, endures the harshest conditions. Once decimated by invasive gall wasps, it now thrives again through dedicated biocontrol efforts—an ongoing reminder of resilience, conservation, and stewardship. | ![Wiliwili [Erythrina sandwicensis] (1) - KIRC Volunteer Coordinator](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/55ecc9_e26cbb1904fb4a439a3310944bc106c9~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_187,al_c,q_90,enc_auto/55ecc9_e26cbb1904fb4a439a3310944bc106c9~mv2.jpg) Ross Kamimoto One of wiliwili’s greatest superpowers is its ability to thrive in dry, rocky environments where few others can. It sheds its leaves to conserve water during drought, then bursts into vibrant bloom when the rains return — a powerful symbol of resilience. Its lightweight wood & nitrogen-fixing roots also show how it supports others, even while standing alone. That reminds me to embrace rest when needed, trust in my own timing, & strive to nourish the spaces I’m rooted in. |  Merritt James Wiliwili The wiliwili’s superpower is its resilience, thriving in dry, sandy soils, shedding leaves in drought and bursting with coral blooms after rain. It’s important to me because seeing those vibrant colors around the island brings me joy and reminds me of the beauty and strength that can come from even the harshest environments. |
 Saylor Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis are really endangered. People keep endangering them. |  Tyson Koa Koa only lives in Hawai’i. |  Vincent Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis have curvy vines. |
 Rocklynn Koa Koa is used for canoes to help people sail to other islands. |  Raelyn Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis are endangered. |  Penny Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis have different shades of green. |
 Olivia Koa Koa wood is strong. |  Nova Koa Koa are brown and green. |  Luna Wiliwili Wiliwili have orange flowers. |
 Mairi Koa Koa have crescent moon leaves. |  Loghan Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis grow tall. |  Lona Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis are endangered. |
 Livi Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis flowers are kind of pink. |  Leo Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis live in foggy forests. |  Kyani Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis only lives in Hawai’i. |
 Landry Koa Koa has crescent leaves. |  Jayden Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis have banana shaped petals. |  James Kai Wiliwili Wiliwili are endangered. |
 Grace Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis is super beautiful and it shines out. |  Goldie Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis are very pretty flowers. |  Clara Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis live in the forest. |
 Cheryl Yoshida Wiliwili |  Charlie Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful. |  Camber Koa Koa has yellow flowers. |
 Ariabella Koa Koa is Hawaiian. |  Ahbaya Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis have pretty flowers. They live up in the mountain. |  Angie Wiliwili Wiliwili are orange and poisonous. |
 Addie Wiliwili Wiliwili have orange flowers. |  Aleeya Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful. |  Veda Wiliwili Wiliwili wood can float. |
 Robbie M. Wiliwili Wiliwili has the floating wood. |  Robbie B. Wiliwili Wiliwili are endangered. |  Tailoa Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful. |
 Tailoa Koa Koa is strong. |  Orion Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful. |  Orion Koa Koa is strong. |
 Olive Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful. |  Olive Koa Koa is strong. |  Merrit James Koa The koa tree’s superpower is its rich, lustrous wood, growing strong on volcanic slopes and reaching for the sky. The wood’s deep grains have been used for generations in canoes and fine furniture. Personally, it brings me joy to see koa wood used throughout the home, as it reflects the warmth and soul of the islands, reminding me of nature’s gifts and the artistry they inspire. |
 Mateo Koa Koa catches the clouds and the water goes down the crescent leaves. |  Olive Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful. |  Lily Wiliwili Wiliwili is endangered and is used for medicine. |
 Kinsley Wiliwili Wiliwili wood floats. |  Legend Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful. |  Legend Koa Koa is strong. |
 Kailena Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis are Hawaiian like me. |  Jacqueline Koa Koa are endangered. They are the strongest wood in the world. |  Jolie Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful. |
 Jolie Koa Koa is strong. |  Isla Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful. |  Isla Koa Koa is strong. |
 Isla Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful. |  Henry P. Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis are on the mountains. |  Henry Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful. |
 Henry Koa Koa is strong. |  George Koa Koa trees are the strongest trees in the world. |  Elijah Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful. |
 Elijah Koa Koa is strong. |  Charlie Koa Koa is strong. |  Bronson Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful. |
 Bronson Koa Koa is strong. |  Blossom Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful. |  Blossom Koa Koa is strong. |
 Blossom Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful. |  Bianca Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis holds the water for the watershed. |  Anthony Koa Koa flowers are puffers. |
 Angela K. Wiliwili Wiliwili wood can float. |  Araybella Koa Koa is strong. |  Angela P. Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful. |
 Alleyah Wiliwili Wiliwili are endangered. |  Angela P. Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful. |  Angela P. Koa Koa is strong. |
 Aleiya Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful. |  Aeris Koa Koa is strong. |  Aleiya Koa Koa is strong. |
 Aleeya Koa Koa is strong. |  Koa The koa tree is a very useful tree. Not many large Koa are around but the young ones love the ridges of the kahakuloa mountains. |
July 2025 Exhibit
Supporting: Hawaiʻi Land Trust and Lahaina Community Land Trust
Plants Celebrated: Koʻoloaʻula, Lama, Loulu, ʻIlima, ʻUlu, Pili
Community Art Submissions: 13
 Kuʻumaka Ruidas ʻIlima |  Siena Poepoe ʻIlima |  Brissa Christophersen ʻUlu ʻUlu is not only culturally important to us as kānaka Hawaiʻi, as kinolau of different akua energies, but most recently for me, Iʻve been trying to integrate it more in my diet and get creative with recipes to eat the fruit. So, one of ʻuluʻs superpowers are the many ways we can cook ʻulu and the many ways that it is nutritious for our body! |
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 Esther Byun Loulu The underestimated Loulu carries a graceful strength that sustains, inspires and uplifts me and my community. |  Ian Daoang Koʻoloaʻula Ko’oloa’ula is unfortunately an endangered species. Interestingly enough, ko’oloa’ula are in in the mallow family. I have heard of people cross breeding all sorts of mallows and abutilons through manual pollination. If we are ever unable to fully revive the ko’oloa’ula population via propagation, I have hope that crossbreeding will allow ko’oloa’ula to live on in an alternative way. |  Robynn Yoshida ʻIlima I chose ‘Ilima and one of its superpowers is its ability to attract. |
 Kino Minokawa ʻUlu ‘Ulu is extremely versatile. The modern food scene is experimenting crafting ‘ulu into chips or meat substitutes. I myself have turned overripe ‘ulu into cheese danish! In the case of culinary arts, nature already provides the canvas and it is up to you and your tastebuds to create something spectacular. Aside from food, ʻulu provides aesthetic, shade, and material. A well-rounded resource. Pun intended. |  Adrienne and Corey Pasman ʻUlu The superpower of the 'ulu is its quiet resilience. Not only does the 'ulu feed, it also shelters, builds, and heals. Its fruit can be cooked in endless ways, its wood shapes homes and canoes, and its leaves and sap serve many uses. 'Ulu grows generously with little demand, offering more than sustenance. To me, 'ulu is a reminder that true strength is in lasting, giving, and adapting; without needing to be loud. |  AJ Magliozzi ʻUlu ʻUlu has an incredible fruit! You can enjoy it sweet, savory, hot, cold, or even make flour from it. The trees are highly productive, providing food for many. In Hawaiʻi, as a cultural staple, ʻulu represents abundance, resilience, and sharing. |
 Christina Wine ʻIlima 'Ilima has hairy leaves to conserve moisture in arid areas of Maui Nui. This particular painting subject was photographed at Hakioawa on Kahoolawe. In more arid conditions, the plant adapts its form. It is also akamai enough to adapt to windy climate by growing in a more prostrate form ('ilima papa) to avoid wind damage. |  Zaesha Gonsalves ʻIlima ʻIlima’s superpower is how strong it is even though it’s small. It grows in hot, dry places and still looks beautiful. I think that’s special because it reminds me I can be strong too, even when things are hard. |  Ross Kamimoto Koʻoloaʻula I resonate with its story. This plant is a symbol of holding on—enduring despite odds. As someone who’s worked in conservation for years, it represents the kind of patient, long-view work we do. It reminds me why I care. To know Koʻoloaʻula is to deepen my understanding of place. It’s a kinolau of persistence, adaptability, and quiet strength. |
 Robin Stevenson ʻUlu ‘Ulu for its physical attributes provide sustenance and protection, offering nourishment and shelter in many forms for our community. These “superpowers” are meaningful to me in that the abundance of ‘ulu will allow our community to flourish, much like the knowledge and resources we share to support and enrich each other. Lahaina can and will thrive through mutual care for the land and its people— one ‘ulu tree at a time. |
May 2025 Exhibit
Supporting: Maui Nui Botanical Gardens and Hui Noʻeau
Plants Honored: Naupaka papa, Kalo, Kupukupu, Koa, Koaʻia, Hala, Hala pepe, Nehe
Community Art Submissions: 21
 Maggie Sutrov Hala pepe |  Alenalei Petsas Lei Naupaka "It is pretty and I can wear it and dance in it." |  Wendy Wolf Koa "I once did a meditation and the answer came back to me that I am like a tree--I grow deep roots and, mostly, thrive in one place. The Acacia Koa is found only in Hawaiʻi, and the name means "warrior" or "brave" one. What a lovely, powerful tree to be associated with. I think all trees are beautiful, but this one, with its wide canopy evokes warm places and shelter. " |
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 Kele Sipman Naupaka "The superpower of the naupaka is the resilience in staying hardy although it gets whipped with wind and ocean mist." |  Maggie Sutrov Koaiʻa |  Marinel Robinson Hala pepe "Our group focused on the Hala pepe — the perfect plant for Honua’ula with the superpower abilities to withstand drought and high wind conditions. She is wildly beautiful — dancing, but still rooted in the red land and looking out towards Kaho’olawe with her long, dark green leaves (“hair”) flowing in the wind." |
 Donna Beal Hala "Lauhala was pleasant to weave. With a bit of moisture it was compliant yet strong, peaceful and beautiful!" |  Erin Fulton Hala pepe "Small but mighty. Unassuming but multifaceted. Sacred to both Laka and Kapo and medicinal. While it was chosen for me, I am grateful to have fully met this acquaintance at this point in my life." |  Aubrey May Hala pepe "The Hala pepe's superpower of supporting the native habitat and ecosystem is meaningful to me." |
 Robynn Yoshida Hala |  Nadia Rathje Kupukupu "The Kupukupu gently whispers the ancestral wisdom and knowledge of the ancestors. Encouraging spiritual growth despite the challenges, reminding me to remain resilient, to embrace renewal and rebirth in my life. I am grateful for its guardian presence in the garden and love creating art with its vibrant energy." |  Maggie Sutrov Hala pepe |
 Brissa Christophersen Kalo "Kalo's (Hāloa's) superpower is his adaptability. I ka wā kāhiko, there were hundreds of kalo varieties, created through his ability to adapt to environmental inputs—wind, water, landscape placement, kānaka farming him, etc.—and his resilience in each relationship. Each variety differs in preferences, growth, and their beautiful colors. Kalo truly reflect kānaka (or kānaka reflect kalo), in that our environment and relationships shape who we are and who we grow to be." |  Kristy Copperfield Hala "The structure, strength and flexibility of the Hala is its superpower. Its trait of flexibility to be tightly woven into baskets to carry things into, its structure to maintain form for jewelry adornments, its strength to be woven into mats to sit on and pāpale to shade from the sun yet maintain beauty in design, pulls me in and captivates me with the endless possibilities. Its longevity to stand the test of time without withering away truly astonishes me." |  Alenalei Pestas Hala pepe |
 Siena Poepoe Hala |  Maggie Sutrov Hala "I am always fascinated by the textures of hala. Each leaf that falls away leaves a part of the pattern on the trunk. Its make remains, and the repeating texture of each leaf results in the most beautiful design." |  Maggie Sutrov Koaiʻa |
 Kekai Robinson Lei Hala pepe |  Jessica Mannor Hala pepe |  Kuʻumaka Ruidas Hala |
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