The Ho'olaule'a Series Story

If you live in Hawaii, I’m sure you have enjoyed many ho’olaule’a! But for those of you who don't, ho’olaule’a is a big, joyful, celebration! It’s a large party, that always includes food, music and friendship. Many of us have ho’olaule’a with our ohana (family), but we also gather in even larger groups, much like you would call a “block party” on the mainland.

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In Hawaii, food is central to our celebrations… and there are always the favorites of a Hawaiian plate with mac salad and rice. You can usually find a variety of fried noodles, some homemade kulolo (a dessert made with taro, coconut and sugar) , fresh fruits, and if you’re lucky, some malasadas (Portuguese fried batter). But food isn’t everything!

You will hear a lot of music… some kanikapila which is a Hawaiian jam session where anyone can join in, or we crank up the karaoke machine and take turns singing! There will be spur of the moment hula … not the fancy kind like at a luau, but real people in their everyday clothes, just standing up and dancing the songs they grew up with and love. It’s beautiful!!

And when we are joyful in Hawaii, we are loud!! Lots of laughter!! Lots of talk story!

I first began this series of “Ho’olaule’a” paintings at a time I was celebrating the improved health I experience on island. I was exploding with joy, and wanting to explore that in color and shapes.

The paintings in this series all celebrate the joy, happiness, togetherness and good will that encompass the experience of ho’olaule’a. I hope they bring happiness and joy into your heart too!