Koa Tree and the ‘Elepaio

Written By Kamāwaelualani Corp.

By Beth Coma

The Koa Tree was used by our ancestors to create canoes, housing, weapons, and tools. Koa means “brave” and can also mean “warrior” as Koa Trees are known for their strength, steadfastness, and resiliency. A kānaka (native Hawaiian) saying goes, “E ola koa” or “Live like Koa,” meaning to live in strength and rootedness. Today, the Koa is a precious wood, known for its sturdiness and veneer. The ‘Elepaio bird is endangered due to introduced diseases, human impacts, and foreign predators. The ‘Elepaio can be seen today if you’re lucky up in the mountains amongst the Koa trees in Kōke‘e, Kaua‘i.

Projects this Mo’olelo is featured in

Featured
Kalena Park
Kalena Park
Kalena Park
Kalena Park

For Earth Day 2021, Mo‘olelo Murals participated in the beautification of Kalena Park. We planted trees and painted our public spaces with Kamehameha Butterflies. Kamehameha Butterflies are endemic to Hawai‘i.

Kalena Park
Aloha Friday Mural Series
Elua & Hardy St, Līhu'e
Aloha Friday Mural Series
Elua & Hardy St, Līhu'e

Our Moʻolelo Murals team designed this mural to honor the interconnectedness of our past, present, and future and recognize wāhine whose mana protects and nurtures Kauaʻi today and always.

Elua & Hardy St, Līhu'e
Kress st. Store Fronts Project
Rice Street
Kress st. Store Fronts Project
Rice Street

Revitalizing Downtown Līhu‘e and bringing positive light to local businesses.

Rice Street
Kamāwaelualani Corp.

Kamāwaelualani Corp. is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to empower Kaua‘i and her people through cultural and environmental sustainability and education.

https://kamawaelualani.org
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‘I‘iwi bird and the ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua