Hawai‘i Governor Josh Green, M.D., First Lady Jaime Kanani Green, and representatives of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA), Hawai‘i Lodging and Tourism Association (HLTA), Department of Accounting and General Services, the Legislature, muralists and community artists today unveiled He Lei Ho‘okipa: an extraordinary 2,000-foot mural of a plumeria lei encircling the Hawai‘i state Capitol.
He Lei Hoʻokipa was created to welcome and honor participants of the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC). Encircling the state Capitol, the striking mural serves as a visual message of aloha, extending a warm welcome and honoring the 27 Pacific nation delegations and participations of FestPAC.
“The state of Hawai‘i is honored to welcome the 2,200 delegates from throughout the Pacific through this artistic lei representing aloha and unity,” said Governor Green. “We hope everyone will participate in the many free cultural and heritage events during FestPAC. Please come out and learn, share and experience all the Pacific has to offer.”
He Lei Hoʻokipa underscores the value of hoʻokipa (hospitality) in Hawaiian culture, symbolizing the deep respect and aloha that Hawaiʻi holds for everyone. The plumeria was selected as the main central element of the design as it is found throughout the Pacific, representing the interconnectedness and shared beauty of Pacific cultures.
This ambitious project, led by renowned Native Hawaiian artists Meleanna Aluli Meyer and Solomon Enos, brought together teams of muralists from diverse communities to transform the Capitol’s 10-foot-high wall into a vibrant symbol of welcome.
“This project is what community is all about,” said Meyer. “It is the work of many coming together as more than 100 individuals and families helped to bring our vision to life. We thank HTA and everyone for their support, and look forward to welcoming our brothers and sisters from Oceania.”
“This impactful mural sends a powerful message of aloha to our extended ʻohana from throughout the Pacific,” said HTA Board Chair and HLTA President and CEO Mufi Hanneman. “We are honored to be a part of such a meaningful project that aligns with our mission to support the community, uplift our local artists, and share what is special about Hawaiʻi with the world.”
HTA is supporting the 13th FestPAC through its Signature Events program. More than 2,200 delegates from 27 Pacific nations will gather for 10 days of cultural exchange and celebration at multiple venues across Oʻahu, including the Festival Village at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. More than 50 festival events, including the opening and closing ceremonies, Festival Village, arts exhibits, dance performances, and music events, will be free and open to the public.
HTA’s support of this project advances Action H.4 of the community-driven Oʻahu Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP), to “promote O‘ahu artisans, including local crafts, fashion, music, performing, and visual arts.”
For more information about the 13th FestPAC, including festival delegations and the event schedule, please visit www.festpachawaii.org.
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