Under the Pacific’s surface, where volcanic summits drop away into the blue, and tradition resonates through movement and melody, is Hawaii—a land of breathtaking beauty, to be sure, but more, it is a story. One of the most potent means perhaps that story is told is through the medium of Hawaiian wall art. Those multileveled, vibrantly colored paintings adorn walls-not anywhere, but in company with cultural heritage.
For tourists and art lovers alike, knowing these symbols can turn a regular art purchase into a cultural treasure. And there’s no better place to start the journey than in Honolulu art galleries, where island artists infuse their art with the islands’ aloha spirit, history, and culture.
The Language of Hawaiian Art
In pre-European Hawaiian society, narratives were shared visually, orally, and aurally. Wall paintings are a continuation of that visual storytelling heritage, often imbued with spiritual, genealogical, or environmental significance. There are an immense number of motifs that have existed through the ages and even today, carried by the contemporary artist in a way that is respectful while also new.
Strolling in the art galleries of Honolulu, be it in Chinatown, Kaka’ako, or even in the Honolulu Museum of Art, one will notice these symbols re-emerging very laden with meaning, one at that.
Hibiscus: Beauty, Delicacy, and the Moment
The hibiscus, the state flower of Hawaii (namely, the yellow hibiscus or ma’o hau hele), is undoubtedly the most recognizable flower motif in Hawaiian art. But it is more than an attractive flower—it symbolizes beauty, dainty femininity, and the ephemeral nature of life.
Because hibiscus flowers persist for only one day, they encourage one to grasp every second. Employed in the planning of wall artworks, hibiscus can be depicted in its whole form, simplified, or near-photographic focus, or sometimes with ethnic lei images joined together to denote honor, jubilation, and aloha.
Hula: Movement, Memory, and Storytelling
Hula, dance more than dance, is a sacred art of narrative in Hawaiian culture. With highly carefully choreographed movements, dancers narrate stories of war, love, gods, and nature. If photographed, hula dancers are most often caught in mid-step, skirt fluttering, hands frozen in preparation to pass on.
Artists will often employ smooth brushstrokes or fluid lines to suggest movement or sharp lines to suggest posture and elegance. Hula-inspired paintings for walls are most often a reflection of cultural tradition and reverence for early learning. This subject matter emerges in present-day mixed-media paintings as well as in more traditional oil paintings throughout Honolulu’s local fine art market.
Honu (Sea Turtle): Wisdom and Protection
The most revered animals in Hawaiian society, as a symbol of protection, longevity, and guidance, the honu is said to guide souls through the spiritual realm. It also represents peace and longevity and is a highly sought-after subject for wall art that is utilized to bring peaceful, balanced energy into a household or workplace setting.
In Honolulu’s art galleries, the honu will be found in a variety of styles, from petroglyph-inspired classical designs to abstract compositions of today. Some artists incorporate native motifs in the shell of the turtle, visually connecting it with the broader Polynesian weaving and tattooing traditions.
Waves and Ocean Imagery: Life, Flow, and Power
The ocean, however, is more than the backdrop to Hawaiian life—the ever-deep giver of life, an island joiner, a force to be respected that receives lots of deference. Wall decor of waves, surfboards, or seascapes is generally symbolic of motion of emotion, transformation, and cleansing of the soul.
Some artworks may reflect Hawaii’s surfing traditions of freedom and athleticism, while others become meditative, depicting calm lagoons and introspective waters. Collectors seek these artworks for their desire to infuse their homes with the tranquility and vitality of the Pacific.
Palm Trees and Island Landscapes: Peace and Rootedness
A line of palm trees blowing in the breeze in the light of a receding sun may appear to be a tourist stereotype—but in Hawaiian representation, it’s also a picture of home, safety, and security. Palm trees have sheltered Hawaiians, Hawaiians have eaten from them, and Hawaiians have used them for equipment for centuries.
Island landscape subject matter in art attempts to depict the harmony of land (‘āina) and sea (kai), the essence of Hawaiian values. Representations of Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, or verdant Ko’olau Range valleys reflect place and identity.
Final Thoughts: Hanging Aloha on Your Walls
Hawaiian decor is not only a piece or two of hanging ornamentation; it is an entryway into the history, culture, and spirit of the islands. When you hang up one of these magnificent cultural pieces in your home, things do not stop at accentuating your walls-you are nailing to the wall all the people, symbols, and stories of Hawai’i.
Don’t forget to run by one of those local Honolulu art galleries to peruse the artwork and learn about the artists while choosing which one speaks to you because all homes need some aloha-and sometimes that begins with what you hang up on the wall.
