“Legends of He’eia”

Proposed Wall Mural
He’eia Elementary School Library

Abstract images depicting the historic legends of the He’eia Fishpond are rendered in blue ceramic tile set in off-white plaster for a wall installation
measuring 11 by 32 feet. Cutout shapes reminiscent of Tahitian quilt designs and Matisse’s famous cutout art reflect images of Meheanue. Meheanue, watchguard
of the He’eia Fishpond, could change her form from eel to frog to lizard. Also represented in the mural are other mythic figures: Mo’oakua (the water spirit);
Lupe-kiannui (a stingray); two surfing brothers; a shark; a Wili-Wili Tree (or Hau tree); an octopus; a frigate bird. The Koolau Mountains and ocean waves,
in positive and negative space, form an evocative background. A feeling of movement is achieved by setting the tiles at a 10 degree angle.

The intriguing Hawaiian legends beome a powerful visual teaching tool for children, presenting the history of the Kaneohe region,
local stories, natural sciences, and the ecological benefits of fish ponds.


• • • Click here to view the installed work • • •

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Pacific Pathways • Caroline Yacoe
223 Paiko Drive • Honolulu, Hawaii 96821 • Phone/Fax (808) 396-3326 • e-mail: cyacoepp@aol.com
All images and material Copyright © 2001 Pacific Pathways unless otherwise noted.