Art at ‘Alohilani

Post by: Joseph Mains
Feb 25, 2020

Art is part of what makes us more human, more joyful, and gives us something that is bigger and more beautiful than our own small world. It’s in the fabric of how everyone at ‘Alohilani approaches hospitality and living, and we are thankful for how we’re able to integrate this into what we do. From the large sculptural installation behind the check in desk, to the koa wood pillars in the main lobby, to the traditional Hawaiian feather cape and helmet in the lobby, we’re passionate about bringing encounters with art into our everyday lives.

This year, we were proud to have served once again as the official host hotel for Pow! Wow! Hawaii 2020, an annual showcase of street art from a roster of over 100 contemporary artists. With live music, gallery shows, lectures, and mural projects created in real time, the festival has become an annual tradition here at ‘Alohilani.

If you’ve stayed with us in the last year, you likely caught a glimpse of last year’s “Greetings from Hawaii” mural installation, painted by artist Victor Ving and photographer Lisa Beggs during the last Pow! Wow! Hawaii. This year, we were excited to host artist Kris Goto, whose mural “Deliver” was unveiled on February 14th.

Inspired by the lush, green beauty of Hawaii, Kris created this year’s mural in celebration of the partnership between ‘Alohilani and the Hawaiian Legacy Rainforest Initiative. In her artist statement about the project, she writes, “This mural is a snapshot of one’s journey to deliver the infant trees of Milo, Koa and Sandalwood to their next destination alongside their companions – the three porcupine fishes and a pufferfish, Ophelia, Hummer, Sid and Nigel, who are also the residents inside the resort’s Oceanarium.” Kris encourages viewers to see themselves in the surfer, whose journey brings awareness to the importance of renewing our forests and the intimate, dynamic relationship between humans and nature in Hawaii.

Painting in public spaces is a particular joy for Kris, and while each project carries with it its own unique thrills, Kris found this piece especially rewarding for one surprising reason: the mural site’s proximity to the Monkey Pod Kids’ Club. Each day, as Kris brought her mural to life, she chatted with the kids about art and creativity while she served as a real life example of a woman artist making her way in the world by doing what she loves most, hopefully inspiring the next generation of artists to pursue their dreams.

View Time Lapse of Kris Goto’s Mural Production