By Staff Reports
(HONOLULU) – Families and community members gathered at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve on May 27th for a rare after-hours event, featuring the premiere of Hanauma: He Wahi Loli Mau (2025)—by Hawaiʻi-based art collective kekahi wahi—part of the City’s Wahi Pana: Storied Places public art project, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies and led by the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts.
The 19-minute experimental video explores the evolving relationship between people and place through abstract imagery, archival footage, and poetic narration. The event opened with a powerful performance by Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela, fresh off their winning performance at the Merrie Monarch Festival, followed by remarks from Mayor Rick Blangiardi, and a panel discussion featuring artists and storytellers, kekahi wahi, Ann Marie Nālani Kirk, and visual artist Ualani Davis.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve visitors and community members may watch Hanauma: He Wahi Loli Mau, as part of the Visitor’s Guide produced by kekahi wahi to accompany the experimental film.