Kinolau Community Native Species Art Exhibit

October 2025 Exhibit

Maggie Sutrov Wiliwili	Maggie Sutrov Wiliwili









	Michelle Bailie Wiliwili The Wiliwili, a cornerstone of Hawaiʻi’s dryland forests, endures the harshest conditions. Once decimated by invasive gall wasps, it now thrives again through dedicated biocontrol efforts—an ongoing reminder of resilience, conservation, and stewardship.	Ross Kamimoto One of wiliwili’s greatest superpowers is its ability to thrive in dry, rocky environments where few others can. It sheds its leaves to conserve water during drought, then bursts into vibrant bloom when the rains return — a powerful symbol of resilience. Its lightweight wood & nitrogen-fixing roots also show how it supports others, even while standing alone. That reminds me to embrace rest when needed, trust in my own timing, & strive to nourish the spaces I’m rooted in.
Merritt James Wiliwili The wiliwili’s superpower is its resilience, thriving in dry, sandy soils, shedding leaves in drought and bursting with coral blooms after rain. It’s important to me because seeing those vibrant colors around the island brings me joy and reminds me of the beauty and strength that can come from even the harshest environments.	Saylor Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis are really endangered. People keep endangering them.	Tyson Koa Koa only lives in Hawai’i.
Vincent Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis have curvy vines.	Rocklynn Koa Koa is used for canoes to help people sail to other islands.	Raelyn Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis are endangered.
Penny Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis have different shades of green.	Olivia Koa Koa wood is strong.	Nova Koa Koa are brown and green.
Luna Wiliwili Wiliwili have orange flowers.	Mairi Koa Koa have crescent moon leaves.	Loghan Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis grow tall.
Lona Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis are endangered.	Livi Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis flowers are kind of pink.	Leo Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis live in foggy forests.
Kyani Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis only lives in Hawai’i.	Landry Koa Koa has crescent leaves.	Jayden Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis have banana shaped petals.
James Kai Wiliwili Wiliwili are endangered.	Grace Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis is super beautiful and it shines out.	Goldie Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis are very pretty flowers.
Clara Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis live in the forest.	Cheryl Yoshida Wiliwili	Charlie Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful.
Camber Koa Koa has yellow flowers.	Ariabella Koa Koa is Hawaiian.	Ahbaya Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis have pretty flowers. They live up in the mountain.
Angie Wiliwili Wiliwili are orange and poisonous.	Addie Wiliwili Wiliwili have orange flowers.	Aleeya Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful.
Veda Wiliwili Wiliwili wood can float.	Robbie M. Wiliwili Wiliwili has the floating wood.	Robbie B. Wiliwili Wiliwili are endangered.
Tailoa Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful.	Tailoa Koa Koa is strong.	Orion Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful.
Orion Koa Koa is strong.	Olive Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful.	Olive Koa Koa is strong.
Merrit James Koa The koa tree’s superpower is its rich, lustrous wood, growing strong on volcanic slopes and reaching for the sky. The wood’s deep grains have been used for generations in canoes and fine furniture. Personally, it brings me joy to see koa wood used throughout the home, as it reflects the warmth and soul of the islands, reminding me of nature’s gifts and the artistry they inspire.	Mateo Koa Koa catches the clouds and the water goes down the crescent leaves.	Olive Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful.
Lily Wiliwili Wiliwili is endangered and is used for medicine.	Kinsley Wiliwili Wiliwili wood floats.	Legend Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful.
Legend Koa Koa is strong.	Kailena Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis are Hawaiian like me.	Jacqueline Koa Koa are endangered. They are the strongest wood in the world.
Jolie Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful.	Jolie Koa Koa is strong.	Isla Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful.
Isla Koa Koa is strong.	Isla Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful.	Henry P. Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis are on the mountains.
Henry Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful.	Henry Koa Koa is strong.	George Koa Koa trees are the strongest trees in the world.
Elijah Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful.	Elijah Koa Koa is strong.	Charlie Koa Koa is strong.
Bronson Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful.	Bronson Koa Koa is strong.	Blossom Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful.
Blossom Koa Koa is strong.	Blossom Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful.	Bianca Lobelia gloria-montis Lobelia gloria-montis holds the water for the watershed.
Anthony Koa Koa flowers are puffers.	Angela K. Wiliwili Wiliwili wood can float.	Araybella Koa Koa is strong.
Angela P. Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful.	Alleyah Wiliwili Wiliwili are endangered.	Angela P. Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful.
Angela P. Koa Koa is strong.	Aleiya Wiliwili Wiliwili is colorful.	Aeris Koa Koa is strong.
Aleiya Koa Koa is strong.	Aleeya Koa Koa is strong.

July 2025 Exhibit

Kuʻumaka Ruidas ʻIlima	Siena Poepoe ʻIlima	Brissa Christophersen ʻUlu ʻUlu is not only culturally important to us as kānaka Hawaiʻi, as kinolau of different akua energies, but most recently for me, Iʻve been trying to integrate it more in my diet and get creative with recipes to eat the fruit. So, one of ʻuluʻs superpowers are the many ways we can cook ʻulu and the many ways that it is nutritious for our body!
Esther Byun Loulu The underestimated Loulu carries a graceful strength that sustains, inspires and uplifts me and my community.	Ian Daoang Koʻoloaʻula Ko’oloa’ula is unfortunately an endangered species. Interestingly enough, ko’oloa’ula are in in the mallow family. I have heard of people cross breeding all sorts of mallows and abutilons through manual pollination. If we are ever unable to fully revive the ko’oloa’ula population via propagation, I have hope that crossbreeding will allow ko’oloa’ula to live on in an alternative way.	Robynn Yoshida ʻIlima I chose ‘Ilima and one of its superpowers is its ability to attract.
Kino Minokawa ʻUlu ‘Ulu is extremely versatile. The modern food scene is experimenting crafting ‘ulu into chips or meat substitutes. I myself have turned overripe ‘ulu into cheese danish! In the case of culinary arts, nature already provides the canvas and it is up to you and your tastebuds to create something spectacular. Aside from food, ʻulu provides aesthetic, shade, and material. A well-rounded resource. Pun intended.	Adrienne and Corey Pasman ʻUlu The superpower of the 'ulu is its quiet resilience. Not only does the 'ulu feed, it also shelters, builds, and heals. Its fruit can be cooked in endless ways, its wood shapes homes and canoes, and its leaves and sap serve many uses. 'Ulu grows generously with little demand, offering more than sustenance. To me, 'ulu is a reminder that true strength is in lasting, giving, and adapting; without needing to be loud.	AJ Magliozzi ʻUlu ʻUlu has an incredible fruit! You can enjoy it sweet, savory, hot, cold, or even make flour from it. The trees are highly productive, providing food for many. In Hawaiʻi, as a cultural staple, ʻulu represents abundance, resilience, and sharing.
Christina Wine ʻIlima 'Ilima has hairy leaves to conserve moisture in arid areas of Maui Nui. This particular painting subject was photographed at Hakioawa on Kahoolawe. In more arid conditions, the plant adapts its form. It is also akamai enough to adapt to windy climate by growing in a more prostrate form ('ilima papa) to avoid wind damage.	Zaesha Gonsalves ʻIlima ʻIlima’s superpower is how strong it is even though it’s small. It grows in hot, dry places and still looks beautiful. I think that’s special because it reminds me I can be strong too, even when things are hard.	Ross Kamimoto Koʻoloaʻula I resonate with its story. This plant is a symbol of holding on—enduring despite odds. As someone who’s worked in conservation for years, it represents the kind of patient, long-view work we do. It reminds me why I care. To know Koʻoloaʻula is to deepen my understanding of place. It’s a kinolau of persistence, adaptability, and quiet strength.
Robin Stevenson ʻUlu ‘Ulu for its physical attributes provide sustenance and protection, offering nourishment and shelter in many forms for our community. These “superpowers” are meaningful to me in that the abundance of ‘ulu will allow our community to flourish, much like the knowledge and resources we share to support and enrich each other. Lahaina can and will thrive through mutual care for the land and its people— one ‘ulu tree at a time.

May 2025 Exhibit

Maggie Sutrov Hala pepe	Alenalei Petsas Lei Naupaka "It is pretty and I can wear it and dance in it."	Wendy Wolf Koa "I once did a meditation and the answer came back to me that I am like a tree--I grow deep roots and, mostly, thrive in one place. The Acacia Koa is found only in Hawaiʻi, and the name means "warrior" or "brave" one. What a lovely, powerful tree to be associated with. I think all trees are beautiful, but this one, with its wide canopy evokes warm places and shelter. "
Kele Sipman Naupaka "The superpower of the naupaka is the resilience in staying hardy although it gets whipped with wind and ocean mist."	Maggie Sutrov Koaiʻa	Marinel Robinson Hala pepe "Our group focused on the Hala pepe — the perfect plant for Honua’ula with the superpower abilities to withstand drought and high wind conditions. She is wildly beautiful — dancing, but still rooted in the red land and looking out towards Kaho’olawe with her long, dark green leaves (“hair”) flowing in the wind."
Donna Beal Hala "Lauhala was pleasant to weave. With a bit of moisture it was compliant yet strong, peaceful and beautiful!"	Erin Fulton Hala pepe "Small but mighty. Unassuming but multifaceted. Sacred to both Laka and Kapo and medicinal. While it was chosen for me, I am grateful to have fully met this acquaintance at this point in my life."	Aubrey May Hala pepe "The Hala pepe's superpower of supporting the native habitat and ecosystem is meaningful to me."
Robynn Yoshida Hala	Nadia Rathje Kupukupu "The Kupukupu gently whispers the ancestral wisdom and knowledge of the ancestors. Encouraging spiritual growth despite the challenges, reminding me to remain resilient, to embrace renewal and rebirth in my life. I am grateful for its guardian presence in the garden and love creating art with its vibrant energy."	Maggie Sutrov Hala pepe
Brissa Christophersen Kalo "Kalo's (Hāloa's) superpower is his adaptability. I ka wā kāhiko, there were hundreds of kalo varieties, created through his ability to adapt to environmental inputs—wind, water, landscape placement, kānaka farming him, etc.—and his resilience in each relationship. Each variety differs in preferences, growth, and their beautiful colors. Kalo truly reflect kānaka (or kānaka reflect kalo), in that our environment and relationships shape who we are and who we grow to be."	Kristy Copperfield Hala "The structure, strength and flexibility of the Hala is its superpower. Its trait of flexibility to be tightly woven into baskets to carry things into, its structure to maintain form for jewelry adornments, its strength to be woven into mats to sit on and pāpale to shade from the sun yet maintain beauty in design, pulls me in and captivates me with the endless possibilities. Its longevity to stand the test of time without withering away truly astonishes me."	Alenalei Pestas Hala pepe
Siena Poepoe Hala	Maggie Sutrov Hala "I am always fascinated by the textures of hala. Each leaf that falls away leaves a part of the pattern on the trunk. Its make remains, and the repeating texture of each leaf results in the most beautiful design."	Maggie Sutrov Koaiʻa
Kekai Robinson Lei Hala pepe	Jessica Mannor Hala pepe	Kuʻumaka Ruidas Hala