In the summer of 1989 I was asked to do a piece of artwork commemorating the 200th anniversary of Pu'ukohola, one of the most sacred heiaus, or or temples, of the Hawaiian people. I live less than 10 miles from the site and felt honored to be asked to do such an important image.
It was at that event that I first met Kale Makua. A spiritual leader and mentor too many of the men of the na koa, he had kind eyes and was easy to talk to and we quickly developed a friendship that lasted 15 years.
I was snapping photographs all morning when I truned and saw him sitting calmly under a tree, beautifully backlit by the rays of the morning sun. As I prepared to take the picture, he shifted, just a little, and a ray of light came from over his shoulder and lit the interior of his hands. I gasped and clicked. Within hours I had the film developed and had started "Kahuna Kahu O Ka Malamalama" which has become one of my favorite drawings. This year, after many requests, I did it again, but in color this time.
A pure blooded Hawaiian, one of the few left, Makua was also an ex-marine. He helped many people find their way, with both spiritual guidance and quiet wisdom. His dream was to start a school for Hawaii's children where they could be brought up learning the old ways of Hawaiian culture.
In March 2004, Makua was killed in a head-opn collision, near his home in Puna. He will be sadly missed.
a note from Kathy Long dated 12/04/04 Kamuele, HI
This Framed and matted limited edition giclee print measures: 22.5"Hx18.5"Wx.75"D
The inside image measures: 14.5"Hx10.5"W
This product was added to our catalog on Tuesday 25 October, 2011.
