FROM ONE END OF THE HAWAIIAN ARCHIPELAGO TO THE OTHER

“Oftentimes what is said and written about Hawaiʻi is coming from a foreign outside perspective, which is why I strive to tell the stories of Hawai'i from a native perspective. Sharing insights to my ʻāina hānau (place of birth), I provide a connection between us as Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) and these spectacular islands. Aloha, my name is Kapulei Flores and I am a 23-year old photographer from Waimea on the Moku o Keawe, also known as Hawaiʻi Island. From one end of the Hawaiian archipelago to the other. From Hōlanikū (Kure Atoll), the oldest and smallest moku (island), to Hawaiʻi Island, the youngest and biggest, the stories and culture of Hawai’i lives on through the native species that connect our islands as well as through the people who care for them. In the fall of 2022, I had the honor of experiencing the ancient beauty of Hōlanikū when I volunteered there for three months with the Kure Atoll Conservancy to do conservation work involving invasive plant removal and native bird monitoring. While there, I was able to observe the ways of our native manu (birds) and lāʻau (plants). From the movement of the lāʻau in the elements to the grace and elegance of the manu, I was constantly reminded of the hula (dances) and oli (chants) that I have learned throughout my life. My experiences on Hōlanikū inspired me to create a photographic project showcasing the comparative relationship between the beauty of our native manu side by side with hula and Hawaiian culture inspired by individuals in our community. With the lens of my camera, you will be taken on a journey to significant ecosystems focusing upon our native birds and highlighted with featured models. Whether it's the color of a muʻu (dress) that mirrors the color of a bird, to a hula movement reflecting that of a manu, there are many linking elements to be found between them. I hope that by connecting all the islands of the Hawaiian Archipelago, from Papahānaumokuākea (Northwestern Hawaiian Islands) to Nā Mokupuni o Hawaiʻi (the main Hawaiian Islands), it will demonstrate a necessity to mālama honua, to take care of the lands, oceans, and all that's integrated with these vital resources. Efforts to care for Papahānaumokuākea include the removal of tons of marine debris that washes up on these atolls and years of conservation work to return the land to its natural state. My hope is to encourage others to be conscious of their impacts upon the environment around them while actively doing their part to mālama honua. If you wish to learn more about Papahānaumokuākea and particularly Hōlanikū, I would recommend checking out Kure Atoll Conservancy for more information on ways to get involved.

Explore Kapulei Flores’ virtual exhibition below:

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