Kings’ Shops supports students in their artistic exploration of Hawaiian Islands

The Observation Tower at Kings’ Shops in Waikōloa has new art on display, depicting the flower that represents each island for May Day, created by local sixth-grade students.

Kings’ Shops donated $500 to Parker School’s art program to support the sixth-grade project exploring the Hawaiian Islands through the tradition of the Nā Aliʻi royal court. The contribution comes as Parker School marks its 50th anniversary, adding community support to a milestone year for the Waimea school.

“Parker School students brought creativity and care to a project that connects arts, geography and Hawaiʻi’s cultural traditions,” said Lynn Rostau, general manager of Kings’ Shops. “Kings’ Shops is proud to support programs that help students to learn about Hawaiʻi in a hands-on way.”

Inspired by the island designations used in May Day celebrations across the state, students researched the symbolism of each island’s lei. Working in groups of three or four, they created individual panels for each island while practicing botanical painting and mapping each island’s physical geography through topographic drawing.

The class also collaborated on shared visual elements that unify the panels while allowing each island’s artwork to stand on its own. The finished collection honors the individuality of each island and the collective beauty of Hawaiʻi.