Mural unveiled at Captain Cook Post Office honors story of Kūʻa

A vibrant mural was unveiled in April at the Captain Cook Post Office, honoring the story of Kūʻa, namesake of the Kealakekua area.

The new artwork — also inspired by Mona Kapule Kahele’s book “Clouds of Memories” — brings to life an important local legend in celebration of cultural heritage and environmental stewardship.

“This project is a true honor because the mo‘olelo [story] is vital to preserving our Hawaiian history and culture, passed down from our kūpuna,” said Kealakekua area native and Captain Cook Post Office Officer in Charge Dorothy Andrade-Wegner in a release about the new mural.

Depicted in the mural is revered Kaʻū aliʻi, or chief, Kūʻa, who taught locals how to care for their natural resources. According to legend, when Kūʻa left, he transformed into a giant shark, symbolizing protection for the community.

This story underscores the deep, generational relationship between people and their environment — a message echoed today through efforts to restore nearby coral reefs and lands.

The project began when community members sought ways to share Kealakekua’s rich history.

Mural Committee members Estria Miyashiro with the Mele Murals program and Amanda Johnson identified a blank wall at the back of the Captain Cook Post Office as the perfect canvas. They collaborated with Andrade-Wegner to obtain approvals.

“This mural is empowerment,” said Miyashiro in the release. “It connects past, present and future generations with a message specific to our area and supported by the community.”

The creative process was a community effort.

Miyashiro led students from Ke Kula ʻo ʻEhunuikaimalino, a public Hawaiian immersion school in Kealakekua, through meditation sessions to inspire the mural’s imagery. Volunteers, including children, helped paint the mural, transforming in just 2 weeks a once plain wall into a vibrant tribute.

“Passing on traditional ecological knowledge through kaʻao [legend] in mural form instead of just orally allows our intimate South Kona community, regardless of ethnicity, to engage traditional knowledge that instills morals and values into the next generation,” said mural committee member Akoni Shane Nelson in the release.

Andrade-Wegner said the unveiling and dedication of the mural April 21 was the best day of her postal career.

“The energy and gratitude from everyone made this mural truly special,” she said.