Project

“Koholā Ola is the Whale that Gives Life,

the Whale that is the Mother of our oceans,

and we must love her now

and listen to her whale song.” 

Sooriya

In Hawaiian culture the Koholā (Humpback Whale) are sacred for grace, intelligence, and beauty. They live in peaceful co-existence and community. As they swim they bring energy of harmony to all of us. Their songs teach us that we can live with aloha, love each other, and understand our oneness, and take care of Mother Earth. This project brings awareness to all of us the importance of protecting and preserving the whales and the oceans.

“This is a project that has been a dream of my brother Sooriya for many, many, many, years. I think this dream was his before he was even born. It’s going to be the symbol for world peace from Hawaii to all the world. And in these very difficult times, it is even more important. Its gotta be done for all people, of all nationalities in every corner of  the world. And as they contribute to the pounding away at the copper metal that will create this whale, they will hear the pounding of the copper like the pounding of their own hearts”

Kahu Kamaki Kanahele

Please join Mouna Arts & Cultural Village to bring to life the world’s largest mother and child whale sculpture. To create this art, more than 2,000 students, parents, religious and community leaders will come together to transform this dream into reality. The sculpture will include a mother and her “keiki” or child. The mother will be approximately 45 feet long and her keiki about 32 feet. The mother and child motif is significant as it demonstrates unconditional love, care, trust, and peace from generation to generation. As Sooriya reminds us, these qualities are urgently needed at this critical time on Earth.

Each week, groups from different walks of life will come to Mouna Arts and Cultural Village to work on the copper whales in celebration and respect of each others diversity and culture.

When we create art, our eyes are opened to seeing beauty. We then can feel the gratitude and connection from nature to ourselves. When we feel this connection, we feel our Ohana, our Family among all people.