Maui Island Sculpture

Name/Title

Maui Island Sculpture

Entry/Object ID

MK_0342

Description

This contemporary abstract wood sculpture is by Maui master carver Sam Ka‘ai, a respected artist deeply rooted in Hawaiian tradition. Ka‘ai is known for carving the kiʻi—images of Hawaiian gods—on the Hōkūle‘a, the traditional Polynesian voyaging canoe that famously sailed from Hawai‘i to Tahiti in 1976 using only celestial navigation, replicating the journeys of the original Polynesians. The untitled piece, carved in intricate organic spirals, invites viewers to experience serenity and reflect on Hawai‘i’s deep and flowing cultural history. This treasured piece has been in the Mauna Kea's collection since 1965, when Laurance Rockefeller developed the hotel.

Artwork Details

Medium

Wood

Made/Created

Artist

Sam Ka’ai

Place

State/Province

Hawai'i

Country

U.S.A.

Continent

North America

Dimensions

Height

61-3/8 in

Location

Area

5th Floor Atrium

Floor

5th Floor

Building

Main Tower

Room

2nd Floor Art Storage Room

Floor

2nd Floor

Building

Beach Wing

Room

Kamani Room

Building

HBR Main Tower

Floor

1st Floor

Building

Beach Wing