Event Description: Join us for an intimate evening with Jesse Kahoʻonei, a dedicated practitioner of kālai (woodcarving) and mālama ‘āina. As a descendant of the lineages of Kealakekua and Hōnaunau, Jesse’s work serves as a living bridge to the moʻolelo (histories) of the Kona districts.
During this talk, Jesse will share insights from his 2025 LIFT project, He ʻŌpaka Ka Lani. This project explores the revitalization of kālai kiʻi—the carving of ancestral images—through the creation of small-scale works that honor historical figures rarely depicted in this sacred medium. Discover how Jesse is working to reconnect kānaka to ‘āina and develop new educational paths for the next generation of Hawaiian students.
Event Details: The evening's program will start at 6pm after a welcome and potluck. This event is free and open to the public. If able, please bring a healthy dish to share and/or something to drink for a communal dinner. The artist talk will begin at 6:00pm.
Note: This event will be filmed for archival and educational purposes.
About the Artist: Jesse Kahoʻonei is a traditional carver, farmer, and co-founder of the non-profit Kahaluʻu Kūāhewa. A member of Hui Kālai Ki’i o Kūpā’aike’e, he has studied under living legends such as kumu Sam Kaha’i Ka’ai and Māori master carver Lionel Grant. Jesse holds a degree in Hawaiian Studies from UH Mānoa and is deeply committed to the revitalization of the Kahalu’u Field System and the spiritual significance of kālai kiʻi as a tool for storytelling and historical preservation.
About Our Programs: As a place of convergence, the Mill serves as both a community and a physical place–celebrating the power of the arts, bringing people, ideas and perspectives together. We are proud to offer adult and youth programs that focus on awareness of one’s individuality in the contexts of family, community and the natural world. Our exhibitions provide a space to reflect, share perspectives and grow as a community. Our classes & workshops are designed to inspire creativity, foster connections, and provide enriching experiences for all participants. We invite you to join us in the studio.
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