5 Metal & Art Sculptures of the Big Island
Complete your Hawaii vacation with a trip around the Big Island to see remarkable works created by Hawaiian artists. Sculptures carefully constructed out of glazed stoneware, welded steel and even LED lighting can be seen scattered across the island intermingling with the natural landscape. Connect with the cultural heritage and natural beauty of our island by learning about, then paying a visit to, these impressive artworks found around the island of Hawaii.
Stay at Volcano Village Lodge, our Big Island bed and breakfast, to experience the thriving art scene on the Aloha State.
Art & Sculpture: Hawaiian Artists Traditions on the Big Island
The tradition of sculpture in Hawaii has its roots in the ancient art of woodcarving dating back hundreds of years. Ki’i, statues that symbolized many Hawaiian gods, were crafted by the priests of early civilizations who were often skilled carvers. These historic carvings can be found in museums all around the island in addition to various reproductions of the statues, carefully recreated in the style of the original master artists.
Today, Hawaiian artists continue this longstanding tradition of sculpture with intricate wood carvings, imposing stone monoliths and elaborate metal structures that intermingle with nature and pay tribute to the history of Hawaii. Tour public artwork installed around the island or visit the Volcano Art Center to experience the connection between nature and art at the lush Niaulani Sculpture Garden. Before you visit, learn more about a few of these extraordinary artworks and the talented men and women who created them.
Kili Noe – Owen Fritts
As you explore the Niaulani Sculpture Garden, you’ll soon find yourself enveloped in the blue glow of “Kili Noe,” an imposing piece created by artist Owen Fritts. Fritts is renowned for his large-scale sculptures built using LED lighting and welded metals, and “Kili Noe” is no exception. You’ll spot the work tangled in the trees of the garden, a twist of aluminum tubes, metal sheets and lights that form a luminescent cloud. Fritts’s piece is one of many that make up “The Worth of Water,” an exhibition organized by the Volcano Art Center that illustrates the importance of water to island life. In addition to its glow and cloud-like structure, “Kili Noe” even comes complete with a built-in misting system that will shower onlookers with a gentle rain as they pass below.
Blue Gold – Ingrid Fregeau
“Blue Gold” is another work found in the forest of the Niaulani Sculpture Garden as part of “The Worth of Water.” The glazed stoneware sculpture, created by artist Ingrid Fregeau,
depicts a woman reaching towards the sky as if welcoming the rain. Her body is adorned with gold and blue luster drops, meant to symbolize water and its value to island life. The piece is one of Fregeau’s many hand-sculpted ceramic portraits that often feature carvings of plants and items of cultural significance to the Hawaiian people.
A'ali’i ku makani – Randall Shiroma
Embark on a tour of Hawaiian public art and visit “A’ali’i ku makani,” a terrazzo sculpture created by artist Randall Shiroma. Shiroma, a Hawaiian-born sculptor, is known for his monolithic sculptures that typically represent forms of nature. “A’ali’i ku makani,” which can be seen on the grounds of Ka’u High and Pahala Elementary, was created in the image of the ‘a’ali’i plant. ‘A’ali’i is a native Hawaiian shrub with tiny colorful flowers that can both endure fires and grow burned areas. Shiroma created his work to illustrate both the resilience of the shrub and the resilience of the people of Ka’u, a region in southern Hawaii, who are known for their strong spirit of perseverance.
Leolani Wai Aka O Ka Lo’i – Rachel Lyra Hospodar
Rachel Lyra Hospodar’s “Leolani Wai Aka O Ka Lo’i” is another piece in “The Worth of Water” exhibition that resides in the Niaulani Sculpture Garden. “Leolani Wai Aka O Ka Lo’i” is constructed from welded steel and chrome molded to depict rain-covered leaves hanging over a glassy pond. Hospodar, inspired by the rains and reflections on water, created the work in celebration of the abundance of water and light found on the island.
Enlightening the Spirit – Henry Bianchini
Located on the grounds of the Haaheo Elementary School in Hilo, “Enlightening the Spirit” is a stainless steel and concrete sculpture created by artist Henry Bianchini. Bianchini’s work represents the Hawaiian community and its vital role in the guidance of children. One side of the work, featuring carvings of gourd drums, a canoe and family, faces towards the mountains and the other side, depicting sugar cane workers who once worked the land, faces towards the ocean. Another bronze sculpture created by Bianchini, “Water is Life,” can also be seen on display in the Niaulani Sculpture Garden at the Volcano Art Center.
Explore Beyond Hawaiian Artists
One of the best ways to experience the work of Hawaiian artists included in “The Worth of Water” exhibition is with a guided nature walk through the Niaulani Sculpture Garden. These walks begin in the gallery of the Volcano Arts Center before guests are taken on a tour of the rainforest to see sculptures created by Hawaiian artists set against the backdrop of lush foliage and ancient koa trees. For an additional donation, you can even customize your tour with a lesson on rainforest ecology, plant identification tips and hands-on rainforest restoration activities.
Enhance your visit to the Volcano area and return to the Volcano Arts Center for Aloha Friday, an afternoon of cultural demonstrations on the porch of the gallery. Different artists and musicians from the surrounding area offer demonstrations and lessons like ukelele lessons or traditional lauhala weaving. The center also offers several other classes and workshops throughout the year including cooking classes, herbalist workshops and block printing lessons.
Plan your own tour of Hawaiian public art with a visit to the Public Art Archive website, where you can explore art of all mediums on display. You’ll find everything from towering metal sculptures placed in local parks to vibrant paintings hung in local businesses.
Book a room at Volcano Village Lodge to experience the beautiful natural scenery and thriving artistic landscape of Hawaii.