Watch Full Video

THE ART of
KONA VILLAGE

Art & Architecture

The art of KONA VILLAGE

Offering creations that inspire awe and introspection in equal measure, Kaili Chun provides a thought-provoking point of view that intertwines past and present.

Driven by the historical and cultural significance of the site, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort dedicated meticulous consideration to the sourcing and commissioning of its art. Nearly all the contributing artists are native Hawaiians or current residents of the state, and each has been invited to experience the resort – its land and water, its rhythms and history – to harness inspiration from its unique energy and elements. This allows the creation of forms and expressions that not only complement the beautiful atmosphere, but resonate more profoundly.

Kaili Chun, a native of Hawai’i and renowned sculptor and artist specializing in large-scale installations, creates work that stunningly intersects nature, indigenous culture, and the rippling effects of Western contact.

Experience her perspective with her pieces Peʻa and ʻŌpelu, found in Moana and near Shipwreck Bar, respectively.

What is your background?

I was born and raised on the island of Oahu. I have a degree in architecture from Princeton University and a masters in Fine Arts from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. I'm primarily an installation artist; I do large-scale, site-specific installations that address the issues of a particular locale, and indigenous issues in particular.

What inspired you at Kona Village?

Getting into Kahuwai Bay and being amidst the ʻāina morning to evening was really important. Seeing the petroglyph fields, and knowing my ancestors were there. Understanding that this was a canoe-launching place to fish and replenish water played into my two pieces: Peʻa and ʻŌpelu.

Can you speak to what you created for Moana?

Moana means ocean, a vital resource. Peʻa are sail forms referencing the history of canoe sailing, and our navigation practices. Pe’a uses Albizia wood -- an invasive species in Hawai'i -- for the frame. Extracting this wood in a responsible way allows our forests to flourish.

What did you create by Shipwreck Bar?

I created ʻŌpelu, which is a plentiful fish in Kona fishing communities. This piece honors and celebrates the fisheries here in Kahuwai Bay. It's about that resource that we need to malama, or steward. They're hand-hammered copper forms, with very subtle text on them. Phrases that reference Ka‘ūpūlehu and different characteristics of the land, but also on contemporary native Hawaiian issues like annexation and colonization.

Why highlight these issues?

It's a way for me to honor what's here and what's happened since first contact, and also to introduce a layer of education and introspection for those who experience my work.

"IT’S A WAY FOR
ME TO HONOR
WHAT’S HERE."

—Kaili Chun, Artist

WATCH THE FILM

Play Film

THE ART of
KONA VILLAGE

Join Kaili Chun, a native Hawaiian artist, as she highlights her craft and inspiration for Peʻa in Moana and ʻŌpelu by Shipwreck Bar.

EXPLORE MORE

MORE to DISCOVER

STAY CONNECTED

Receive resort updates, enticing offers and exclusive communications from Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort.

Enter valid email address here.

CONNECT WITH US

Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort

THE ART of KONA VILLAGE

The art of KONA VILLAGE

"IT’S A WAY FOR ME TO HONOR WHAT’S HERE."

WATCH THE FILM

THE ART of KONA VILLAGE

MORE to DISCOVER

THE ART of
KONA VILLAGE

"IT’S A WAY FOR
ME TO HONOR
WHAT’S HERE."

THE ART of
KONA VILLAGE