Aloha for Community

Nestled in the foothills of the West Maui Mountains is the judicial and political hub of Maui County, the small town of Wailuku. Once also considered the business and commercial hub of the island with its two movie theaters, bowling alley, multiple gas stations, and Kress store, Wailuku now houses a growing community health clinic, Malama I Ke Ola Health Center. While the health center was being built, artist Monica Morakis was commissioned to create a five foot mosaic over the fountain that celebrated the community of Wailuku and welcomed all those entering the spacious lobby.

“I wanted to use the Iao Needle as a focal point in my mosaic mural, so I drove into Iao Valley to take some pictures. As I drove by the first scenic area of the park it dawned on me that the rest of the inspiration for
community was right here also, in the cultural hales (houses) so lovingly built and tended by the local cultural groups on Maui.”

The finished mosaic is a joyful and playful representation of what can be found in Iao Valley and in the Maui community. A brightly shining Iao Stream wends its way through the Hawaiian, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Korean, Missionary and Philippine houses. The mosaic is populated with playful children, animals, tropical plants and much human activity. This blended community provides a “mosaic” found nowhere else on the planet. To view a video that documents the creation of “Aloha for Community” go to www.monicamorakis.com or search for “Monica Morakis” on YouTube.