Explore the Ala Mona’s Art Walk
You'll never want to go anywhere else once you've experienced shopping, dining and entertainment at Ala Moana Center. Moreover, the Ala Moana’s Art Walk, which reflects the immense beauty and cultural diversity of Hawai‘i, is also the favorite spot of both locals and visitors. Here are our top 4 artworks at Ala Mona Mall:
1. Kiaʿi (The Guardian) by Gerard Tsutakawa
This 8-foot-tall bronze water sculpture was created by the son of George Tsutakawa, the artist creating Waiola, which is situated near Macy's and anchors the other end of the Center. Kia'i, which translates to "guardian," draws on many diverse cultures and ideas and was commissioned especially for Ala Moana Center.
2. The Pumpkin 2014 by Yayoi Kusama
Although the pumpkin is often disregarded as a source of creative inspiration, it has long been a source of inspiration for Yayoi Kusama. During WWII, the artist and her family relied on pumpkins for sustenance and consolation. Kusama admires its simple, but giving character, which has spiritual overtones for her. The monumentality of this bronze sculpture, towering 6 feet tall and weighing more than 1,200 pounds, conveys her profound affection for the pumpkin.
3. Ke Aloha O Ka Aina (Love of the land) by Aashika & Tanishaa Cunha
These two vibrant mosaics are composed of more than 240,000 hand-placed glass tiles and cover a combined area of 246 sq. ft. Inspired by the beauty, color, texture, and atmosphere of Hawaii, this artwoks shows some of the flora and fauna on the islands in a bright colors. It’s no wonder why so many people love it!
4. Manu Lewalani (Birds Aloft) by Bumpei Akaji
Bumpei Akaji’s work “Manu Lewalani" or Birds Aloft, features a large flock of stylized bronze sea birds taking flight from the water. Manu Lewalani illustrates Walter F. Dillingham's faith, having bought the marsh of rice and taro fields on which the Ala Moana Center currently sits in 1912. This sculpture was initially dedicated in 1966 by Hawaii artist Bumpei Akaji in remembrance of Walter and Louise Dillingham, whose goal of preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of all of Hawaii has become part of our legacy.
