Solomon Enos’ Maui Public Art Corps Mural at UHMC nears completion

This week, celebrated

Hawai‘i artist Solomon Enos completes his breathtaking new mural at University of Hawai‘i Maui College this week. The powerful, community-informed artwork is rooted in the stories and spirit of Kahului.

Produced by Maui Public Art Corps in collaboration with the County of Maui and kumu hula Sissy Lake-Farm of Hālau Makana Aloha O Ka Lauaʻe, the piece is one of three large-scale murals being unveiled in June through the Hui Mo‘olelo program, which pairs professional artists with community members to create place-based public art.

Inspired by a 2023 talk-story between Uncle “Gaby” Gouveia and Pualani Enos, Solomon’s mural is the result of deep community collaboration—featuring a paddling session at Nā Kai ʻEwalu, hula with kūpuna of the Kahului YMCA, community consultations and workshops exploring ʻōlelo noʻeau and Kahului’s cultural roots. The culmination of deep engagement with Maui’s people, mo‘olelo, and land, this public artwork is as much by the community as it is for it.

Solomon will complete the work this week and participate in a blessing ceremony led by Uncle Bill Garcia at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025, at University of Hawaiʻi Maui College.

“The oral histories gave me a ‘kūlolo’ level of understanding of Maui—dense, rich, and sweet,” said Enos. “I laughed out loud as often as I was brought to tears. With deep gratitude and aloha, I offer this work to the Maui community.”

“At its core, our public art program is about connection—to place, to people, and to story,” shares Kelly White, manager of the County of Maui’s public art program and Chair of Maui Public Art Corps, “What we’re seeing here is more than a mural; it’s a blueprint for how we can uplift cultural knowledge, amplify community voice, and reimagine public space through creativity, care, and deep collaboration. Solomon Enos brings an extraordinary ability to listen, interpret, and translate community stories into artwork that is both visually powerful and spiritually resonant. Uncle Gaby reminds us what’s possible when we design with, not just for, our community.”

This is a rare opportunity to document a major moment in contemporary Hawaiian public art as it unfolds in real time. Please contact us to coordinate access or interviews.

Event: Blessing and public unveiling of Hui Mo‘olelo Mural Project at University of Hawaiʻi Maui College, Presented by Maui Public Art Corps 
Date: Friday, June 27, 2025
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: University of Hawaiʻi Maui College, 310 W Kaʻahumanu Ave., Kahului, HI 96732