Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is not only famous for its white sand beaches and blue ocean waves, but also hides a vibrant and unique treasure trove of street art. The Kakaako district, once a dilapidated warehouse area, has been revitalized by colorful graffiti walls, transforming it into a must-visit destination for art and creativity enthusiasts. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around the World) to explore this “graffiti paradise” and discover the fascinating stories behind each artwork.
Kakaako, located in Southern Oahu, isn’t where you’ll find typical souvenir shops or bustling tourist crowds. Instead, you’ll witness an impressive urban art scene, where walls are transformed into giant canvases, bringing a breath of fresh air to Honolulu.
Kakaako: From Old Warehouses to Graffiti “Mecca”
Historically, Kakaako was a small fishing village of native Hawaiians. By the 20th century, it became an industrial area with warehouses, repair shops, and car dealerships. However, in recent years, Kakaako gradually declined due to challenging business conditions.
Street art in Kakaako, Honolulu, transforming old warehouses into an attractive destination.
The turning point came in 2011 when artist Jasper Wong, a Honolulu native, decided to breathe new life into Kakaako through street art. He founded the art collective “Pow! Wow! Hawaii” with the aim of transforming Kakaako into a public art space, where people could connect through creative works. Wong’s call attracted artists from around the world, who came and transformed the gray walls into colorful and meaningful artworks.
Unique Art Style with Strong Hawaiian Identity
The graffiti walls in Kakaako are not just decorative drawings, but also artworks imbued with Hawaiian cultural identity. You can easily notice the harmonious combination of familiar street graffiti styles with distinctive cultural elements of the Hawaiian Islands, creating a unique artistic style.
Some murals promote Hawaii tourism, showcasing cultural symbols of the island. For example, you might encounter an image of a surfing skeleton or a Hawaiian hand waving to welcome visitors. Other paintings express Hawaii’s hospitality through images of a banana wearing a Hawaiian skirt dancing with an elegant apple.
Jasper Wong shares that the art style in Kakaako is a blend of unique Hawaiian local style and familiar graffiti styles from major cities like Brooklyn, Miami, Tokyo, and London. In the paintings, you can clearly see the influence of Hawaiian culture and Asian animation (anime), creating a distinct identity for Kakaako and other locations in Hawaii.
Mural of Hawaiian Royalty: A Blend of History and Art
One of the most special murals in Kakaako is the painting of King David Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani of the former Hawaiian royal family, painted on all sides of a building near the UFC gym at 805 Pohukaina Street. The appearance of the royal couple on the wall evokes reflections on history and social commentary. This mural is a collaboration between two Hawaii-based artists, Solomon Enos and John “Prime” Hina, along with artist Gaia from the mainland US.
Kakaako: An Attractive Destination for All Ages
Not just a novel tourist destination, Kakaako is also a diverse art space, attracting all ages. Vacationers can find new and different experiences here compared to sunny beaches or historical sites like Pearl Harbor.
Teenagers can freely take photos with youthful cartoon paintings, while adults can find artworks that go beyond the confines of traditional museums, reminiscent of the style of Banksy, a world-famous street artist.
Behind the cute anime paintings are political and social messages that the artists want to convey. Many paintings are painted on large walls in the center, while others are hidden in small alleys.
Potential Risks and Conservation Efforts
According to artist Jasper Wong, the walls in Kakaako are usually repainted in February every year. However, currently, many areas in the district are being redeveloped, and old warehouses and buildings are expected to be replaced by high-rise apartments. This means that unique street art works are at risk of being erased.
The “Pow! Wow! Hawaii” group is striving to ensure that these artworks are preserved after urban changes. They hope that local authorities and real estate developers will recognize the cultural and artistic value of these graffiti walls, and work together to find solutions to preserve them for future generations.
Conclusion
The artistic graffiti walls in Honolulu, especially in the Kakaako district, are not only attractive tourist destinations but also unique cultural symbols, reflecting the creative spirit and identity of the Hawaiian people. Exploring this “graffiti paradise” will bring you unexpected and exciting art experiences, while helping you understand more about the history, culture, and people here. Come and feel the vibrancy of Honolulu street art, you certainly won’t be disappointed!