He ʻŌpaka Ka Lani
Jesse Kekoa Kahoʻonei
2026 Material Practice Grant Recipient
He-Opaka-Ka-Lani will explore the ongoing revival of the Hawaiian practice of kalai, woodcarving, with a particular focus on its most intricate and revered form, kalai kii—the carving of ancestral images or tiki god figures. This project will delve into the artistic, cultural, and spiritual significance of kii, not only as sacred objects but also as a means of storytelling and historical preservation. This project will reinterpret this traditional art form by creating small scale kii that represent historical figures who have never before been depicted in this medium, honoring their legacy through a distinctly Hawaiian artistic and cultural lens
Jesse Kekoa Kahoonei, a husband and father of four, is a descendant of the chiefs, priests, and commoners of the areas of Kealakekua, Hōnaunau and throughout North and South Kona. Jesse graduated from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa in 2014 with a Bachelor's degree in Hawaiian Studies with a focus in Mālama 'Āina. Jesse is currently the Executive Director at Kahalu'u Kūāhewa, an 'āina (land) and cultural based revitalization effort located within the Kahalu'u Field System. He is a co-founder of the non-profit organization Kahalu'u Kūāhewa, who's mission aims to revitalize the wahi kūpuna (ancestral site) of the "Kahalu'u Field System" and reconnect kānaka to 'āina. He understands the importance of not only preserving the traditional knowledge of his kūpuna, but continuing in its growth and perpetuation into the future.
In addition to work on the 'āina, Jesse is a member of "Hui Kālai Ki'i o Kūpā'aike'e", a group of carvers dedicated to the revitalization of carving ki'i under the guidance and teachings of kumu, living legend Sam Kaha'i Ka'ai, and Maori master carver Lyonel Grant. Their work continues today by providing kālai practitioners as a resource for the community. Jesse's main inspirations are influenced by previous traditional works of the kūpuna of Hawaiʻi as well as the many place based moʻolelo, which tell the stories and histories of this ʻāina. Jesse continues to carve from his home studio creating unique works of art that are functional not only in their physical use but serve as records of knowledge and history. Both carving and farming are important aspects of this artist's
lifestyle.