Hawaii Keiki's Memorial Day Lei-Making Poster Contest: A Showcase Of Talent

Aria Freeman

4 min read

Post on May 25, 2025

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The Contest's Theme and Objectives

The 2024 Hawaii Keiki's Memorial Day Lei-Making Poster Contest centered on the theme of "Honoring Our Heroes: A Lei of Remembrance." This theme encouraged participants to explore the deep connection between Memorial Day, honoring veterans, and the rich tradition of lei-making in Hawaiian culture. The contest aimed to:

• Promote artistic expression among Hawaii's youth: Providing a platform for keiki to showcase their creativity and artistic skills.
• Educate children about the significance of Memorial Day and its connection to Hawaiian culture: Teaching the importance of remembering and honoring those who served and the cultural significance of leis as symbols of respect and remembrance.
• Showcase the beauty and tradition of lei-making: Highlighting the artistry and cultural importance of this time-honored Hawaiian practice.
• Foster a sense of community and remembrance: Creating a shared experience of remembrance and appreciation for veterans and their sacrifices.

A Glimpse into the Winning Entries

This year's contest yielded a stunning array of artwork. The judges were particularly impressed by the originality and emotional depth displayed by the young artists. Here are a few highlights (with parental consent):

• Leilani Akana's piece, "A Rainbow of Remembrance," used vibrant plumeria blossoms to create a powerful visual representation of hope and healing. The intricate detailing and masterful use of color were breathtaking.
• Kaipo Kamaka's "Lei of Valor" featured a striking composition of red and white hibiscus blossoms, representing the courage and sacrifice of fallen soldiers. His innovative use of texture added depth and emotional resonance.

The winning entries consistently demonstrated:

• Use of vibrant colors and textures: Creating visually stunning and emotionally engaging artwork.
• Innovative techniques and materials: Showcasing creativity and experimentation beyond traditional methods.
• Creative interpretation of the theme: Demonstrating a deep understanding of the contest's theme and its significance.
• Strong emotional impact: Evoking a sense of remembrance, respect, and appreciation. (Include photos of winning entries here)

The Judges and the Judging Criteria

The judging panel for the Hawaii Keiki's Memorial Day Lei-Making Poster Contest consisted of esteemed members of the Hawaiian community: renowned lei maker Kumu Leilani Wong, veteran and artist Sergeant Major Koa Kane, and art professor Dr. Hokulani Aikau. Their expertise ensured a fair and insightful evaluation of the entries. The judging criteria included:

• Creativity and originality: Rewarding unique perspectives and innovative approaches to the theme.
• Artistic skill and technique: Assessing the technical proficiency and mastery of artistic techniques demonstrated.
• Relevance to the theme: Evaluating how well the artwork reflected the contest's theme of honoring veterans and celebrating Hawaiian culture.
• Overall impact and presentation: Considering the overall aesthetic appeal and emotional impact of the artwork.

Community Involvement and Support for the Hawaii Keiki's Memorial Day Lei-Making Poster Contest

The success of the Hawaii Keiki's Memorial Day Lei-Making Poster Contest was greatly enhanced by the generous support of the community. We extend our gratitude to our sponsors, including the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, and numerous local businesses. The contest also benefited from strong community involvement:

• Schools and educational institutions participating: Many schools across the islands actively encouraged their students to participate.
• Local businesses sponsoring prizes: Prizes for the winners were generously provided by local businesses.
• Volunteer judges and organizers: Dedicated volunteers contributed their time and expertise to make the contest a success.
• Public viewing of the entries: A public exhibition of the winning entries was held at the Honolulu Museum of Art, allowing the community to appreciate the keiki's talent.

The Future of the Hawaii Keiki's Memorial Day Lei-Making Poster Contest

Plans are already underway for next year's contest. We are exploring ways to expand participation to include even more schools and communities across the islands. We also plan to enhance the educational component of the contest, providing keiki with more resources to learn about the history and significance of Memorial Day and the art of lei-making.

Conclusion

The Hawaii Keiki's Memorial Day Lei-Making Poster Contest was a resounding success, showcasing the exceptional talent and cultural understanding of Hawaii's youth. The winning entries beautifully captured the spirit of remembrance and the artistry of lei-making, leaving a lasting impression. We encourage participation in next year's Hawaii Keiki's Memorial Day Lei-Making Poster Contest – a wonderful opportunity to honor our veterans and celebrate Hawaiian culture through creative expression. Learn more and register for next year's [link to website if applicable] Hawaii Keiki's Memorial Day Lei-Making Poster Contest!