Makua and Kila Sculpture

Makua and Kila is a statue that is located in Kuhio Beach Park, alon g Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii.
It was designed by sculptor Holly Young and based on Fred Van Dyke’s «Makua Lives on the Beach,» a children’s story.
The book reflected on the Hawaiian values of love and respect for ohana (family) and the ocean. Young surfer, Makua, befriends a Hawaiian monk seal, Kila. Kila helps Makua get lined up at the best spot at Sunset, Beach and gives him good advice when he gets in trouble at school. Makua, in return, nurses Kila back to health when he is injured. It is a beloved island story, much as Balto the dog is revered in Alaska, where there is also a memorial to the brave canine in downtown Anchorage.
When I visited in January 2014, colorful lei flowers were draped around the statues lovingly. Also, the fact that white pigeons hung around the area make it seem that much more divinely-​inspired. Many insipid tourists rush right past this lovely statuary in a hurry to hit the beach and waters of Waikiki, but it always a good thing to stop and smell the roses. Or in this case, admire a beautifully-​rendered honor to Makua & Kila.
5 Unilocal STARS for Makua & Kila statue. I love public art and sculptures. I enjoy them even more when situated very near the ocean or bay. I especially love them if they are related to literature or children’s books. And really love them if they feature a morality lesson about the need to protect our oceans and friends who live in the marine environment!