Event Information
The ʻalae ʻula (Hawaiian common gallinule) is an endangered waterbird that is unique to Hawaiʻi. There are only around 700 left in the world! Learn how you can help protect this special bird at our campaign launch event. Pacific Birds and other sponsors will share local art, moʻolelo, and fun facts about the ʻalae ʻula.
Date: Saturday, April 4, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Kukui Grove Shopping Center in Kauaʻi (3-2600 Kaumualiʻi Hwy, Lihūʻe, HI 96766)
The event will start with a blessing, hula, and ʻoli. The first 100 participants will be rewarded with Lydgate Farms chocolate. Other activities will include crafts at sponsor booths, a pop-up student art show, and display of a block print by artist Holly Kaʻiakapu. There will also be a competition to win prizes such as Vortex binoculars, airpods, and ‘alae ‘ula stuffed animals.
View the Art Online
Pacific Birds launched the ʻalae ʻula campaign with an art competition open to middle and high school students in Hawaiʻi. Students were invited to submit art pieces that depicted the ʻalae ʻula and reflected an aspect of Hawaiian culture. We received over 130 outstanding contributions! These will be displayed at the event.
This original block print by Native Hawaiian artist Holly Kaʻiakapu will be displayed at the event. It depicts the ʻalae ʻula holding fire in its mouth in reference to the moʻolelo that the ʻalae ʻula stole fire from the god Maui and gave it to humans. The block print also shows the ʻalae ʻula standing in a loʻi, which are part of traditional Hawaiian agroecology and provide important habitat for waterbirds.
