Reshaping the commemorative landscape of Hawaiʻi’s diverse LGBTQ+ Māhū communities
Lei Pua ʻAla
is a multidimensional project to document and memorialize gender and sexual diversity across the uniquely multicultural landscape of Hawaiʻi. Our aim is to empower queer communities through education and engagement, immersive digital experiences, exhibitions, performances, public art installations, markers, and monuments that serve as visible reminders of our shared humanity and the values that bind us together.
Hawai’i is the Piko
Grounded in Kanaka philosophy and the cultures and worldviews of others who have come to call Hawaiʻi home, the project offers broader understandings and deeper perspectives on identities, love, relationships, family, and inclusion. Our title “Lei Pua ʻAla” (garland of fragrant flowers) reflects a Hawaiian perspective on the beauty and diversity of our rainbow communities.
(Photo by Bruce Asato, Honolulu Star-Advertiser)
Stories
From the Kānaka embrace of same-sex intimacy and gender duality to the experiences of queer Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, Portuguese, Puerto Rican, Pacific Islander, and other immigrants; from missionary suppression of gender and sexual nonconformity to māhū entertainers who blazed the trail toward respect through brave acts of visibility; from gay physicians who fought HIV/AIDS with evidence-based public health measures to advocates and jurists who rocked the world by demanding marriage equality – these and other stories are being gathered, restored, and shared to help shape understandings of our past, present, and future.
See the growing collection of remembrances of the people, places, and events here.
Hawaiʻi AIDS Memorial & Community Memory Site
Lei Pua ‘Ala Queer Histories of Hawai’i is partnering with Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center, an array of community stakeholders, and the City & County of Honolulu to create an enduring living monument in Kakaʻako Waterfront Park.
The overlook, with all encompassing views of city, mountain, and sea will offer current and future generations a uniquely spiritual place to gather, reflect, mourn, celebrate, and inspire.
MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON
Hawai’i Queer Histories Map
Explore some of the key sites in Hawaiʻi’s queer history. From an ancient monument honoring gender-fluid healers to the birthplace of the same-sex marriage movement, these are landmarks of the ongoing voyages of our diverse LGBTQ+ Māhū communities. Available both on the website and Bloomberg Connects app.
The legendary story of the healer stones of Kapaemahu brought alive through a contemporary hula
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
The Return of Kapaemahu
Hui Moʻolelo: Lei Pua ʻAla
A collaboration with Maui Public Art Corps, Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House Maui Historical Society, and the County of Maui that cultivates stories that celebrate Hawaiʻi history, culture and sense of place and create positive shifts in public attitudes toward queer rights and inclusion.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Sign-up & Share Your Stories
Sign up for occasional newsletters, events, and invites.
We also invite you to share stories about the people, places, and events that have shaped the history of Hawaii’s LGBTQ+ Māhū communities. To get involved, send us a note using the form and weʻll reach out to discuss the best way to include and share your story.
Contact: QueerHistoriesofHawaii@mail.com
