Point 7

As you're standing here at Point 7 of the Lihue Loop, you must be wondering, what exactly is this thing that’s in front of me? Well, that sculpture is the Wai’ale’ale, or also known as the Waiola structure.

Created by Ralph Kouchi in 1966 as a part of the Art in Public Places, a program of the State Foundation on Cultural Arts, the metal pipes you see were bent in Los Angeles and welded on Kauai. The sculpture took approximately 5 years to complete.

Now, this may seem like another unique abstract piece of art, but there’s a bit more to it. In fact, we have the artist himself to explain the story behind this piece.

Wai’ale’ale, Waiola, rippling waters, life-giving water. Kaua’i is blessed with Mount Wai’ale’ale, water that nourishes its people farms, plants, animals, and all forms of life. The sculpture profile is an abstraction of the mountain range of Wai’ale’ale. The wall depicts the strength of its people and cultures. When this sculpture was built, the island was going through major economic changes from plantation days to tourism, and water remains the same. Aloha.

Thank you so much Ralph! Well now that you know a bit more about it the question is, why here? It seems a bit out of place don’t you think? Well you see, the structure was initially going to be built inside the state building but because there was little space, the committee decided to place it outside for the public to see. But that’s not the only reason why it’s here. It was specifically placed near the district courthouse to follow the artist’s intention of having people experience the feeling of comfort, care, strength, and peace after a day in court.

Well, that’s the story behind point 7, the Waiola Structure. If you want, feel free to walk inside the sculpture and learn more about the story behind it. Also, be sure to check out the rest of the points on the Lihue Loop. This is Amalia Abigania from Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School’s Advanced Media Productions class. Aloha!