Makoa Freitas grew up in the valley
of ʻIolekaʻa, in Heʻeia, Oʻahu, and at a young age found fascination in documenting the things he saw with the family camera. Along with his interests in Hawaiian knowledge systems and historical research, Makoa found a way to blend both passions into his art.
“Beyond scenes of home, these photos are focal points and leading lines whose trajectories meet at a singular juncture” — Aloha ʻĀina (love of the land, and country).
So as a researcher and kanaka (Hawaiian), I hope that this work encourages and inspires others to carry our ʻike kupuna (ancestral knowledge), moʻolelo (histories), mele (songs), and kūkā kālaiʻāina (politics) proudly; continually seeking ways to integrate and express them in our daily lives.”
Me ka mahalo, Makoa