Kaikua’ana ‘ekolu, Daughters Three, print by Gwendolyn O’Connor
An ‘Apapane (C.sanginea), joyfully flashes her white vent,
resting on a Koki’o Kea (M. h. waimeae) branch. Above her
hangs a glorious Shower Vine. (v. menziesii), swaying in the
Tropical breeze. An I’iwi (V.coccinea) sings with her, and a
yellow-breasted Palila (L. baileui) joins in the chorus.
As the delicate blossoms of the mighty Koa tree (A. koa)
release their gentle fragrances, and a brave ‘Ohelo berry
(V. calycinum) reaches for the Sun. The White Orchids are
traditional symbols of Marriage, gracefully
blending their beauty into this Endemic Hawaiian scene.
A glimpse of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa in the distance are
symbols of the Timelessness of Enduring Love.
Learn more about Gwendolyn and her artistic process here.
