This is a scene I witnessed off the Kohala coast of the Big Island last winter. Humpback whales are incredibly intelligent, social creatures. Often one or more adult males will travel as “bodyguards” to females with calves, protecting them from predators while hoping to secure their position as sire to the next generation. Usually traveling unnoticed, escorts can become aggressive if they perceive something as a threat. Enormously powerful, yet generally peaceful creatures, whales feature prominently in Hawaiian legend and have deep ties to the culture. I wanted to show this whale’s protective “mana” as gigantic and overarching. The sky itself reflects his presence.

This painting won the People’s Choice Award at the 2024 Hawai’i Nei Show in Hilo.

$8000