By Sheanae Tam (Ulu Aʻe Transitions)
Special Mahalo to Mr. Noel Richardson, Principal of Enchanted Lake Elementary, Enchanted Lake Elementary Staff – Lele DeCorte, Keala Palencia, Mari Sato, Yvette Ishikawa and the ELES Summer Enrichment Program staff for their collaboration and participation in this mural project.
Students at Enchanted Lake Elementary School spent part of their summer turning a blank wall into a colorful mural that celebrates the natural beauty, history and sense of place of Kailua.
The project was a collaboration between students participating in the school’s 2026 Summer Enrichment Program and Ulu Aʻe Transitions team members: Sheanae Tam and Niki Fisiiahi-Thomayer from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and Beau Uehara from ALU LIKE.
The process began with a classroom visit to incoming fifth- and sixth-grade students. Through icebreakers, a guided meditation and moʻolelo of Kailua, students reflected on the places and elements that make their community special. They were then asked to sketch their ideas in response to the question: “When you think of Kailua or Enchanted Lake Elementary, what do you envision?”
Students’ drawings featured rainbows, native plants, birds, beaches and ocean life. Using these ideas as inspiration, lead artist Sheanae Tam created a mural design rooted in the natural and cultural features of Kailua.
Over several weeks, students in grades one through six painted the mural in small groups, ensuring every child had the opportunity to contribute.
During our hōʻike, or celebration of the completed artwork, students shared that participating in the project made them feel proud, happy and connected to their school community.
“This was such an awesome experience,” said Enchanted Lake Elementary Principal Noel Richardson. “For a while, it appeared that we would not be able to get the mural started, but the right people have a way of making things happen. We shifted the plan over to our summer enrichment program and it all came together! I truly appreciate the support provided to see this through.”
While completed over a short summer session, the mural leaves a lasting impact – reflecting the creativity of Enchanted Lake students and their deep connection to the place they call home.
