Hanalei Surf and School Art

Max enjoys 2nd grade at his quaint elementry school, Hanalei School.

This small school (274 students, grades Pre-K to 6th) nestles right up to unbelievable emerald mountains, ribboned with waterfalls.  And only a few blocks from the world class surf and beauty of Hanalei Bay.

Most of the students roam barefoot during school, including Max.  Exept on Tsunami Evacuation Drill day, a couple times a year, when they are required to at least wear slippahs (flip flops).

Here’s Max with his classmates and their surfboard art project.

In two days, Hanalei School’s annual fundraiser, Starry Nights, will be held at the St. Regis Princeville Resort.  The main attraction of this event, is the live auction of the art projects that each class at Hanalei School creates.

My volunteer duties for this years event includes coordinating each classes art project for the fundraiser.  I picked several completed projects up this morning.

Thought it would be fun to share them with you…here’s Max’s class’ surf board that will be in Saturday’s live auction.

“I surf because…”  Andy Irons Surfboard, 2nd Grade

Kauai’s own late, local surf hero and Hanalei School alumni, Andy Irons, left behind a surf legacy to the world.  This 7’2” surfboard (with an original nose repair and artwork) was shaped for Andy by Hawaii professional surfboard shaper, Eric Arakawa.  Members of Andy Irons family generously donated this board.

The children of Ms. Kauo’s class have hand written their own open thoughts of what makes them most happy, as they were inspired by Andy’s quote, “I surf because…”  The children wrote their thoughts in UNI  Posca pens, and they create a colorful wave pattern, under the setting sun.  The children’s design may be preserved by spraying a clear coat over the design, or removed with acetone.

One of Andy’s family members is Max’s friend and classmate.

 Handmade Surfboard Table, 3rd & 4th Grade

Mr. Andrews’ class has made a gorgeous table out of kaimana wood, shaped like a surfboard. There’s a stand to set it on or you may hang it up on or lean it against a wall.  Forty-four little hands worked hard to sand the table. They rough sanded then fine sanded and sanded some more. Next the classroom of children got to get oily! They each helped with the oiling process and learned a lot along the way about “finishing” a wood project. Finally the children picked out four petroglyph designs; a honu, a Hawaiian double canoe, a canoe paddler and a fish hook. Then they took a wood burner and the finished project is just perfect. This is a wonderful piece of art that you will enjoy for years to come.

This was built and shaped by a student’s dad, who is a local surfboard shaper, and the student is one of the cutest little groms you’ll ever see.

Sea Glass & Shells Mosaic Chest, Kindergarten    

A lovely working chest which has been embellished by Mrs. Deblin’s kindergarteners with color mosaics of sea glass, shells, and ceramic tiles.  The mosaics come together in lovely beach scenes on each end, and the words “LIVE  LOVE  ALOHA” on the front.  This treasured piece is made of solid wood, and will be appreciated in any home.

Seriously cute, beach meets Pottery Barn.

 Hand-painted Guitar, 3rd Grade  

Mrs. Anakalea’s 3^rd graders present you with a hand-painted guitar.  The design is a local landscape, and the student’s design has been preserved with a lacquer coating. Donavan Frankenreiter and his ohana donated the original guitar.

This looks so very cool in person, and comes with a backpack carrying case.

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The creative hands of Hanalei School’s keiki and the parent volunteers have made some extremely cool items for Saturday’s fundraiser.

Saturday night the St. Regis will be filled with a lively dance lounge, and the exciting live and silent auctions.  A reason to get out, boogie down and help Hanalei School keiki too.

Here’s the event information:

Hope the aloha in these student projects inspired by the surf and lifestyle of Kauai inpire you!