Jan. 12, 2026

If you ask the people of Koʻolaupoko to recall fond memories of their community, you’ll often hear stories of shared meals spent admiring the many colorful characters depicted in Hawaiian Folkways, a mural by the late artist Martin Charlot. For years, the piece adorned the walls of McDonald’s Kāneʻohe, quickly becoming a recognizable symbol of the area. 

On Dec. 10, dozens of community members from Waiāhole and across Koʻolaupoko gathered to celebrate the reinstallation of the mural at its new home in Windward Mall on ʻĀina Pauahi. With layers of imagery, more than 100 proverbs and ʻōlelo noʻeau and rich kaona, the art celebrates the daily life, traditions and values of the Waiāhole community. 

“It started off at McDonald’s, and it was a gathering place, so this mural was a proverbial wisdom of the ages,” said Kamalu Charlot, son of the artist. “There was also the connection to Waiāhole Valley, which was the home of the wise men and a place of very powerful mana. I think bringing that to Windward Mall — another gathering place, with the food court, Waiāhole Poi Factory and Liko Hoe — brings it all back together.”

The blessing and unveiling drew longtime admirers of the piece, underscoring its powerful depiction of Waiāhole’s heritage and the deep connections between people and ʻāina. Keiki to kūpuna joined side-by-side at the ma kai end of the mall, as haumāna from Kailua High School and staff from Windward Community College opened the event with an oli.

When McDonald’s Kāne‘ohe was renovated in 2018, the mural was gifted to Windward Mall to ensure it remained accessible to the community. Following the desires of the community members who wished to remain connected to the piece and see it preserved for years to come, Kamehameha Schools and Windward Mall worked together to identify a reinstallation location that would honor those wishes. The mural now resides on the mall’s second floor makai wing, near Ruby Tuesday, Buffalo Wild Wings and the future Planet Fitness.

“The mural is something I remember from growing up,” said Gary Evora, director of Asset Management within the ʻĀina Pauahi group at Kamehameha Schools. “It represents Waiāhole, Heʻeia, Kāneʻohe and all of Koʻolaupoko. Bringing it back to the community at Windward Mall—along with the memories and values it holds—allows us to honor them in the present and carry them into the future.” 

Ongoing improvements in the makai wing — from recent renovations to new tenants and planned upgrades — reflect Windward Mall’s commitment to creating a more welcoming, vibrant gathering place. The return of Hawaiian Folkways strengthens that vision by offering a renewed space for the community to connect and engage with some of the stories that have shaped Ko‘olaupoko.