NA HULU KUPUNA, AUMAKUA OF THE EARTH, 2017, mixed media painting, 84 x 60 in. / 213.36 x 152.4 cm.

NA HULU KUPUNA, AUMAKUA OF THE EARTH, Calley Oneill, 2017, mixed media painting, 84 x 60 in. / 213.36 x 152.4 cm.

There is surprisingly little known about the beautiful and deeply beloved pueo, and less known about its population and current conservation status. The kupuna say that there were huge numbers of pueo in the 1800’s, such that they darkened the skies when flying over Waimea.