Discover Hawai’i’s History Through Sculpture

Cheryl Soon releases her new book documenting the stories of  Oahu’s sculptures Reflections in Stone & Bronze: Exploring Hawai’i’s History & Culture Through Sculpture  

Statues, these silent sentinels actually have much more to share than may meet the eye at a glance. If we stop to consider the people they depict and why they were chosen to decorate our public spaces we find that there are stories tied to each statue. Stories that can teach and connect us with the history, culture, and people of Hawai’i and the larger world beyond. Yet, statues being voiceless symbols, we the viewers often need to tap into our curiosity to uncover the stories behind them and this is exactly what author Cheryl Soon PhD, has done in her book, Reflections in Stone & Bronze: Exploring Hawai’i’s History & Culture Through Sculpture.  

Here we all benefit from Soon’s natural curiosity which drove her in-depth research over 4-5 years to uncover the lives of those depicted in the 60 different bronze sculptures spread out across the island of Oahu. At the time she began her investigation, there was no comprehensive list of existing statues throughout the islands. She had to map out the existence and location of each one by doing interviews with the sculptors themselves and piecing together information through records and inventory documents from the City Office on Culture & Arts and the Hawai’i State Foundation on Culture & Arts.  Throughout the process of creating her book Soon tried to ask and answer questions about why each of these people were chosen to be honored here in Hawai’i through sculpture. 

The historical figures represented within the book are divided into four categories: royals, religious & spiritual figures, musicians & entertainers, and national & international personalities. Says Soon, “It’s all about story telling, there’s no doubt. It’s the story of the individual depicted in the statue and then the story of who decided to put it up and why.” Her background in city planning also gives Soon an appreciation for how statues are created in scenic settings, an intentional design element which honors the subjects depicted and creates opportunities for people to linger and connect with the places and each other. 

Cheryl Soon author of Reflections in Stone & Bronze Exploring Hawai’i’s History & Culture Through Sculpture shares stories from her book during a guided walking tour through Waikiki, HI on Saturday 10/1/2022. Soon gestures towards a bronze replica of Hawai’i entertainer Don Ho, one of 60 featured statues in her book. (Ronen Zilberman photo HonoluluVibes.com)

I had the opportunity to participate in a guided walking tour by Soon, part of a series of limited events hosted by the CivilBeat’s book club . During the tour I was particularly touched by an experience she recounted of the Queen Kapi’olani sculpture artist, Holly Young, who came upon a woman paying respects to the statue in the Kapi’olani park, named for the late queen. This woman came to pray by the statue during her battle with cancer as she was inspired by the queen’s dedication to the health of women and children in Hawai’i. This woman’s story has become a part of the larger story as the statue, an inspirational symbol of deeds past, now serves as a place of solace for our community present and future. 

During our conversation Soon referred the Duke Kahanamoku statue on Waikiki beach as a symbol of Aloha where people gather beneath his beckoning arms leaving leis as offerings of their appreciation for their time in Hawai’i. “That makes them feel a part of the place too. They know that lei giving is a sign of aloha and love and they’re saying that to all of us, not just the statue,” said Soon.

I have to admit that before meeting Cheryl and being introduced to her book I paid little attention to these stoic statues. I feel fortunate for the new perspective that now brings them to life for me. Perspective that intertwines the stories of many people, connecting us to this place, its history, and its culture. When we feel connected to the places we live and visit, understanding and compassion are promoted within us and we gain deeper respect those places.

Soon’s book provides us with a healthy way to incorporate art, history, culture, and exercise into our daily lives or as a sightseeing adventure for visitors. Grab a copy of Cheryl Soon’s book Reflections in Stone & Bronze: Exploring Hawai’i’s History & Culture Through Sculpture (get your copy here with local company Mutual Publishing) and take yourself on an exploratory tour around the island. You can visit 5-6 statues by foot within a 1-2mile loop in Waikiki or downtown Honolulu. If you live on-island and have a bit more time you can try to visit all 60 statues and mark them off in your book as you go. 

by Honolulu Vibes