September 30, 2010 – Kona, Hawaii

Video by David Corrigan | Voice of Stephanie Salazar

King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel is the proud host to a new art display featuring the work of acclaimed Hawaiian Historian/Artist Herb Kawainui Kane.

40 original limited-edition giclees, the largest single hotel collection, compliment the recent completion of a $35 million dollar renovation at the landmark hotel.

“We are so excited and honored to be able to showcase some of Herb Kane’s most brilliant pieces,” said Jak Hu, general manager of the hotel. “Walking through the display is like taking a journey back in time, one in which Herb has been able to capture on canvas.”

Hu said Kane had input into the presentation of his work, which is arranged in chronological order according to the historic moments depicted in the paintings.

The paintings are prominently displayed throughout the lobby breezeway, between the main lobby and the West Tower. The new collection – which depicts early Hawaiian lifestyles and legends, carefully researched by the meticulous artist – joins an original by Kane that was restored during the renovation – an oil depicting Kamehameha I, his family, and advisors at Kamakahonu, the bay that fronts the hotel.

The humble and media-shy Kane took the time to explain the historical context of his paintings to enthusiasts.