Maui Releasing the Sun - Kahului, HI
Posted by: 
silverquill
N 20° 53.611 W 156° 26.262
4Q E 766551 N 2312489
This towering sculpture in the courtyard outside Kahului International Airport is one of the most iconic works in the Hawaiian Islands, and most recognizable of Maui artist, Shige Yamada.
Waymark Code: WMDXQP
Location: Hawaii, United States
Date Posted: 03/07/2012
Views: 3
Anyone flying in and out of the Kahului International Airport will see this famous sculpture. The sculpture itself is about twenty feet tall, and sits on a base at least five feet high.
The bronze sculpture represents the demi-god, Maui, releasing the sun back into the sky, according to an old Polynesian legend. The sun is painted bright gold.
Shige Yamada worked on the clay carving for this sculpture at a studio in Oregon. It was dedicated here in 1992.
State Foundation of Culture and the Arts --- Art in Public Places
SHIGE YAMADA
Maui Releasing the Sun 1992
Cast Bronze
Shige Yamada was born in Wailuku, Maui in 1993. In this work of
art depicting a moment of triumph, the stylized figure represents
man while the sun symbolizes life and knowledge. The demigod
Maui captures the sun at the summit of Haleakala. After receiving
a promise from the sun to traverse the sky more slowly for the
benefit or mankind, Maui releases his captive. This Polynesian
myth may be interpreted as an attempt by man to exercise mastery
over his destiny.
State of Hawaii --- Department of Accounting and General Services
A word about the artist from Hawaii On-the-Scene:
"Born in Wailuku, Maui, 1933, Shige Yamada holds a MFA, 1966, a BEd, 1956, and a BA, 1955, from the University of Hawai‘i at Ma¯noa. In 1993 he was designated a Living Treasure of Hawai‘i by the Honpa Hongwanji Betsuin."