Mind-bending mural brings greenery into the city

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A new optical illusion is taking shape in Kalihi.

Commissioned by Kamehameha Schools, the mural will feature plants and trees native to the area. The artwork aims to highlight how forestry can exist within urban areas.

Coincidentally, the new artwork sits adjacent to one of Kalihi’s most famous murals: Wave 01/101.

The artist Kai’ili Kaulukukui plays with depth and shadow, creating an optical illusion on the flat face of a building.

“The painting style is called ” trompe-l’œil”, it means ‘trick the eye’,” says Kaulukukui. “It’s been around for 2000 years. They have images of trompe-l’œil style murals at Pompeii, so it’s a very old style.”

Kaulukukui said he’s always been intrigued by the art style, though this is his first time painting it.

“They’re both kind of environmental themed murals,” he said. “This is bringing an image of what a forest could look like in the city. That is like an homage to Pipeline and our beautiful waves that we have here.”

The 55-foot-tall mural is expected to be completed by Sunday, May 31.

After this project, Kaulukukui will start an ocean-themed mural just one street over, bringing a bit more nature into urban Honolulu.