Hoaka Delos Reyes
was born March 11, 1949 and raised on the island of Oahu. He worked as a mason in the construction industry for most of his adult life. His trade was the spark that ignited what would become his passion; kālai pōhaku - stone carving. His first encounter with the carving of pōhaku was brought about when his son Kainoa in the early 80's asked if he knew how to make a poi pounder. Replying with confidence that he could his son said, "not the grinda kine, with the stone tools." That was the beginning educating himself through books and seeking the mana'o of kūpuna that worked with pōhaku. It was a kupuna on the island of 'Oahu who after 3 times of Hoaka going and pleading to be taught and turned down each time, agreed to take Hoaka under his tutelage. George Kalaemahiai Fujinaga of Haleiwa not only became Hoaka's Kumu, but a very powerful force in Hoaka's life. Having given up working with pōhaku due to illness and age, this man would was recognized by the State of Hawai'i as a living treasure began the instruction of his very last student. Since his Kumu's passing Hoaka strives to implement all that he was taught and better himself in his carving, but most important to him is to perpetuate the art and create pieces that honor those kūpuna that came before him. Where would we be if not for the perseverance of our ancestors?
