@JUANITALICIOUS

Juanita Ka'āhanui is a Native American artist whose work fuses her cultural heritage with the Mo'olelo (stories) of Hawai'i. Living in the islands, she brings an indigenous perspective to her art, exploring deep connections between land, mythology, and the human spirit. Her paintings reflect both her Native American roots and Hawai'i's cultural tapestry, emphasizing art’s power to heal, inspire, and empower. As a mother to Kanaka ‘Ōiwi, her work is deeply influenced by her connection to land, community, and ancestral knowledge.

Juanita’s artistic journey began as a means of healing after surviving domestic violence. Her evocative and empowering works resonate with audiences worldwide, bridging her heritage with the stories of the islands to create heart-provoking experiences. Her paintings have appeared on CBS shows Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I. She was named Artist of Hawai'i in 2023 for her works Views from the Safe House 1 & 2, earning the prestigious Honolulu Museum of Art's Melusine Award for Painting. In 2024, her painting Eruption of Kīlauea was featured in Artist of Hawai'i, marking her second consecutive year in the renowned exhibition.

Beyond the canvas, Juanita has contributed to large-scale murals, collaborating with renowned artists like Nanea Lum for Pow WOW Hawaii and participating in community-driven projects such as Mele Murals and Lincoln Elementary. Her past solo exhibition, Juanita Ka'āhanui: Embracing Legends and Landscapes, was displayed at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki VIP Lounge Summer/Fall 2024. She is currently raising funds for her next solo exhibition, Juanita Ka'āhanui: Emergence, a transformative body of work reflecting her artistic evolution and creative rebirth.

Juanita is also committed to cultural representation and community engagement. She has designed murals for schools and participated in ʻāina-based initiatives such as fishpond restoration and agricultural mitigation projects, supporting sustainable stewardship of Hawaiian land. She works closely with the Nation of Hawai'i, aligning her efforts with sovereignty and indigenous rights movements. Her activism extends to environmental and community causes like the Navy Red Hill Taskforce and the Hawaii Junior Lifeguard Alliance. Through her art and advocacy, she continues to inspire love, empowerment, and a deeper appreciation for cultural and natural heritage.