Regarded as the mother of Punalu’u Beach’s Green Sea turtles, the sea turtle Goddess , Kauila (Kahy-loo-ah), has magical abilities that enable her to transform into the figure of a young girl. Assuming this form, she plays among the other young children of Panalu’u Beach, watching over them to make sure that no harm befalls them.

Kauila is used as a symbol for many things. Her name was taken from a type of wood that is strong enough to replace metal. In this way she represents strength and resilience. Her endangered offspring frequent the beaches she is said to have been born on, and therefore are used often as emblems for the environmental movement. However, it is her role as a mother that transcends all legend.

Protector of Ka’u children and giver of fresh-water, Kauila even passes her motherly nature down onto her offspring.While incapable of assuming human form like their goddess mother, the Green Sea turtles who frequent the Punalu’u Beach are known for being friendly with the children who play amidst the shallow, coal-black shores.
Captured, mid-swim, Kauila resumes her motherly role from the depths of the canvas. Best hung in a nursery or play-room, Kauila may not assume the shape of a young girl, but she will still watch over your children, delighting in their innocence and their imagination, hoping that they will one day grow to appreciate sea turtles, so that her legend and her offspring may live for many more years to come