Ala Moana’s iconic Aloha sign gets a refresh from top Hawaiian artist
Famed Hawaiian illustrator Punky Aloha had her name written all over this assignment.
Since the 28-foot-wide, six-foot-high Aloha sign debuted at Brookfield’s Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, it has become a primary photo backdrop for thousands of tourists who stream through the 2.4 million-sq.-ft. mall, one of the nation’s 10 largest.
Wanting to make those pix even more colorful, Brookfield hired Aloha (nee Shar Tuiʻasoa), whose bold and colorful illustrations celebrate island life, to redefine the sign in bold swaths of fuschia, purple, and ocean blue.
“We are honored to collaborate with an artist as talented as Punky Aloha,” said Jaymes Bell, Ala Moana’s general manager. “Shar’s work brings a fresh and culturally rich perspective to our beloved Aloha Sign, and we are thrilled to share this revitalized piece with the community.”
The new design incorporates Tuiʻasoa’s signature islander women, adorned in sunglasses and surrounded by bright, joyful colors, florals, and whimsical patterns inspired by traditional designs seen throughout Hawaiʻi and the Pacific Ocean.
Home to a multi-million-dollar public art collection, Ala Moana is adorned with sculptures, murals, and installations from both internationally acclaimed and locally renowned artists. Over the years, the collection has expanded to include pieces from Yayoi Kusama, Gerard Tsutakawa, Bumpei Akaji, and Aashika & Tanishaa Cunha, among others.
“I wanted this piece to feel welcoming and full of energy—something that people will be drawn to and excited to engage with,” said Tuiʻasoa. “It was a fun challenge to reimagine such a recognizable space and bring in fresh colors and movement while staying true to my artistic style. I hope visitors see it as not just a backdrop, but as a piece of art that adds to their experience at Ala Moana Center.”
