Through the opening of the barrel, a completely different world appears: lush green mountains, an undeveloped sandy shoreline, and dense tropical vegetation. The contrast between the cool blues of the ocean and the vivid greens of the land gives the photograph tremendous depth. Makua carries a particularly meaningful name. In Hawaiian, makua means “parent” or “elder,” giving the scene another layer: the ocean opens around the photographer while the ancient ʻāina stands beyond it. Ancestors are in this valley from a long line of history. I am not the best at sharing my roots. It is more envisioned in my mind. Makua means so much to us. We respect Makua and Akua. Power of the gods of our Aumakua which is through animals that reside in these waters for centuries. Makua Valley is where we did reside as native hawaiians. Untouched from modern living. Hawaiians had a population near 1 million fully sustainable from the land and ocean. The aina which means land did provide a thriving culture Hawaiians! We did not need todays world to sail as we used the stars to navigate. Every month was a season to harvest fruits, vegetable, and fish. So much can be learn from our Culture. This NFT is to help me replace my Water Housing. All though the cost is high I will be one with Akua and be positive. I want to continue capturing art from my Home and abroad. Images that create a moment frozen in time. Appreciate you all from my ohana to yours! Mahalo Nui Loa