Inspired by Hawai‘i’s Rugged Beauty

The artist inspired by Hawai‘i’s sea cliffs © Toni Parras

May 15, 2025 (updated May 28)

The day after I wrote my first blog, I took a stroll along the docks in my backyard and saw an incredible double rainbow reflecting pristinely in the still water. Halting in my tracks, my first reaction was speechless awe at the splendor of the scene. This was immediately followed by my gut reaction that this would make an incredible picture to paint. Alas, I did not have my camera with me, which is a rare moment. However, I was surprisingly not upset, as I normally would have been when missing the opportunity for an awesome picture. I needed this time to relax and reflect. This is an important message for art and life—to simply exist and be fully present in the moment, soak it in and let your mind wander. So that is what I did. There was a man a little ways in front of me also quietly enjoying the majestic vista. I felt calm from his presence and demeanor.

The very next day, I was driving along the sea cliffs on East O‘ahu. There was a rainbow arching from the sky into the ocean and I took my eyes off the road for a moment to glance at it. Just then, a whale breached at the bottom of the rainbow where it met the sea, spraying white foam at its base. It was truly magical.

Scenes like this aren’t all too rare in Hawai‘i, whose rugged beauty continues to take my breath away every day. We have a saying: “Lucky we live Hawai‘i,” which many people hashtag on their Instagram posts.

Through my art, I’d like to share that sentiment with you.