Chloe Wolfert

The Pu’ukani fountain sits on top of gravel, with the water from its musical chimes creating a small waterfall. It is located in front of the Performing Arts Center. All photos by Chloe Wolfert.

Have you ever questioned the importance of everyday objects in your life? Nestled in front of the Performing Arts Center (PAC) at Sacred Hearts Academy is a unique fountain sculpture that students pass by throughout the school day known as Pu‘ukani, which means “sweet-voiced” in Hawaiian. Built in 1936, this sculpture was dedicated to Hawaiian politician Alice Kamokilaikawai Campbell and gifted by her daughter-in-law and alumna Ruby Engman Macfarlane. 

For the purpose of keeping the native tradition alive, Campbell spoke about the rights for Native Hawaiians and supported the musical arts in many ways. Her commitment to the musical arts, focusing on Native Hawaiian music, is part of the reason this fountain is located in front of the PAC building. The PAC building is home to the band, choir and dance programs for the Lower and Upper School.

As water flows from different parts of the structure, it creates soft chimes on musical notes located at the center of the fountain. 

Head of the Campus Ministry Sister Katherine-Francis Miller describes the sound, “If you go to a stream, there’s a sound, as the water is flowing over the rock.”

Nature’s music is a calm and authentic type of music. Going down to a stream, not only will one hear water rolling off rocks but fully feel the peace of birds in flight or wriggling creatures in the dirt. Water is more than just an element but also a symbol of connection and vitality. 

As Miller explains, music that water creates, its rhythm as it flows over rocks, parallels the pulse of life which is so valuable to Hawaiian culture. 

Miller adds, “Water that should exist in your heart,” tying closely to the idea of Hawaiian belief, aloha ‘āina (love for the land); it is a concept of rights and tradition of Native Hawaiians for which Campbell fought.

Campbell recognized Hawaii as a place centered on nature throughout daily life and culture. The fountain’s sounds of water and chimes connect to the simple beauties of the islands’ streams and singing creatures. As well, it connects the Academy’s students to the values Campbell advocated for, impacting the protection of Hawaiian heritage in a small way. 

“Three things that bring us closer to nature that are around us (include) a little bit of green grass, the trees and then the water,” Miller said. Surrounded by mostly buildings, which gives shelter and a space to learn, the fountain on campus provides life. 

“Jesus said, if you believe in Him, springs of water will come out from your heart,” Miller said. The Academy teaches the Catholic faith, including that water is “the spring of new life,” she said. Water, explained by Miller, reminds us of our baptism and the cleansing that renews the spirit. Like the Lady of Lourdes statue, this fountain further shows the importance of water in faith, connecting physical and spiritual words. 

“What is important is that we have these tiny beautiful acts of creation, but whether or not students take time to reflect on them (and) not just pass them by, but look at the fountain, listen to the music, look at the trees, look at the blue sky, appreciate all that God has given us and the beauty,” Miller said. 

From the legacy of Campbell, the fountain structure at the Academy flows together to connect memory, culture and spirituality in memory of Campbell’s legacy.