Focus Hawaii Stewart Medeiros

Authors

• Lance Chase
• Stewart Medeiros

Files

Description

Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features Stewart Medeiros—widely known as the “Calabash King of Hawaii”—who shares his life story, personal transformation, and the deep cultural and spiritual meaning behind his hand‑carved umeke (calabash bowls). Medeiros discusses his childhood beneath Diamond Head, his years in the Army and as a football coach, and his decades of craftsmanship before dedicating himself to creating one‑of‑a‑kind carved pieces rich with symbolic elements such as Hawaiian flora, fauna, heritage motifs, and personal emblems representing humility, renewal, and gratitude. He reflects on overcoming past struggles, choosing sobriety, rediscovering a sense of purpose, and giving back to Hawaii through his art—pieces that have reached figures such as President George H. W. Bush and Governor John Waiheʻe. The episode showcases his carvings, his philosophy of self‑restoration, and his deep love for the land and people of Hawaii.

Length of Video

00:28:53

File Size

2.4GB

Archives Call Number

22.FH

Air Date

1991

Keywords

Stewart Medeiros, Calabash King, Hawaiian calabash carving, umeke, woodcarving art, Norfolk pine, koa wood, Hawaiian symbolism, personal transformation, sobriety journey, cultural heritage, Hawaiian craftsman, handmade bowls, carving techniques, symbolic artwork, Hawaii artisans, presidential gift, Governor Waiheʻe, carving demonstrations, local craftsmanship, Hawaiian culture, artistic storytelling, inspirational life story

Disciplines

Arts and Humanities | Business

Recommended Citation

Chase, Lance and Medeiros, Stewart, "Focus Hawaii Stewart Medeiros" (1991). Focus Hawaii. 137.
https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/focushawaii/137