The ʻiʻiwi or scarlet honeycreeper and the ʻōhiʻa lehua are cooperating species native to Hawaiʻi. The ʻiʻiwi bird eats nectar—its curved beak lets it sip from flowers–and the lehua flowers of the ʻōhiʻa tree are one of its favorite food sources. The ʻōhiʻa is a powerfully important tree both ecologically and culturally: Its forests provide habitat to many native birds like the ʻiʻiwi.

This piece was commissioned by a coral reef biologist who sees these cooperative species as symbols both of the great resilience of nature, and also its fragility. In nature and in our own lives, interdependence makes us vulnerable—but it is also our greatest source of strength.

This postcard set contains (8) 4.25″ x 5.5″ glossy-front cards with the ʻIʻiwi + ʻŌhiʻa Lehua painting printed on sturdy 230 gsm cardstock. All postcards are lovingly handmade and printed at home and packaged in compostable, plant-based eco-clear bags for shipping.