A self-taught Native Hawaiian artist, Ernest Naho‘olewa was born and raised in Kapahulu, Honolulu. Though largely self-directed in his practice, he studied intermittently at the Honolulu Academy of Arts, refining his craft while remaining deeply rooted in personal and cultural expression. Most active during the 1960s, Naho‘olewa often turned to his own family for inspiration, capturing the spirit, dignity, and everyday beauty of Hawaiian life.

His work moved through distinct creative periods: from stylized portraits reflecting the regal fashion of the Kalākaua and Ka‘iulani eras, to expressive interpretations of modern ‘auana hula dancers, and later, a powerful return to ancestral imagery. In his final body of work, he conducted research at the Bishop Museum to create a collection depicting ancient Hawaiian figures, incorporating intricate kapa patterns and motifs with reverence and precision.