Ola Ka Noʻeau: Excellence in Hawaiian Artistry
Bishop Museum, in partnership with the PAʻI Foundation’s Maoli Arts Movement (MAMo) initiative, presents the exhibition Ola Ka Noʻeau: Excellence in Hawaiian Artistry. This exhibition will explore the genealogy of Hawaiian artistry, particularly through generational transmission of knowledge.
Creatures & Characters Exhibit
Through a diverse mix of media and artistic approaches, the depictions of creatures and characters suggest stories and ideas that unfold in surprising, unusual, and amusing ways.
This exhibit is intended for all ages, with a special focus on students in the museum’s Art Bento program for Hawaiʻi public and charter schools. The Hawaiʻi State Art Museum is a learning laboratory for thousands of elementary school students every year in the Art Bento program, using artworks to practice observation, critical thinking, and communication skills along with exploring their creativity. The exhibit is scheduled to run through summer 2024.
Project Banaba
The Project Banaba exhibition by Katerina Teaiwa commemorates the history of Banaba Island in the Pacific Ocean, which was destroyed by environmentally devastating phosphate mining during the 20th century. This led to the total relocation of its people in 1945, with the 78th anniversary of their displacement to be observed on Dec. 15, 2023, during the run of the exhibition.
HoMA Nights: Every Friday & Saturday
Every Friday and Saturday, HoMA remains open until 9pm with safe, engaging ways to experience all the museum has to offer.
Join us for HoMA Nights to explore the galleries, stargaze in the courtyards, enjoy live art experiences and music, and connect with the museum community.
Bishop Museum’s After Hours: 2nd Friday Monthly
Need a place to pau hana? We’ve got you covered! Explore Historic Hawaiian Hall, experience unique changing exhibitions, hear about the latest scientific discoveries, and engage with Hawaiian cultural practitioners all at Bishop Museum’s After Hours events. This monthly evening event welcomes kamaʻāina and visitors to explore Hawaiʻi’s unique and unparalleled cultural and natural history. See Kalaniʻōpuʻu’s feather ʻahu ʻula (cape) and mahiole (helmet) in Hawaiian Hall; check out Hawaiʻi’s animal and plant biodiversity in the Science Adventure Center; explore the newest exhibitions in the Castle Memorial Building and J.M. Long Gallery; or spend your evening under Honolulu’s star-lit sky on the Great Lawn with food and drinks for sale by local vendors.
“8x8: Source” at Shangri La: A New Exhibit by Hawaii Artists
Shangri La is excited to announce 8x8: Source will be opening on January 13, 2024. This fourth installment of 8x8 brings together eight visual artists and eight performing artists based in Hawaiʻi to create new work inspired by their encounters with Shangri La. Sparking a generative force to this year’s exhibition, the theme “source”, has been interpreted by these sixteen artists to produce commentaries on topics ranging from sustainability and ancestry to rising and return.
This year’s lineup of incredible artists include:
Sean-Joseph Takeo Kahāokalani Choo, Ryan Kamakakēhau Fernandez, Paula Fuga, Noah Harders, Nick Kurosawa, Lehuauakea, Kenny WaiFu Lui, Punahele, Noʻu Revilla, Abigail Romanchak, Amelia Samari, Michelle Schwengel-Regala, David Shepard, T.J. Keanu Tario (Laritza Labouche), Maikai Tubbs, and I Made Widana.
‘Iolani Palace: Kama‘āina Sunday - 2nd Sunday of the month
ʻIolani Palace welcomes all residents to Kamaʻāina Sunday when guests can explore the Palace, immerse themselves in Hawaiian culture, taste ‘ono food, support local vendors, enjoy lively entertainment, and more. The free event is held on the second Sunday of every month.
2024 SUNDAY DATES: February 11, 2024, March 10, 2024, April 14, 2024, May 12, 2024, June 9, 2024, July 14, 2024, August 11, 2024, September 8, 2024, October 13, 2024, November 10, 2024, December 8, 2024
Kapulani Landgraf: ʻAuʻa
On January 17, 2024—the anniversary of the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom—HoMA unveils Kapulani Landgraf’s powerful installation ʻAuʻa. The work was initially shown at the museum as part of the 2019 Honolulu Biennial. Featuring a new element created by the artist, this exhibition debuts the edition of ʻAuʻa that HoMA subsequently acquired for its permanent collection.
“Sentience… Once Empty, Twice Full” Sculpture by Rick Mills
The jeweled-tone glass sculpture, now on permanent display in the middle terrace, collects and emanates light throughout the day. For artist Rick Mills, his sculpture serves as a metaphor for the celebration of life and vitality.
Mahalo to the Whitcomb Family for generously gifting this sculpture to the City & County of Honolulu.
Making Art for Art’s Sake
This student and teacher show in the DAC Classroom features art and craft projects created during our popular Saturday afternoon workshops, Making Art for Art’s Sake, every Saturday from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Instructed by diverse teaching artists, each class introduces exciting projects to spark your imagination and hone new art-making skills in different mediums, like printmaking, watercolor painting, bookmaking, pyrography, and more. Unleash your inner artist in a welcoming environment, where the emphasis is on playfulness, open-mindedness, and pure fun. Whether you're taking your first steps into creativity or looking to explore new artistic avenues, these classes are designed for everyone.
Aha 2024 Annual Exhibition
This year’s annual AHA2024 Exhibition is scheduled for March 9-May 10 with the opening reception on Thursday, March 14.
Hitoshi Hida Retrospective Exhibition
DAC is honored to present a retrospective (and birthday exhibition) of the sketches and paintings of distinguished architectural illustrator and G70 principal Hitoshi Hida, who is renowned for his meticulous hand-drawn renderings. His professional career, spanning four decades, has included projects in China, Vietnam, Japan, and Tahiti.
Ka ʻUla Wena: Oceanic Red
Ka ʻUla Wena: Oceanic Red, a new, original exhibition coming to our Castle Memorial Building.
Ka ʻUla Wena: Oceanic Red explores manifestations of red in the landscapes, memory, and created expressions of Oceania. Ka ʻUla Wena originates in Hawaiʻi, but we reach out to embrace our cousins across the vast Moananuiākea.
The phrase “ka ‘ula wena” refers to a glowing red, one whose warmth envelops Hawaiʻi each day, first at Kumukahi, the storied easternmost point of the Islands. It is the strength of the sun but also the bounty of reds found in the plants and animals it nourishes. Ka ‘ula wena is a red experienced beyond seeing. This redness is felt in mele (song), moʻolelo (stories), and the wena (warmth) of kinship. Red conveys a constellation of ideas densely populated by meaning. Red, beyond color, shade, or hue, elevates the senses, shifts emotions, affirms kinships, enlivens passions, consecrates the sacred, and sets apart the profane.
Ka ʻUla Wena: Oceanic Red celebrates the distinctly unique reds of Oceania and the redness of our connection.
Ao Po, Day and Night - Art at the Capitol
Enjoy a night dedicated to appreciating contemporary and historical art depicted in various mediums, including painting, photography, dance, music, film, and game. Various offices and public spaces in the Capitol, including Legislators' offices, will be open for you to explore and learn about the pieces that furnish our walls and bring color, vibrancy, and inspiration to the Legislature. Stay tuned here to our social media pages for the latest updates on this exciting event.
World of Banksy Honolulu (Multiple entry times per day)
“World of Banksy" is an all-new kind of exhibition at the crossroads of art, geopolitical unrest, and social justice, amplified through the lens of immersive and digital technology. This journey through Banksy's works transforms traditional art viewing into an interactive experience, where the enigmatic artist's engagement with the world's most pressing issues is brought to life.
High sell out risk. Limited ticket availability.
World of Banksy Honolulu (Multiple entry times per day)
“World of Banksy" is an all-new kind of exhibition at the crossroads of art, geopolitical unrest, and social justice, amplified through the lens of immersive and digital technology. This journey through Banksy's works transforms traditional art viewing into an interactive experience, where the enigmatic artist's engagement with the world's most pressing issues is brought to life.
High sell out risk. Limited ticket availability.
World of Banksy Honolulu (Multiple entry times per day)
“World of Banksy" is an all-new kind of exhibition at the crossroads of art, geopolitical unrest, and social justice, amplified through the lens of immersive and digital technology. This journey through Banksy's works transforms traditional art viewing into an interactive experience, where the enigmatic artist's engagement with the world's most pressing issues is brought to life.
High sell out risk. Limited ticket availability.
Japan Festival Ishikawa - Culture in Honolulu
Cultural charity event featuring traditional Japanese music, folk arts, and the first ever performance of Kanazawa Geishas in Honolulu.
Through this unique opportunity you will have the occasion to appreciate the authentic beauty of Japanese culture which crowns the commemoration of Hawaii-Japanese relation in light of more than 100-year history.
In particular, Ishikawa Prefecture is located in the northern coast of Honshu and it is famous for being the cradle of traditional and contemporary Japanese art, design, culture and craft. Moreover, Kanazawa, its capital, is one of the best-preserved Edo-period (1603-1867) cities in Japan.
Live performances as well as Japanese tea ceremony, traditional flower arrangement, and Japanese calligraphy in the exhibition room.
Modern fashion show featuring the fusion between the traditional and the modern Japanese culture! In fact, you can admire the outstanding traditional fabrics from Ishikawa, such as Kimono and lacquer, in modern fashion.
A charity event with all ticket proceeds donated to the historic Hawaii Theater.
A donation box will be present to support the disaster-affected areas of Maui.
Mai Nā Kūpuna MaiFrom the Ancestors – Gallery Walk-through
This exhibition speaks of intergenerational knowledge and the inspiration that is drawn from our kūpuna. It focuses on the work of two artists who are treasures of Hawaiʻi, and were innovators of the Hawaiian Renaissance of the 1980’s, Ivy Hāliʻimaile Andrade and Sean Kekamakupa'aikapono Kaonohiokalani Lee Loy Browne. Both have included several artists that they have mentored and developed a relationship with to exhibit with them. Puni Jackson, Charlton Kūpa‘a Hee, Kawika Lum-Nelmida, Marques Hanalei Marzan, Abigail Kahilikia Romanchak, Cory Kamehanaokalā Holt Taum, and Maika’i Tubbs who are all significant artists in their own right. This exhibition celebrates the gifts that come from the ancestors and the continued innovations that each generation of artists brings to the community.
The Art Gallery Hours
Tue. – Fri, & Sun. 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Free admission
Dreams of Waking: Mind-Bending Collage Art by Jeff Gere
Humans spend a third of our lives sleeping. What goes on inside our minds while we dream, and what does it look like? Jeff Gere, widely known as a master storyteller, has been hand-making collage art privately for decades. In “Dreams of Waking,” he reveals 50 collage images, most of which will be on view for the first time ever, based around this theme.
The public is invited to a series of FREE Artist Talks with master storyteller and collage artist Jeff Gere on Saturdays, January 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Learning Curves: Watercolor Artwork Created by DAC Art Students
This exhibition showcases the work of DAC art students in watercolor classes under the direction of teaching artist Dwayne Adams.
Closing Event: Hoʻomau Nā Maka o ka ʻĀina presents Ahupuaʻa, Fishponds and Loʻi: Oʻahu
The Ahupuaʻa Fishponds and Loʻi: Oʻahu exhibit at Koa Gallery, Kapiʻolani Community College will close on January 12th, 2024. To celebrate Hoʻomau Nā Maka o ka ʻĀinaʻs efforts, and the places and people featured, Koa Gallery will host a casual closing reception for folks to talk story and spend time in the installation.
Architects as Artists Exhibition 2024
The third annual Architects as Artists exhibition explores the sources of architects' inspiration in their work and art, and attempts to stimulate and deepen the public's interest and understanding for architecture and architects in Hawaiʻi and Downtown Honolulu. Architects, architectural engineers and architecture students, as well as those who work in architecture firms or architecture-related fields in Hawaiʻi, have been invited to show their work in all media in this exhibition.
Art Tent Studio Young Artist’s Exhibition
Children’s art showcase! Plus, free printmaking art activity for young artists to explore!
Nutcracker in Chinatown: An interactive performance art experience.
DAC’s Gift to the Neighborhood! Free, open to the public
Nutcracker in Chinatown is an interactive performing arts interpretation of the beloved holiday ballet, taking place at different locations in historic downtown Chinatown. Characters, activities, and adventure await you! Ticket holders will check in at Downtown Art Center, collect their secret map and instructions, and the rest is up to them. Featuring local dancers and actors, photo opportunities, and a chance to explore shops and galleries that are part of the Chinatown business and art community, Nutcracker in Chinatown is proud to partner with BĀS Bookshop, The ARTS at Marks Garage, and Honolulu Printmakers.
Nutcracker in Chinatown: An interactive performance art experience.
DAC’s Gift to the Neighborhood! Free, open to the public
Nutcracker in Chinatown is an interactive performing arts interpretation of the beloved holiday ballet, taking place at different locations in historic downtown Chinatown. Characters, activities, and adventure await you! Ticket holders will check in at Downtown Art Center, collect their secret map and instructions, and the rest is up to them. Featuring local dancers and actors, photo opportunities, and a chance to explore shops and galleries that are part of the Chinatown business and art community, Nutcracker in Chinatown is proud to partner with BĀS Bookshop, The ARTS at Marks Garage, and Honolulu Printmakers.
Art Opening: The Healing Journey Water Color Exhibition by Janet Meinke-Lau
Exhibit runs through December. Gallery carries works of local artists and craftsmen.
Nutcracker in Chinatown: An interactive performance art experience.
DAC’s Gift to the Neighborhood! Free, open to the public
Nutcracker in Chinatown is an interactive performing arts interpretation of the beloved holiday ballet, taking place at different locations in historic downtown Chinatown. Characters, activities, and adventure await you! Ticket holders will check in at Downtown Art Center, collect their secret map and instructions, and the rest is up to them. Featuring local dancers and actors, photo opportunities, and a chance to explore shops and galleries that are part of the Chinatown business and art community, Nutcracker in Chinatown is proud to partner with BĀS Bookshop, The ARTS at Marks Garage, and Honolulu Printmakers.
Nutcracker in Chinatown: An interactive performance art experience.
DAC’s Gift to the Neighborhood! Free, open to the public
Nutcracker in Chinatown is an interactive performing arts interpretation of the beloved holiday ballet, taking place at different locations in historic downtown Chinatown. Characters, activities, and adventure await you! Ticket holders will check in at Downtown Art Center, collect their secret map and instructions, and the rest is up to them. Featuring local dancers and actors, photo opportunities, and a chance to explore shops and galleries that are part of the Chinatown business and art community, Nutcracker in Chinatown is proud to partner with BĀS Bookshop, The ARTS at Marks Garage, and Honolulu Printmakers.
First Friday at Capitol Modern
Free, family-friendly evening of art and music at Capitol Modern. The Lēʻahi Gallery and our Sculpture Garden will be open. Come visit and enjoy performances in the garden. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.
DAC Holiday Invitational 2023
The DAC Holiday Invitational returns, curated by Gina Bacon Kerr with co-curator Johnny Macas-Freire of Manini Gallery. The exhibition, a curated selection of renowned artists from around Hawaiʻi, will be on view during regular gallery hours from December 1-23, Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
David Hockney: Perspective Should Be Reversed: Prints from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation
Highlighting some of Hockney’s (b. 1937) most celebrated series and individual prints, the exhibition presents a wide range of styles, from the artist’s earliest etchings of the mid-1950s and 60s to his recent experimental iPad drawings. Best known for vivid scenes such as Southern California swimming pools, intimate abstracted portraits, playful theater designs and expansive landscape panoramas, the exhibition showcases the artist’s iconic and inventive style, reinforcing his international reputation as one of the foremost avant-garde realists of our time.
Project Banaba exhibition by Katerina Teaiwa
The Project Banaba exhibition by Katerina Teaiwa commemorates the history of Banaba Island in the Pacific Ocean, which was destroyed by environmentally devastating phosphate mining during the 20th century. This led to the total relocation of its people in 1945, with the 78th anniversary of their displacement to be observed on Dec. 15, 2023, during the run of the exhibition.
Comic Jam Hawaii: Talk Story, Draw Story Exhibition & Opening Reception
Downtown Art Center is excited to present the first exhibition of works by members of Comic Jam Hawaii (Est. 2011). The exhibition “Comic Jam Hawaii: Talk Story, Draw Story,” will feature art from 22 members of Comic Jam Hawaii. The art will range from comic book style, cartoon, manga, fantasy, and sci-fi.
OPENING RECEPTION: First Friday, November 3 from 5:30 PM - 8 PM
Artists of Hawaii 2023 – A Juried Exhibition
Includes art in a variety of media created by artists living in the state of Hawaiʻi, and will be juried in 2023 by guest juror Tyler Cann, Senior Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at HoMA.
First Friday Reception: November 3, 5:30 PM – 8 PM
Under the Sun: The Art of Solario - ARTIST TALK & RECEPTION
"Under the Sun: The Art of Solario", is an enchanting art exhibition that transports us back in time to the golden era of Hawaiiana. With a deep appreciation for aesthetics, architecture, and culture of the mid-20th century, Solario pays homage to a bygone era while injecting it with new life. By utilizing digital tools and technologies, he skillfully mimics the techniques of the past to create artworks that are both familiar and fresh.
Under the Sun: The Art of Solario Exhibit presented by maniniGALLERY x Blue Hawaii Lifestyle
"Under the Sun: The Art of Solario", is an enchanting art exhibition that transports us back in time to the golden era of Hawaiiana. With a deep appreciation for aesthetics, architecture, and culture of the mid-20th century, Solario pays homage to a bygone era while injecting it with new life. By utilizing digital tools and technologies, he skillfully mimics the techniques of the past to create artworks that are both familiar and fresh.
『UNDER THE SUN: The Art of Solario』へようこそ。これは魅惑的な芸術展であり、私たちをハワイアナの黄金時代へとタイムスリップさせます。ソラリオは、20世紀中期の美学、建築、文化に深い感銘を受け、過去の時代に敬意を払いながら新たな息吹を吹き込みます。デジタルツールと技術を駆使し、過去の技法を巧みに模倣し、馴染み深く新鮮な作品を創り出します。各作品は、緻密な注意を払った芸術家の証であり、ハワイ独特の視覚的アイデンティティの遺産を保存する決意の表れです。ソラリオの作品は、これら独特な島のスタイルの永遠の美しさを私たちに感じさせ、同時にその進化の活力を称賛します。
Playing With Light by Scitech
Picture walking through a tunnel, illuminated by 20,000 individual LED lights. Now imagine being able to manipulate those lights to follow your every movement! Keiki and ʻohana will also be able to see their shadows come to life with computer vision technology; explore a walk-in kaleidoscope; and be challenged to dodge lasers as they try to get to their next destination. The exhibit will emphasize the importance of play as a means to learning.
Habilitat presents the 4th Annual Haunted Drive-Thru
Dead End returns for a 4th year with all new scenes and characters to bring you the only drive-thru Haunted House in Hawaii. This event has sold out for the past three years. This year promises to be bigger, scarier, and more thrilling than ever before, providing families and thrill seekers with a safe and unforgettable Halloween experience. Tickets are limited so be sure to grab yours early and secure your spot for this hair-raising event.
Haunted Drive-thru open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
All proceeds from the Haunted Drive-thru go directly towards saving lives and Habilitat’s mission of guiding and empowering individuals to make positive choices in their own lives.
Downtown Art Center Volunteer Art Show
From painters, printmakers and textile artists to photographers and ceramicists, Downtown Art Center has some of the most talented, creative volunteers around. This show is to celebrate them, not only for their contributions to the gallery (DAC literally couldn’t run without our volunteers) but as artists too!
Hoʻomau Nā Maka o ka ʻĀina presents Ahupuaʻa, Fishponds and Loʻi: Oʻahu
The work continues as Hoʻomau Nā Maka o ka ʻĀina, a partnership between Puʻuhonua Society and Nā Maka o ka ʻĀina, breathes new life and makes publicly accessible the invaluable ʻike kūpuna housed in their collection. After three years of digitizing materials associated with NMOKAʻs 1992 film Ahupuaʻa, Fishponds and Lo’i, Hoʻomau Nā Maka o ka ʻĀina has organized an ongoing exhibition and screening series presenting unseen video and transcripts. Ahupuaʻa, Fishponds and Loʻi: Oʻahu features kūpuna, kupaʻāina, and makaʻāinana speaking about loʻi kalo, loko iʻa, and storied places in various ahupuaʻa on the island of Oʻahu.
Hawai‘i Craftsmen Annual Statewide Exhibition 2023
Held annually since 1967, the Hawai‘i Craftsmen Annual Statewide Exhibition features the finest traditional and contemporary craft from across the state of Hawai‘i.
Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony: Saturday, September 30, 6 pm - 8pm
Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 11 am - 6 pm
Collectors’ Art Sale & Exhibition: Fundraiser for Downtown Art Center, Jean Charlot Foundation, & Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund
With over 500 works by more than 150 artists collected so far, there will be something for everyone to collect!
In light of recent events on Maui, Downtown Art Center and the Jean Charlot Foundation have decided to donate a percentage of net proceeds from our upcoming Collectors Art Sale & Exhibition Fundraiser to the Mauistrong Hawaii Community Foundation fund.
In this exhibition, curated by Allison Wong, fine art from Hawaii collectors will be made available to new and veteran collectors to benefit the nonprofit Downtown Art Center (DAC) and the Jean Charlot Foundation (JCF). The event will encourage collectors to donate works of art from their collections to encourage others to purchase and support the mission of DAC and JCF. In addition to the Collectors’ Art Sale, there will be an Exhibition of Selected Works by Hawaii contemporary artists.
VIP Preview Reception: Friday, September 15, from 5:30-8 p.m. $150 per person.
Be the FIRST to see and buy works at this Preview Reception, featuring artworks by some of Hawaii’s most well-known artists, donated from private collectors!
Public Opening Reception: Saturday, September 16 from 5-8 p.m. Free and open to the public. Refreshments available.