Hawaiʻi Nei 2026 — 18th Annual Exhibition

Annual juried exhibition at the Wailoa Center in Hilo devoted to the native species of Hawai'i Island — organisms that arrived naturally by wind, waves or wings, whether endemic to Hawai'i or indigenous to Hawai'i and elsewhere. Artwork whose main subject is a non-native species, a Polynesian introduction, or a native species found only on other Hawaiian islands is not accepted, and work made from materials taken from an endangered native species is excluded. Any medium is welcome, with separate adult categories for two-dimensional work, three-dimensional work and photography, plus a youth section that is free to enter. Reproductions and AI-generated or AI-assisted work are not accepted; pieces must have been made in the past four years and not previously shown at the Wailoa Center, and because the gallery is a State Parks facility work with nudity or offensive religious, political or violent content may be juried out. Open to residents of Hawai'i Island only. Emily Catey Weiss, program director at the Volcano Art Center and previously a working photographer on Oahu's North Shore, juries the adult divisions; Erzsi Kuba Palko, illustrator of two books on native Hawaiian species, juries the youth divisions. The jurors ask for an artist statement describing your pilina — your relationship to the species, to the island and to the piece itself — and say it may weigh in the selection. The show runs November 6 – December 10, 2026, opening with a reception on November 6, with awards presented alongside a small makana for every participating artist. Sold work is split 60% to the artist, 40% to the organisers.