Your Insider Guide to the Hawai‘i Triennial
Admire 100+ artworks themed around Aloha Nō at venues across the state from Feb. 15 to May 4, 2025.
Salote Tawale, E da sa semati vata (still) 2025, video. Photo: Courtesy of the artist
From Waikīkī to Fort Street Mall, art is popping up in some unexpected locales as part of the Hawai‘i Triennial 2025—a limited-time contemporary art exhibition that only happens every three years. Find poetry at Lē‘ahi, sculptures in Foster Botanical Garden, a calabash at city hall, films in a Kaka‘ako warehouse and an oyster installation overlooking Pearl Harbor, just to name a few.
Let’s break down the numbers: you’ll have 78 days to visit more than a hundred artworks and projects by 49 artists and art collectives at 14 sites on O‘ahu and, for the first time, Maui and Hawai‘i Island, too. Despite the diverse venues, the pieces are all tied together with this year’s theme, Aloha Nō, inviting viewers to [re]consider their own notions and preconceptions of aloha.
Plus, you can meet the artists and engage with the artwork through dozens of free, public programs, including guided gallery tours, artist conversations, film screenings and discussions, hands-on workshops, poetry and arts writing sessions, performances, as well as family-friendly activities.
Click to the info you want to explore:
SEE ALSO: Things to Do on O‘ahu in February 2025
Image: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Contemporary
What Is the Hawai‘i Triennial?
Hawai‘i Contemporary presents HT25, the state’s largest, thematic exhibition of contemporary art bringing together artists from Hawai‘i, the Pacific and around the world. Previously known as Honolulu Biennial, this is the fourth edition since its inception ten years ago.
This year’s exhibition is curated by Wassan Al-Khudhairi, Binna Choi and Noelle M.K.Y. Kahanu and organized by nonprofit Hawai‘i Contemporary. HT25 is sponsored in part by Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and Hawaiian Airlines.
What to See
Image: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Contemporary
O‘ahu
Aupuni Space
Watch Futoshi Miyagi’s film installation that intertwines Okinawa’s complex geopolitical history with his personal exploration of identity, sexuality and societal issues by reflecting on the U.S. occupation of the island post WWII.
Free, open Wednesdays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fridays, 3 to 7 p.m., 729 Auahi St., Kaka‘ako, (808) 600-0519, aupuni.space, @aupunispace
Salote Tawale, E da sa semati vata (still) 2025, video. Photo: Courtesy of the artist
Bishop Museum
See nine artists’ works exploring their personal and cultural relationships to land and colonized territories. Artists include J.D. Nālamakūikapō Ahsing, Sione Faletau, Emily Karaka, Kapwani Kiwanga, John Pule, Brandy Nālani McDougall, Tiare Ribeaux, Stephanie Syjuco and Salote Tawale.
$33.95 adults, $19.95 kama‘āina and military, senior and youth discounts available, open every day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1525 Bernice St., Kalihi, (808) 847-3511, bishopmuseum.org, @bishopmuseum
Jane Jin Kaisen, Halmang, 2023, single-channel film, 4K, color with stereo sound, 12 mins. Photo: Courtesy of the artist
Capitol Modern
Check out the works of 14 artists with a focus on healing, sovereignty and transnational solidarity. Artists include Rebecca Belmore, Kahi Ching, Rocky Ka‘iouliokahihikolo‘Ehu Jensen, Jane Jin Kaisen, Sonya Kelliher-Combs, Sung Hwan Kim, Lehuauakea, Jumana Manna, Brandy Nālani McDougall, Sancia Miala Shiba Nash, Carl F.K. Pao, Russell Sunabe, Wendelien van Oldenborgh and Warraba Weatherall.
Free, open Mondays to Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 250 S. Hotel St., 2nd Floor, Downtown, (808) 586-0900, capitolmodern.org, @capitolmodern
Fort DeRussy
Revisit Rocky Ka‘iouliokahihikolo‘Ehu Jensen’s Nā Lehua Helelei, five towering ki‘i, which has been restored 25 years after its initial installation. The piece embodies the steadfastness, forgiveness and generosity of the god Kū, who is associated with warfare.
Public installation, available for viewing 24/7, 2131 Kālia Rd., in front of U.S. Army Museum of Hawai‘i, wahipana.com, @wahipana
Fort Street Mall
Carl F.K. Pao’s work on Fort Street Mall is the artist’s visual interpretation of King Kamehameha I’s Ke Kānāwai Māmalahoe, or Law of the Splintered Paddle from 1797, which calls for the humane treatment of civilians during times of war.
Public installation, available for viewing 24/7, Fort Street Mall near Pauahi Street, wahipana.com, @wahipana
Foster Botanical Garden
The three alfresco pieces here invite visitors into a deeper meditation on the impacts of ecological migration and settler colonialism. Listen to the large-scale bamboo structure turned musical instrument by Art Labor + R Cham Tih, discover a soundscape by Brandon Ng and consider nature’s cycle of creation in Melissa Chimera’s installation.
$5 adults, $3 kama‘āina, $1 keiki ages 6 to 12, open every day, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 180 N. Vineyard Blvd., (808) 768-7135, honolulu.gov, @honolulubotanicalgardens
Hō‘ikeākea Gallery at Leeward Community College
In a venue overlooking Pearl Harbor, view exhibits from four artists (Megan Cope, Jane Jin Kaisen, Tiare Ribeaux and Russell Sunabe) whose examination of militoursim in the Pacific underscores the ravages and enduring impact of the U.S. military.
Free admission, open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Leeward Community College, 96-045 Ala ‘Ike, Pearl City, (808) 745-5993, leeward.hawaii.edu, @hoikeakeagallery
Honolulu Hale
Take in ‘Umeke Lā‘au by Meleanna Aluli Meyer, a larger-than-life sculptural calabash symbolizing care and cultural practice. Situated in the foyer of Honolulu Hale, the piece is nearly 2.5 meters tall and more than 6.5 meters in diameter.
Free, open Mondays to Fridays, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 530 S. King St., Downtown, (808) 768-6622, honolulumoca.org, @hnl_moca
Edith Amituanai, Vaimoe (still), 2024, digital video with sound, 16 mins. Photo: Courtesy of the artist.
Honolulu Museum of Art
Contemplate the work of eight artists whose respective practices are formed out of Indigenous heritages and strong matrilineal connections, comprising film, sculptures and paintings. Artists include Edith Amituanai, Teresita Fernández, Hayv Kahraman, Al Lagunero, Gisela McDaniel, Citra Sasmita, Rose B. Simpson and Kanitha Tith.
$25 adults, $15 kama‘āina, free for keiki under 18, open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., 900 S. Beretania St., (808) 532-8700, honolulumuseum.org, @honolulumuseum
Nanci Amaka, Cleanse Three Walls (2017) performance documentation. Photo: Courtesy of the artist
HT25 HUB at Davies Pacific Center
Situated in the heart of downtown, the HT25 HUB features immersive installations, filmed performance, poetry, photography, paintings and more. Artists include Allora & Calzadilla, Nanci Amaka, Edith Amituanai, Shannon Te Ao, Ikaika Bishop, Stephanie Comilang, Nikita Gale, Yazan Khalili, Las Nietas de Nonó, Anchi Lin (Ciwas Tahos), Nanea Lum, Brandy Nālani McDougall, Christian Nyampeta, Carl F.K. Pao, Rice Brewing Sisters Club, Lieko Shiga and Taro Patch Creative.
Free, open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Davies Pacific Center, 841 Bishop St., 2nd and 14th floors, hawaiicontemporary.org, @hawaiicontemporary
Lē‘ahi (Diamond Head)
Walk a 2.5-mile route around the base of Lē‘ahi and stop at four markers where you’ll read poetic postcard installations by Brandy Nālani McDougall. These markers highlight select stanzas of the artist’s poem, Lē‘ahi, against the silhouette of the landmark itself.
Public installation, available for viewing 24/7, wahipana.com, @wahipana
Installation view. Lieko Shiga, RASEN KAIGAN [The Spiral Shore], 2012, Sendai Mediatheque, Miyagi, Japan. Photo: Courtesy of the artist
Maui
Hale Hō‘ike‘ike at the Bailey House
Opening March 7, this exhibition by four artists traces memory, destruction and resiliency in a solemn nod to nearby Lahaina. Artists include Rocky Ka‘iouliokahihikolo‘Ehu Jensen, Brandy Nālani McDougall, Sancia Miala Shiba Nash and Lieko Shiga.
$10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 students, $4 keiki ages 5 to 18, free for keiki under 5, open Mondays to Fridays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2375A Main St., Wailuku, mauimuseum.org, @halehoikeike
Hawai‘i Island
Donkey Mill Art Center
Opening March 22, explore works by three HT25 artists, from very different parts of the world, who delve into the cycle of loss, healing and creation. Artists include Sonya Kelliher-Combs, Citra Sasmita and Kanitha Tith.
Free, open Wednesdays to Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 78-6670 Mamalahoa Hwy., Hōlualoa, (808) 322-3362, donkeymillartcenter.org, @donkeymillartcenter
East Hawai‘i Cultural Center
Here, five artists present works that explore the dynamics of homecoming, including Rocky Ka‘iouliokahihikolo‘Ehu Jensen, Hayv Kahraman, Jane Jin Kaisen, Lieko Shiga and Russell Sunabe.
Free, open Tuesdays to Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 141 Kalākaua St., Hilo, (808) 961-5711, ehcc.org, @easthawaiiculturalcenter
Lehuauakea – Mele O Nā Kaukani Wai. 2018. Photo: Courtesy of Mario Gallucci, Collection of National Gallery of Victoria.
What to Do
This is just a sampling of the Hawai‘i Triennial events happening over the next two and a half months. Find a complete list of tours, workshops, screenings, discussions and more at hawaiicontemporary.org.
Bishop Museum’s After Hours
Friday, Feb. 14, 5 to 9 p.m.
Get a sneak peek of the HT25 artwork and hear from the curators, as well as enjoy hands-on workshops, kids’ activities, food vendors and live music.
Family-friendly, $10 pre-sale, $15 at the door, free for keiki under 4 years old, 1525 Bernice St., Kalihi, bishopmuseum.org, @bishopmuseum
Opening Event at Capitol Modern
Saturday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Be among the first to witness the work of 14 artists at this downtown museum, plus meet and mingle with a few of them.
Family-friendly, free, 250 S. Hotel St., 2nd Floor, (808) 586-0900, capitolmodern.org, @capitolmodern
Opening Celebration Block Party
Saturday, Feb. 15, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Celebrate the kick-off of HT25 with live performances and ‘ono food at an electric evening of music, art and community. Enjoy live performances presented by Shangri La Museum featuring 8×8 artists Punahele, Ihilani Lasconia & Kauwila, Nick Kurosawa and Illnomadic as well as fun, educational activities. The Lei Bar will host lei-making, and there will be works by Art by Saumolia.
Food Vendors:
- Mary’s Girl in the Kitchen
- Milky Way
- Fry ‘Em Up
- Ocean Side Bakery
- Blue Truck Teppanyaki
- SingSing Thai Street Food
- This Lil Piggy
Family-friendly, free, Davies Pacific Center, 841 Bishop St., hawaiicontemporary.org, @hawaiicontemporary
Opening Reception at Ho‘ikeākea Gallery
Sunday, Feb. 16, 1 to 3 p.m.
Among other amazing works, admire Megan Cope’s “living sculpture” of some 40 poles comprised of local hardwood and indigenous oyster shells at this gallery overlooking Pearl Harbor.
Free admission, Leeward Community College, 96-045 Ala ‘Ike, Pearl City, (808) 745-5993, leeward.hawaii.edu, @hoikeakeagallery
Opening Reception at Foster Botanical Garden
Tuesday, Feb. 18, noon to 1 p.m.
Welcome and witness three new HT25 installations at this lush respite in downtown Honolulu.
Family-friendly, $5 adults, $3 kama‘āina, $1 keiki ages 6 to 12, 180 N. Vineyard Blvd., (808) 768-7135, honolulu.gov, @honolulubotanicalgardens
Limu Planter Workshop
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Blending art, ecology and cultural sustainability, you’ll craft limu planters with artist Rice Brewing Sisters Club, education specialist at Purple Mai‘a Foundation Ikaika Bishop and scholar Dong Ju Lee, Ph.D.
Family-friendly, free, registration required, HT25 HUB at Davies Pacific Center, 841 Bishop St., hawaiicontemporary.org, @hawaiicontemporary
Foster Botanical Garden Family Sunday Picnics
Sunday, March 23, 10 a.m. to noon
Sunday, April 20, 10 a.m. to noon
Bring the whole family for a picnic and kid-friendly programing to engage with the HT25 art. The March event will focus on artist Brandon Ng’s installation inspired by Queen Lili‘uokalani’s song Aloha ‘Oe. In April, join artist Melissa Chimera for a walk and talk about her sculpture Hulihonua.
Family-friendly, $5 adults, $3 kama‘āina, $1 keiki ages 6 to 12, RSVP required, 180 N. Vineyard Blvd., (808) 768-7135, honolulu.gov, @honolulubotanicalgardens
SEE ALSO: Where to Take Fun Classes on O‘ahu
Tips
- Don’t be overwhelmed by the amount of art to see. Follow three well-planned O‘ahu itineraries (starting on p. 10) with suggested routes and tips, plus places to stop for a bite nearby.
- Score a discount. To celebrate opening weekend, Bishop Museum is offering discounted kama‘āina and military admission ($15) on Saturday, Feb. 15, and Sunday, Feb. 16.
- Engage with the art. Some works are interactive, while others are meant to be observed from a distance—always check the art label for guidance.
- Snap and post. When sharing your experiences on social media, tag #HawaiiTriennial2025 and #HT25 for a chance to be featured on Hawai‘i Contemporary’s platforms.
Hawai‘i Triennial, Saturday, Feb. 15, through Sunday, May 4, various locations, hawaiicontemporary.org, @hawaiicontemporary
