Mālama Wao Akua is a juried art exhibition celebrating the native species of Maui Nui (Maui, Lāna‘i, Moloka‘i, Kaho‘olawe). In its fifth year at Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center, the Hui is thrilled to collaborate with East Maui Watershed Partnership (EMWP) to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our islands’ unique ecosystems and species. The Hui and EMWP believe artists have a powerful and vital role to play in our local conservation efforts; by providing the public with a creative and intimate way of interacting with rare native species, artists help spark conservation and inspire care for the exceptional environments surrounding us.
Wao akua can be translated in Hawaiian to mean “realm of the Gods” or “distant mountain region believed to be inhabited by spirits.” When we mālama something we agree to take care, observe, attend, preserve, and protect it as a service or honor. This exhibition reflects the importance of Maui Nui’s native species and encourages us all to learn and to mālama these special places, plants, and animals.
With education at the heart of the exhibition’s purpose, Mālama Wao Akua invites participation from local Maui artists of all ages. Local conservation professionals analyze each piece for accuracy and appropriateness in depiction and materials. Representing interests in both art and conservation, Jurors Abigail Romanchak and Woody Mallinson worked thoughtfully to select works that share knowledge of native species in a meaningful, accurate, and creative way.
We are honored to celebrate the 45 adults, 16 high school students, 4 middle school students, and 9 elementary school students who contributed 96 pieces to this exhibition! We hope you enjoy getting to know the 74 unique native species represented!
A big mahalo to Aloha Recycling for sponsoring this exhibition!
Watch our Virtual Opening Reception from Friday, September 18th!
Adults
To purchase any of the artwork you see here please contact call (808)572-6560. A portion of all sales go to benefit East Maui Watershed Partnership. Mahalo!
High School
Middle School
Elementary School
Artwork photographed by Jose Morales of Xinia Productions.