ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Hawai‘i Triennial 2025 Explores Aloha as Transformative Power

exhibition · 2026-04-23

The Hawai‘i Triennial 2025, titled ALOHA NŌ, runs until May 4, 2025, across 14 venues in O‘ahu, Maui, and Hawai‘i Island. Curators Wassan Al-Khudhairi, Binna Choi, and Noelle M.K.Y. Kahanu have assembled over 100 works from 49 artists and collectives, showcasing talent from Hawai‘i, the Pacific, and beyond. The exhibition aims to redefine the concept of aloha, emphasizing its deep meaning related to love, truth, and community ties. Notable pieces include Hayv Kahraman's paintings of endangered Hawaiian snails, Yazan Khalili's poem critiquing US-funded violence in Gaza, and Jumana Manna's banners honoring Palestinian festivals before Nakba. For the first time, Maui and Hawai‘i Island are part of this event, featuring free public activities like workshops and film screenings.

Key facts

  • HT25 runs through 4 May 2025 across 14 sites on O‘ahu, Maui, and Hawai‘i Island.
  • Curated by Wassan Al-Khudhairi, Binna Choi, and Noelle M.K.Y. Kahanu.
  • Features 49 artists and collectives with over 100 artworks.
  • Title ALOHA NŌ reclaims aloha from over-commodification.
  • Hayv Kahraman presents paintings on marbled, hand-woven flax about endangered Hawaiian snails.
  • Yazan Khalili's installation includes poem on T-shirts, hoodies, and hats for sale.
  • Jumana Manna's banners revive Palestinian mawasim festivals lost after the Nakba.
  • First time the triennial includes Hawai‘i Island and Maui.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Hawai‘i Contemporary
  • Honolulu Museum of Art

Locations

  • Hawai‘i
  • Pacific
  • O‘ahu
  • Maui
  • Hawai‘i Island
  • USA
  • Jerusalem
  • Jericho
  • Gaza
  • Jaffa

Sources