---
title: 2026 18th Annual Hawaiʻi Nei
description: >-
  Juried exhibition at Wailoa Center, Hilo, for Hawaiʻi Island artists depicting
  native Hawaiian species in any medium. Nov 6 – Dec 10, 2026.
url: 'https://www.artsume.com/programs/b11553f2-0243-4674-9b2a-ad5ce5f056d1'
type: program
status: open
createdAt: '2026-09-04'
updatedAt: '2026-09-07'
programType: Exhibition
organization: Hawaii Island Art Alliance
organizationUrl: 'https://www.artsume.com/o/hawaii-island-art-alliance'
deadline: '2026-10-09'
entryFee: 20 USD
location: 'Wailoa Center, Hilo, HI, United States'
isOnline: false
compensationRange: >-
  A combination of awards plus a small makana (gift) for participating artists;
  artists receive 60% of sales.
disciplines:
  - painting
  - photography
  - sculpture
  - mixed media
---

# 2026 18th Annual Hawaiʻi Nei

**Hosted by:** Hawaii Island Art Alliance

**Type:** Exhibition | **Location:** Wailoa Center, Hilo, HI, United States | **Deadline:** October 9, 2026 | **Entry fee:** $20

## About This Program

> "Native flora and fauna of Hawaiʻi Island — species endemic or indigenous to the Big Island"

Hawaiʻi Nei 2026, a juried art exhibition celebrating the native flora and fauna of Hawaiʻi Island. Open only to Hawaiʻi Island (Big Island) artists in all mediums and styles. The main subject(s) of your piece(s) must be a species native to Hawaiʻi Island — an organism that naturally arrived to Hawaiʻi without the help of humans via the 3Ws (wind, waves, or wings), either endemic (found only in Hawaiʻi) or indigenous (native to Hawaiʻi and elsewhere).

Artwork highlighting non-native species, including Polynesian introductions, as well as native species exclusively endemic to other Hawaiian islands will not be accepted. Artwork made of materials from an endangered native species will not be accepted. Artists of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to learn more about the plants, animals, and habitats native to Hawaiʻi Island and depict these species in the media of their choosing.

As a result, the exhibition features works from elementary students to renowned local artists; photography to sculpture: all focusing on the unique flora and fauna that makes our home distinctively Hawaiʻi. Jurying considers uniqueness of the native species, quality, craftsmanship, and overall presentation of the piece; artists are encouraged to look beyond the well-known native species and explore the incredible diversity of Hawaiʻi ecosystems including aquatic and marine. Artwork in any medium or combination of media is welcome, including the performing arts; a television screen is available upon request to display video media.

This year there will be a combination of awards as well as a small makana (gift) for participating artists.

## Eligibility & Requirements

- **Geographic Eligibility:** Local
- **Disciplines:** painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media
- **Note:** Open to Hawaii Island (Big Island) residents only. Open to any media (2D, 3D, Photography, video, etc). No reproductions or AI generated or assisted art will be accepted. For 2D works larger than 7' tall x 9' wide or 3D works taller than 10' or wider 6' feet, please contact Wailoa Center. Artwork must have been created in the past four years.

Artwork can NOT have been previously exhibited at Wailoa Center. This exhibit will be displayed in a State Parks facility, thus artwork with sensitive subject matter (i.e. nudity, offensive religious or political statements, and or violence) may be juried out. If accepted, all work MUST be gallery quality installation ready to hang or be easily installed.

2D framed wall art must use gallery wire with d-rings or equivalent. No sawtooth hardware. The main subject(s) of the piece must be a species native to Hawai'i Island (endemic or indigenous); species endemic exclusively to other Hawaiian islands are not eligible. Maximum of five entries per artist. To be eligible for Kona drop-off, artwork must be less than 40" x 40" and securely wrapped for transport.

### Additional Requirements

- Completed Portfolio on CaFÉ with 1 - 5 artwork samples.
- Submission fee: $20 per entry (non-refundable).
- Artist Statement (filled out when making your CaFÉ account, max 2000 characters).
- Description of artwork (filled out when creating your CaFÉ portfolio, max 2000 characters).
- Images min 0 / max 10, Audio min 0 / max 5, Video min 0 / max 5, Total min 1 / max 10.
- Maximum file size 5 MB; high quality images with the longest edge at 1200 pixels, sRGB, jpeg recommended.

## Compensation & Benefits

A combination of awards plus a small makana (gift) for participating artists; artists receive 60% of sales.

**Includes:** Prize

This year we will have a combination of awards as well as a small makana (gift) for participating artists. Award amounts are not stated.

## Timeline

- **Opens:** June 5, 2026
- **Deadline:** October 9, 2026
- **Program Start:** November 6, 2026
- **Program End:** December 10, 2026

## Contact

**Email:** hawaii.nei.art@gmail.com

**Phone:** 808-933-0416

## How to Apply

Apply at: https://www.hawaiineiartexhibition.org/prospectus.html