The 2025 Hawai‘i Triennial ALOHA NŌ continues to make waves in the art world with its thought-provoking and deeply rooted approach to showcasing contemporary art in Hawai‘i. The exhibition, curated by Wassan Al-Khudhairi, Binna Choi, and Noelle M.K.Y. Kahanu, has garnered attention for its innovative and meaningful presentations across multiple venues in Honolulu, Maui, and Hawai‘i Island.
One of the standout works featured in the triennial is Meleanna Aluli Meyer’s “‘Umeke Lā‘au: Culture Medicine,” a sculpture that challenges the historical legitimacy of governmental power while also offering a space for healing and reflection. Enlarging the form of a calabash to room-sized proportions, the sculpture serves as a symbol of resistance and resilience, inviting visitors to experience its powerful message.
Another highlight of the exhibition is Brandy Nālani McDougall’s “Aloha Ka‘apuni/Revolutionary Aloha,” a series of concrete poems that explore the multifaceted meanings of ka‘apuni in various locations around Lē‘ahi (Diamond Head). McDougall’s work delves into the complex history of Hawai‘i and challenges viewers to rethink their relationship to the land and its stories.
Throughout the triennial, artists and collectives from Hawai‘i and beyond have come together to create a diverse and engaging showcase of contemporary art. From Lieko Shiga
