‘Ho‘ā Wailoa: A Tribute to Pi‘opi‘o’ transforms Wailoa Art Center into living cultural space

Big Island community members are invited to a free, community-centered event at Wailoa Art Center in Hilo.

“Ho‘ā Wailoa: A Tribute to Piʻopiʻo” illuminates the history and cultural significance of Piʻopiʻo — the Wailoa River wetland area — through storytelling, art and shared experience.

It is hosted by Hawai‘i Island Art Alliance and made possible through a Kamehameha Schools Kaiāulu grant.

“Ho‘ā Wailoa” moves beyond passive observation, designed to light up Wailoa as a living cultural space, and invites participants to actively engage with place.

Keiki, ‘ohana and the broader community are encouraged to listen deeply, create meaningfully and reflect collectively on their relationship to ʻāina through a series of intergenerational experiences.

The initiative centers on two key activities:

• 5:30 to 7 p.m. April 30: Talk Story on the history of Pi‘op‘io featuring Lokelani Brandt, Keahi Warfield and Leslie Lang. Light refreshments will be served. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP online (hiaa.art/event-list).
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 16: Insights from the talk story will inform and inspire an ‘Ohana Art Day featuring local artist and block printer Mālie Moana. Attendees are encouraged to bring items they want to block print.

Hawai‘i Island Art Alliance during the May 16 activity will also announce its Keiki Art Contest, encouraging original artwork inspired by the stories of Wailoa and the Pi‘opi‘o area.

“Ho‘ā Wailoa” reflects a broader vision: spaces such as Wailoa are living environments, where culture, memory and community are continually activated.

All activities are free and open to the public.

Visit the Hawai‘i Island Art Alliance website and follow @hiartalliance on Instagram for additional information.