2026 18th Annual Hawaiʻi Nei

Submit up to 5 digital artworks depicting native species of Hawaii Island in any medium and style.

Does this fit your work? 5 questions score every call to your medium, location and budget. Free.

Deadline: 38 days left
Entry fee: $20
Location: Hilo, Hawaii
Exhibition window: Nov 6, 2026 → Dec 10, 2026
Applicants notified: Oct 12, 2026
Size cap: ≤ 40" max dimension

Heads up: this show’s exhibition window can overlap other calls you enter - the same piece can’t hang in two places at once.Check conflicts →

About

Overview

Open to Hawaii Island (Big Island) artists in all mediums and styles. Artwork must feature native species of Hawaii Island—organisms that naturally arrived without human help via wind, waves, or wings. Both endemic (found only in Hawaii) and indigenous (native to Hawaii and elsewhere) species are eligible. Artwork highlighting non-native species or species endemic only to other Hawaiian islands will not be accepted.

Key dates

Submission deadline: October 9, 2026, 11:59 PM HST
Artist notification: October 12, 2026
Exhibition: November 6 – December 10, 2026
Opening reception: Friday, November 6, 2026, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Artwork drop-off: Hilo (Wailoa Center) Saturday, October 31, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Kona (Kona Frame Shop Parking Lot) Friday, October 30, 10:00 AM
Artwork pick-up: Hilo (Wailoa Center) Friday, December 11, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Kona (Kona Frame Shop Parking Lot) Friday, December 11, 10:00 AM

Eligibility

Open only to Hawaii Island (Big Island) artists. The main subject of each artwork must be a native species to Hawaii Island. Artwork made of materials from endangered native species will not be accepted.

Media & submissions

Artists may submit up to 5 entries. Each submission may include images, audio, or video: up to 10 images, up to 5 audio files, or up to 5 video files; minimum 1 file per submission. For size limitations: artwork intended for Kona drop-off must be less than 40" x 40". All artwork must be submitted digitally and will be judged based on files submitted.

Entry fee

$20 non-refundable entry fee per submission. Maximum of 5 entries per artist.

Selection criteria

Jurors will consider uniqueness of the native species, quality, craftsmanship, and overall presentation. Artists are encouraged to explore well-known and lesser-known native species, including aquatic and marine species. Artwork may be juried out even if all guidelines are met.

Submission requirements

Participants must have a CaFÉ account and portfolio. Maximum file size: 5 MB. High-quality images recommended with longest edge at 1200 pixels, sRGB, JPEG format.

Contact

Hawaii Island Art Alliance; [email protected]; 808-933-0416. Visit https://www.hawaiineiartexhibition.org/how-to-enter.html for submission portal.

Media accepted

all media

Entry fee: $20 non-refundable entry fee per submission; maximum of 5 entries per artist.
Entries per artist: Up to 5
Theme: Artwork celebrating native species of Hawaii Island, including both endemic species found only in Hawaii and indigenous species naturally found in Hawaii and elsewhere.
Eligibility: Open only to Hawaii Island (Big Island) artists; main subject of artwork must be a native species to Hawaii Island.
Size & format: Artwork must be less than 40" x 40" for Kona drop-off option; no size stated for Hilo location.
Also worth noting: Artwork must be less than 40" x 40" for Kona drop-off option; no size stated for Hilo location.
Contact: [email protected]

Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.