Mālama Wao Akua is a juried art exhibition celebrating the native species of Maui Nui (Maui, Lāna‘i, Moloka‘i, Kaho‘olawe). In its seventh year at Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center, the Hui is thrilled to collaborate with East Maui Watershed Partnership (EMWP) to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our islands’ unique ecosystems and species. The Hui and EMWP believe artists have a powerful and vital role to play in our local conservation efforts; by providing the public with a creative and intimate way of interacting with rare native species, artists help spark conservation and inspire care for the exceptional environments surrounding us.

Wao akua can be translated in Hawaiian to mean “realm of the Gods” or “distant mountain region believed to be inhabited by spirits.” When we mālama something we agree to take care, observe, attend, preserve, and protect it as a service or honor. This exhibition reflects the importance of Maui Nui’s native species and encourages us all to learn and to mālama these special places, plants, and animals.