Hō‘ikeākea Gallery
Our brand new art gallery was designed to showcase works from our students, faculty, and artists from Hawai‘i and beyond.
The gallery name, Hō‘ikeākea, was inspired by a Hawaiian Studies exhibit in the Leeward CC Library. Hō‘ike (to show, to exhibit, to reveal), contains the word “‘ike” which has deeper meanings that convey knowledge, feeling, recognition, experience, and revelations from the gods (to name a few). Ākea (broad, expansive, spacious) is also a short form for the god Wākea, of Papa and Wākea, the couple that connects all of Polynesia. Thus the word Hōʻikeākea means the broad expanse of knowledge—to exhibit, reveal and inspire.
View photos from our Grand Opening.
Hours and Contact
Open Tuesday through Saturday: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Special access may be requested by calling (808) 745-5993
Free Admission and Parking – please park in visitor stalls (marked in green) in Lot 1A and Lot 3
Leeward Community College, AM 101 (map to gallery)
Currently Showing
Ēwe Hānau O Ka ʻĀina
Showing April 18, 2026 – June 20, 2026
Exhibition opening reception:
5:00pm – 8:00pm, Saturday, April 18, 2025
Location: Art Building, AM 101, Leeward Community College
This installation honors the genealogical connections that link new descendants to their ancestral roots and homelands in Hawaiʻi, while recognizing the evolving and resilient Indigenous Kānaka community at Ke Kulanui Kaiāulu o ‘Ewa. Through a collection of curated portraits, cultural media, and student-created works, the exhibition explores questions of identity, service, wellness, and persistence, and considers how indigenization strengthens both individuals and community. Brought together through the collaborative efforts of the He Loa Ke Aho program, O‘ahu Films, and the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Excellence, this installation reflects a shared commitment to uplifting Kānaka voices, with deep gratitude extended to the many students, staff, and community partners who made it possible.
‘Eli ‘eli kau mai — May a profound reverence rest.
E aloha e, e aloha nō
E aloha e, e aloha nō
E aloha e, e aloha nō
Curators Invited:
– Ke Kulanui Kaiāulu o ‘Ewa, He Loa Ke Aho Program
– Pawel Nuckowski, Polish American Filmmaker and Photographer
– Gillian Dueñas, Indigenous Pacific Islander CHamoru Acrylic Painter, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Graduate Assistant for the Center of Indigenous, Innovation and Health Excellence
If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, call (808) 745-5993 as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.
Previous Exhibits
SPRING 2026 - The Curator’s Choice, Hāpai i ka Mālamalama
An innovative, participatory exhibition where 10 respected Hawai‘i arts leaders independently curate and uplift artists of their choice—fostering mentorship, amplifying local voices, and strengthening connections across the contemporary art community.
FALL 2025 - My Monumental Summer Live, Love, Paint: Summer Edition
Five local artists create monumental works of art through live painting—a living experience, capturing the fleeting yet powerful spirit of summer through scale, spontaneity, and creativity.
SPRING 2025 - The Hawai‘i Triennial ALOHA NŌ
The state’s largest contemporary art exhibition showcases 49 artists across O‘ahu, Hawai‘i Island, and Maui, reimagining aloha as an active, transformative cultural practice.
SPRING 2025 - The Swell is Coming
Get ready, the swell is truly on its way—a wave of creativity and passion, a refreshing surge eager to carve out its own artistic identity.
FALL 2024 - Bittersweet
“Bitter Sweet” emerges as the inaugural gathering of some of the most important and impactful young women painters in Hawai‘i today.
SPRING 2024 - Hō‘ike Haumāna Ākea
The first-ever Leeward Community College student show, featuring drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, printmaking, and digital arts and media.
SPRING 2024 - Float On
Set amidst the richly diverse backdrop of Hawaiʻi, the work celebrates the varying positionalities of those who grew here and those who flew here.
Fall 2023 – Ghosts of War:
A vital reflection on how issues of war infiltrate our lives overtly and discreetly.
Fall 2023 – Facing Future: Faculty Exhibition Past & Present:
Celebrating creative expressions from Leeward faculty past and present.
Spring 2023 – ‘Ai Pōhaku, Stone Eaters:
Paying homage to Hawaiian artists and culture bearers.
Videos and 360 Views
Speed Painting at L’ulu
At the 2024 L’ulu Culinary Arts Gala, guests were invited to witness “Speed Painting” – a type of performance art that involves creating a work within a limited amount of time. This innovative concept was hosted by Leeward CC art faculty, Kosta Kulundzic and the Hō‘ikeākea Gallery. The resulting pieces, created by Kosta and guest artists, Eric Maurus and Mikaila K. Ng were available for bidding and sold through the evening’s silent auction event.