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Art and culture play an integral role at Ward Village, with contemporary public art highlighted throughout the neighborhood, including large-scale wall murals, sculptures, and locally inspired exhibits. In keeping with its dedication to promoting art and culture in Hawai‘i, The Howard Hughes Corporation helped launch the Honolulu Biennial, highlighting an eclectic mix of contemporary art created by artists from throughout the Pacific. Ward Village is host to the Biennial’s largest exhibition site, The Hub, and launched the signature event with a free community preview by famed artist Yayoi Kusama.
Public Art
Ward Village is committed to art, expression and moving Hawai‘i’s culture forward. Public art throughout the neighborhood features wall murals, sculptures, and installations. Highlights include a living wall of over 8,000 tropical plants in the lobby of Anaha Tower, Solomon Enos’s “Keaomelemele” in the IBM Building, Sig Zane’s “Ka Wai o Kāne” mural on the exterior of South Shore Market, and Sir Anthony Douglass Cragg’s “Versus,” at Waiea.
Honolulu Biennial
In 2017 and 2019, the Honolulu Biennial placed Hawai‘i on the world stage as a destination for contemporary art. The Howard Hughes Corporation and Ward Village are proud to be the founding and co-title sponsor of the art festival. While installations were exhibited throughout O‘ahu, The Hub at Ward Village was the Biennial’s central location. This was where leading artists from Hawai‘i, the Pacific, Asia, North America, New Zealand, and Australia connect and converge to showcase their diverse perspectives.
POW! WOW! Hawaiʻi
One of the most celebrated street art festivals in the world originated in the Kaka‘ako area around Ward Village. Featuring local and renowned artists from around the world, Pow! Wow! Hawaiʻi repaints the walls of Ward Village each year with color and creativity. Since its inception in 2011, Ward Village has been a supporter of Pow! Wow! Hawaiʻi. Notable walls in the neighborhood include Shepard Fairey’s “Enjoy the Golden Future” mural at Ward Plaza and Matthew Tapia’s “Stoked” wall inside South Shore Market.
Kona Nui Nights
From melodic mele (music) to time-honored hula, Kona Nui Nights is Ward Village’s free, family-friendly event showcasing the best of Hawaiian culture. The community gathers every third Wednesday of the month at Victoria Ward Park to celebrate the stories and traditions of the Hawaiian Islands.”