Hawai’i Island Traditions at The Firehouse Art Gallery

The Firehouse Art Gallery in Waimea
The Firehouse Art Gallery in Waimea

The rich cultural heritage of Hawaiʻi’s Big Island is on display in a new exhibition at The Firehouse Gallery in Waimea. “Hawaiʻi Island Traditions,” running from July 31 through September 28, 2025, invites visitors to explore island life through the creative lens of local artists.

The show celebrates the diverse ways traditions manifest in our island’s communities, with artists interpreting the theme through their unique perspectives.

Supporting Local Artists

The Hawai’i Island Traditions exhibition showcases the work of Big Island artists, all members of the Waimea Arts Council. Artists submit up to three artworks with all pieces available for sale, providing both an opportunity for art lovers to acquire unique pieces, and a way to directly support the local arts community.

Pele's Gift (acrylic) by Tatiana Lyskova
Pele’s Gift (acrylic) by Tatiana Lyskova

What makes this exhibition special is its focus on the living culture of the Big Island today. Rather than focusing solely on historical artifacts, the show celebrates traditions that continue to evolve and thrive in today’s island communities.

Iris Ikebana (acrylic) by Wil Fujimoto
Iris Ikebana (acrylic) by Wil Fujimoto

Hawaii Island Traditions represents the kind of local arts celebration that has made the Waimea Arts Council a valued part of the Big Island arts community for over 50 years. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a visitor, you’ll find an authentic perspective on island traditions.

Hidden Memories (Honu) by Chad Gray
Hidden Memories (Honu) by Chad Gray

The Firehouse Gallery

The exhibition takes place at the Firehouse Gallery, housed in Waimea’s original firehouse building where the Waimea Arts Council has been located since 1980. Founded in 1974, the Waimea Arts Council is the oldest arts organization in North Hawaiʻi and serves as a community hub for showcasing local talent.

Historic photo taken at the old Waimea firehouse
Historic photo taken at the old Waimea firehouse

Planning Your Visit

The Firehouse Gallery is located at 67-1201 Mamalahoa Highway, in the heart of Waimea. The gallery typically operates 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and Sunday, and from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday. The exhibition runs through September 28, 2025.

For more information about the exhibition and the Waimea Arts Council’s programs, visit waimeaartscouncil.org or email [email protected].

Silversword Sunset (Mauna Kea) by Doug Perrine
Mahalo to Doug Perrine for the gallery tour! Above with his photo Silversword Sunset (Mauna Kea)