Mission Statement 

The Association of Hawaii Artists is a private, charitable, non-profit cultural organization dedicated to preserving all aspects of the visual arts for the benefit of the Hawaiian community and the general public by promoting cooperation and congeniality among artists and those interested in art; by stimulating growth and ability among members; by presenting programs and projects designed to enrich and educate; and by contributing to the cultural life of our island state and community wherever and however possible.

Board of AHA 

About us

     The Association of Honolulu Artists was established in 1926. The Honolulu Art Academy did not exist at that time. With the exception of the Bishop Museum, there was no focal point for the arts. That year a small group of friends eager for cultural exchange gathered to discuss the arts and establish themselves as a membership organization devoted to the support and promotion of the growing arts community. This core group came to be known as “The Association of Honolulu Artists”.

     By the 1930’s, the population of Honolulu had grown to a city of over 200,000 residents and the new prestigious Art Academy was visited by almost 50,000 people. AHA was gaining recognition and news coverage on their regularly held art exhibits. Gathering momentum, the periodic art shows that they sponsored grew more frequent and much broader in scope throughout the next few decades. Cash awards for first place winners were replaced with war bonds during the turbulent war years.

     Celebrating its 78th Anniversary in 2004, AHA is not only the oldest but also the most diverse art organization in Hawaii. It has had an enormous impact on the public’s enthusiasm and appreciation for the arts. The name was changed from the Association of Honolulu Artists to the Association of Hawaii Artists in order to encompass all islands in the State of Hawaii. After almost eight decades, we are still a vibrant art force in Hawaii. We promote the multimedia arts and its artists members and we build on a foundation where artists of all media can come together for comradeship, education, showmanship, and moral support. We encourage the expression of our diverse cultural heritage and explore themes that reflect the islands’ current issues. We have two jury shows every year along with additional exhibitions that are hosted with the city and the business community.  We work to promote art education and growth through AHA’s educational programs, scholarships, workshops and group demonstrations.

     Hawaii has a high percentage of the population that characterizes themselves as practicing Artists. Some artist members are professional artists, others practice art as an avocation and serious interest, and some are beginning artists and students. We are accessible. We encourage work in all media and of all interested artists. We enthusiastically invite you to join AHA whether you are an artist or a patron.