The Art of Conservation

East Maui Watershed Partnership’s artistic celebration of Maui’s native wildlife. An annual juried art exhibition at the Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center in Makawao. A portion of all entry fees and art sales will be donated to EMWP for the protection of our native Hawaiian rainforests.

History of Mālama Wao Akua

The idea started when former EMWP employee Kat Lui took an art class with the late Connie Adams. Together they came up with the idea to converge Kat’s two loves of art and science. This idea grew with an informal poll of artists and galleries in upcountry Maui: “What do you think about an art contest to highlight the native flora and fauna of Maui?” The response was “Yes! Let’s do it!”

For 10 years the East Maui Watershed Partnership worked with Viewpoints Gallery in Makawao to produce the Mālama Wao Akua juried art contest. In 2015 the exhibit changed venues to the Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center allowing an expansion in art programs with a focus on native species and educational opportunities for artists. Artists’ young and old, professional and amateur have answered the call to help raise awareness about Maui’s native Hawaiian species and unique island ecosystems. Every year since 2004, we have had the same call out to artists except for in 2006 when we took a break to try another artistic adventure, Maui Slam: Words for the Watershed. Working with Dave and Chela of Maui Slam, we created a special poetry slam for the watershed.

Take a virtual tour of the artwork! Eligibility and rules may change slightly from year to year, but if you’re interested in participating in the next exhibit, check out the about page.