Symphony of Hawaiʻi Seas

Keiki Ocean Art Exhibit!

Welcome to the Youth Ocean Art Exhibition, an extension of Symphony of the Hawaiʻi Seas world premier. This year’s Hawaiʻi Sea Grant annual sci-art exhibit is an inspiring celebration of our keiki, their creativity, and their relationship with the ocean that connects and sustains us all.

The Symphony of the Hawaiʻi Seas began as a one-of-a-kind collaboration among cultural practitioners, loko iʻa kiaʻi, marine science researchers, animators, educators, and composers — transforming observations and understanding of the ocean into sound and imagery to share the story of Hawaiʻi’s marine ecosystems through art and science. As part of the Symphony of the Hawaiʻi Seas, we released a call to 3rd-12th grade students, asking what their vision was by inviting Hawaiʻi’s next generation to add their own voices, understanding, and wants.

Centered on the theme E mālama i ke kai, a mālama ke kai iā ʻoe—Care for the ocean and the ocean will care for you—this exhibition showcases artwork from students in Hawaiʻi who express what it means to live in harmony with the sea. Through their eyes, we are reminded that our connection to the ocean is not only ecological, but also cultural, emotional, and deeply personal.

Mahalo to all the students, teachers, families, and community members who helped make this exhibition possible. May these works inspire us all to listen, learn, and care for the ocean that continues to care for us.