New Cultural Exhibits Unveiled at HCC

The Hawaii Convention Center (HCC) has unveiled three new exhibits celebrating the history of ki hoalu (or slack key guitar), the legendary sport of surfing.

Presented by AEG Facilities, the sponsorship of the new exhibits is part of HCC’s ongoing commitment to perpetuating Hawaiian culture as the management company of the centre. According to officials, the investment ensures Hawaiian culture, history and heritage remains the focus and foundation of Hawaii storytelling and ensures an understanding of what makes places like the Hawaiian Islands and HCC so extraordinary is passed on to others.

“When the Hawaii Convention Center opened in 1998, not only was it designed to be a world-class meetings destination, it was also designed with a Hawaii ‘sense of place’ in mind,” said Teri Orton, HCC general manager. “Bringing the outside natural environment in is evident in its architectural design. However, one thing AEG Facilities and our staff are most proud of is the fact that this centre also boasts an impressive collection of local art thanks to our partnership with the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and its ‘Art in Public Places’ program.”

The three new exhibits debuted include:

• Ki Hoalu: Honoring The Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Tradition

This exhibit was presented earlier this year at The Grammy Museum in Los Angeles as part of Mele Mei, a month-long celebration of Hawaii’s music, hula and culture. With a history that dates back to the 1800s when the Spanish and Mexican cowboys came to Hawaii with their guitars, the unique sound of slack key comes from the resonance of the tunings and techniques that mimic the yodels and falsettos rooted in ancient chants that are common in Hawaiian singing. Through artifacts and historical instruments that trace the history of this Hawaiian music tradition, the museum’s tribute to the slack key guitar served as the official kickoff of the Mele Mei 2016 celebration in Hawaii.

• Ma Kai – To the Sea – Seaward

This exhibit is a visual display of the importance of the Hawaiian sport of surfing, which has introduced the Hawaiian culture and Aloha spirit to the world. From Waikiki, Makaha and the North Shore, Hawaiian surfers brought their surfboards, culture and lifestyle to the coast of California and in doing so, often this became the first interaction between a Hawaiian and someone from the continent. This story is captured and shared in this exhibit by Allan Seymour of Classic Surf featuring a collection of four rare and vintage surfboards, surfing photos, original oil paintings, and surf memorabilia.

• Ahuula o Kekuhaupio

This exhibit honours one the most influential and probably least known chiefs in Hawaiian history. Kekuhaupio was said to be a master of Hawaiian martial arts, first serving as Kamehameha the Great’s combat instructor before becoming his loyal bodyguard, fearless warrior, and trusted advisor. In honour of Kekuhaupio’s role in Hawaiian history, the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative commissioned master feather worker Rick San Nicolas in 2016 to create a replica of the cloak and helmet worn by the chief. In ancient times, feather cloaks and capes were symbols of power and social standing in Hawaiian culture. Only high-ranking chiefs or warriors of great ability were entitled to wear these exceptional garments.

“These exhibits add a lot of depth to the already impressive art experience here at the Hawaii Convention Center and really builds upon an engaging narrative that honors the best of what Hawaii is all about including our traditions, history and heritage, and celebrating the native Hawaiian culture,” said Brad Gessner, senior vice-president for AEG Facilities. “After seeing these incredible new exhibits, I’m confident even more locals and visitors alike will be drawn to explore these beautiful exhibits further when coming to HCC for meetings, conventions and events.”

All HCC art exhibits are free, self-guided and open to the public daily during normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For further information, visit http://www.meethawaii.com/convention-center.