Photo Gallery: See Stunning Artwork from Local Woodworkers at Hawai‘i’s Woodshow 2026

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Hawai‘i-grown woods take centerstage at Hawai‘i Forest Association’s 34th annual Hawai‘i’s Woodshow, an impressive display of artistry and design. See woods transformed into furniture, sculptures and other crafts by woodworkers ranging from high schoolers to seasoned professionals, plus complementary artwork by the Hawai‘i Watercolor Society and informational panels created by the Garden Club of Honolulu.

Many of the woods used in the show are invasive species or reclaimed materials, including some salvaged from the North Shore during March’s storms and even kou trees from Front Street in Lahaina, killed by heat during the 2023 fires.

Pay special attention to the Lā‘au Pono Award, which recognizes the respectful, responsible and expert use of woods honoring local forest resources. The Kent Award acknowledges novel woodworking techniques or applications using an invasive species. Winners were chosen by this year’s jurors: Tory Laitila, Curator of Textiles and Historic Arts of Hawai‘i at the Honolulu Museum of Art; Nick Koch, general manager of Siglo Tonewoods on Hawai‘i Island; and Mats Fogelvik, a designer/artist and woodworker.

There will also be an Artists’ Choice Award, and a People’s Choice Award to be determined once the exhibit closes, so fill out a ballot at the door. All of the pieces are for sale, too, so if you see something you like, head down to DAC sooner rather than later.

Here’s a sample of pieces in the exhibit, which runs Aug. 7 to 29 at Downtown Art Center. The gallery is open Tuesdays through Saturdays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be a free cordage workshop on Aug. 15 at 1 p.m. and a carving demonstration on Aug. 22 at 1 p.m.

1041 Nu‘uanu Ave., Chinatown, woodshow.hawaiiforest.org, @hawaiiswoodshow

Katrina Valcourt is the executive editor of HONOLULU Magazine.