A woman doing a duck dive under a wave in the ocean with a surfboard.

Past Exhibition

He‘e Nalu | The Art and Legacy of Hawaiian Surfing

He‘e Nalu: The Art and Legacy of Hawaiian Surfing explores the Indigenous origins of surfing through the presentation and interpretation of historic material made by notable cultural practitioners as well as new contemporary artwork and site-specific installations created by leading Indigenous Hawaiian artists. The stories and histories of surfing will be shared through a Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) perspective through the process of mo`olelo, the method of storytelling “how it came to be.” The exhibition is organized by guest curator Carolyn Kuali`i (Kānaka Maoli) and Heard Museum Assistant Curator Velma Kee Craig (Diné), with artwork by Kānaka Maoli artists Solomon Enos, Lehuauakea, Daniel Ikaika Ito, Pōhaku Kaho`ohanohano, Christopher Kahunahana, Stephen Hokulani Kupihea, Duke Aipa, Clifford Kapono, Ha`a Keaulana, Ian Kuali`i, Nicole Naone, RickSan Nicolas, Tom Pōhaku Stone, and Cory Kamehanaokalā Taum, and skateboard artwork by Rowan Harrison (Diné/Pueblo), James Johnson (Tlingit), Di’Orr Greenwood (Diné), Daryl Tom (Diné), Albert Sloan, Jr. (Diné), Missy Mahan (Tohono O’odham), and Kandis Quam (Zuni Pueblo/ Diné).

Gallery Views

  • A black and red wall with the words He'e Nalu The Art and Legacy of Hawaiian Surfing on it and two tall sculptures on either side.
  • A room with several surfboards on the wall and a digital still of a surfer on a wave.
  • A room full of movie posters on the wall.
  • A photo of a man holding a colorful surfboard on an easel.

Our sponsors

  • Major supporters

  • Supporters

    Matson logo on a white background.
  • Program Partners

    Arizona Aloha Festival
  • Media Sponsor

    Ocean Paddler TV logo.
  • Additional Supporters

    Arizona Commission on the Arts logo.