In the Southern Sun is an immersive contemporary art exhibition located in the heart of Waikiki at 2424 Kalākaua Avenue, inside the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa. The exhibit offers visitors a creative journey through Hawaii’s landscapes, light, and cultural stories using modern visual art and immersive design.
Presented by the global art collective POW! WOW!, the exhibition reflects the same creative spirit that helped transform Honolulu’s Kakaako neighborhood into one of the most vibrant street art districts in the Pacific. While the well-known POW! WOW! Hawaii festival celebrates outdoor murals and public art, In the Southern Sun brings the movement indoors with a curated gallery experience designed for reflection and exploration.
Located just steps from Waikiki Beach, the exhibit provides visitors with a unique cultural experience that blends contemporary art with the natural beauty and traditions of Hawaii.
Inspired by the Rhythm of the Hawaiian Sun
The exhibition is rooted in the Hawaiian proverb “Mai ka lā hiki a ka lā kau”, which translates to “From the rising to the setting sun”. This phrase reflects the natural rhythm of the day and the way light shapes life in Hawaii.
Drawing from this idea, In the Southern Sun unfolds through four seasonal chapters that mirror the changing light of Waikiki. Each section represents a different moment of the day, guiding visitors through shifting colors, moods, and visual themes.
The journey begins with the warm glow of sunrise and gradually moves toward the deeper tones of evening and dusk. As guests move through the exhibition, lighting, textures, and artwork subtly evolve, creating a sense of movement that echoes the daily cycle of light across the islands.
This design encourages visitors to reconnect with the land, the stories of Hawaii, and the shared experience of place.
Celebrating Hawaii’s Contemporary Artists
The exhibition features new work by several of Hawaii’s most respected contemporary artists, many of whom are connected to the creative community behind POW! WOW! Hawaii.
Artists participating in the exhibit include Shar Tuiasoa (“Punky Aloha”), Gavin Murai, Melon, Noa Hardisty, Keola Rapozo, Cory Taum (“Kamehana”), Jack Soren, and Jeff Gress.
Each artist brings a distinct style shaped by Hawaii’s landscapes, culture, and modern urban influences. Some works explore themes of identity and community, while others draw inspiration from nature, mythology, and the ocean.
Together, these artists create a visual dialogue that reflects the evolving voice of contemporary Hawaiian art.
An Immersive Gallery Experience
Unlike traditional art galleries where paintings hang quietly on walls, In the Southern Sun is designed as a fully immersive environment. Visitors walk through carefully designed spaces where art, lighting, and architecture work together to create a multi-sensory experience.
Colors shift across rooms, large-scale installations surround the viewer, and the atmosphere changes as guests move through the exhibition. The result is an environment where art is not only observed but experienced.
Each visit is timed for up to 90 minutes, allowing guests to explore the installations at a comfortable pace while ensuring that everyone has enough space to enjoy the exhibit.
The experience is designed for visitors of all ages, though children must be accompanied by an adult.
A Creative Space for Gatherings and Events
In addition to public visits, In the Southern Sun can also host private gatherings and group experiences. The space is available for celebrations, creative events, and special occasions that benefit from its artistic atmosphere.
The gallery’s design, shaped by Waikiki’s light and landscape, creates a unique setting for intimate gatherings and cultural events.
Groups interested in visiting together can arrange bookings in advance to ensure availability.
Planning Your Visit
The exhibit is located inside the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa, directly along Kalākaua Avenue, one of Waikiki’s most recognizable streets. Because of its central location, it is easy to combine a visit with time at the beach, shopping, or dining nearby.
Advance booking is recommended to guarantee entry at a preferred time. Walk-in tickets may also be available depending on capacity and can be purchased at the entrance through a ticketing QR code.
Residents of Hawaii can receive Kamaʻāina rates with valid local identification.
Connecting the Exhibit to the POW! WOW! Hawaii Movement
In the Southern Sun represents a natural extension of the creative movement that began with POW! WOW! Hawaii. While the street art festival transformed entire buildings in Honolulu into outdoor murals, this exhibition focuses on curated installations that explore Hawaii’s stories in a more intimate setting.
Together, these two experiences highlight the strength of Hawaii’s contemporary art community. Visitors who explore both the murals of Kakaako and the immersive gallery in Waikiki gain a deeper understanding of the island’s modern creative culture.
For travelers interested in art, culture, and storytelling, In the Southern Sun offers a fresh perspective on Hawaii — one shaped by local artists, island landscapes, and the ever-changing light of the Pacific.
