POW! WOW! HAWAII is one of the most famous street art festivals in the world. The event takes place each year in Honolulu, mainly in the Kakaako district, a neighborhood known for its large warehouse buildings and creative community.
During the festival, artists from Hawaii and around the world paint huge murals on buildings, walls, and public spaces. In just a few days, plain walls turn into colorful works of art.
Today, Kakaako has one of the highest concentrations of street art in Hawaii. Many visitors explore the area on foot to see the murals created during past festivals.
The event blends art, music, culture, and community, making it one of the most exciting creative gatherings on Oahu.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name “POW! WOW!” comes from a term used in comic books to describe the sound of impact in a fight scene. The festival uses the phrase to represent a creative explosion of art and ideas.
The added word “Hawaii” reflects the festival’s roots in Honolulu and its connection to local culture.
Although it started as a local art event, POW! WOW! HAWAII quickly grew into an international movement that now inspires similar festivals in cities around the world.
How the Festival Started
POW! WOW! HAWAII began in 2011. It was founded by artist Jasper Wong, who grew up in Honolulu and wanted to bring artists together to create large public murals.
The first event included only a small group of artists painting a few buildings in Kakaako. The goal was simple: transform the neighborhood through art.
The idea worked.
Within a few years, the festival expanded. Today, dozens of artists participate each year, and the murals attract visitors from around the world.
Kakaako itself also transformed into one of Honolulu’s most creative neighborhoods.
Where the Murals Are Located
Most POW! WOW! murals are located in Kakaako, a district between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki.
The best places to see the murals include:
- Auahi Street
- Cooke Street
- Queen Street
- Waimanu Street
- The SALT at Our Kakaako complex
Many murals cover entire buildings, making them easy to spot as you walk through the neighborhood.
Visitors often spend an hour or two exploring the area, taking photos, and discovering new artwork around each corner.
What Happens During the Festival
POW! WOW! HAWAII is more than a mural painting event. The festival also includes many creative activities.
Common events include:
- Live mural painting
- Art exhibitions
- Music concerts
- Film screenings
- Artist talks
- Community workshops
- Pop-up markets and food vendors
Many activities are open to the public. This makes the festival a great way to experience Honolulu’s creative culture.
Why POW! WOW! HAWAII Became So Popular
Several factors helped the festival grow quickly.
Public art transforms the city.
The murals bring color and energy to industrial buildings and parking structures.
International artists participate.
Each year, artists from many countries join local Hawaiian creators.
The art is accessible.
Unlike museums, the murals are free to see and open to everyone.
The neighborhood is easy to explore.
Kakaako has cafés, shops, and restaurants that make it a great place to spend an afternoon.
Because of this mix, POW! WOW! HAWAII became one of the most photographed places in Honolulu.
Visiting the POW! WOW! Murals
You can see many POW! WOW! murals year-round, even when the festival is not taking place.
Here are a few tips for visiting:
Go during daylight hours.
The colors and details of the murals are easier to see.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Kakaako is best explored on foot.
Bring a camera.
Many murals are large and dramatic, perfect for photos.
Combine the visit with food or shopping.
SALT at Our Kakaako has restaurants, coffee shops, and local boutiques.
The area is about 10–15 minutes by car from Waikiki, making it an easy stop during a day in Honolulu.
The Impact on Honolulu’s Art Scene
POW! WOW! HAWAII helped change how people view street art in Honolulu.
Before the festival, large murals were rare in the city. Today, public art is part of the urban landscape.
The festival also helped:
- support local artists
- attract international creators
- boost tourism in Kakaako
- build a stronger creative community
Many murals remain for years, turning the neighborhood into an open-air art gallery.
POW! WOW! HAWAII Today
Over time, the festival evolved and expanded into a broader creative movement known as Worldwide Walls. Even so, many people still refer to the original Honolulu event as POW! WOW! HAWAII.
The murals created in Kakaako remain one of the most recognizable urban art collections in the Pacific.
For visitors exploring Oahu, the district offers something different from beaches and resorts: a colorful, creative side of Honolulu that reflects modern Hawaiian culture.
