The Hawaii Wood Guild's 39th Invitational Masters Show opens in January 2026 at the Isaacs Art Center in Waimea, bringing together the Big Island's finest woodworkers for a showcase of exquisite furniture, bowls, sculptures, and cabinets crafted from koa, mango, monkeypod, ohia, milo, and other Hawaiian-grown hardwoods. This annual exhibition, free and open to the public, honors the intersection of artistry, craftsmanship, and sustainable forestry, giving visitors a rare chance to see heirloom-quality works while learning about the native and exotic species that define Hawaii's woodworking tradition. If your winter itinerary includes the Big Island, this show is a cultural and artistic highlight worth building a day around.
Dates, hours, and location
The 2026 show will run from mid-January through late February, following the pattern of the 2025 edition, which opened January 11 and closed February 28. Exact 2026 dates will be announced by the Guild and Isaacs Art Center closer to the new year, typically by late December 2025.
- Venue: Isaacs Art Center at Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA), Waimea (Kamuela).
- Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (closed Sunday and Monday).
- Admission: Free and open to the public.
The gallery setting at HPA provides a clean, well-lit space that lets the natural grain and color of island hardwoods shine, with each piece carefully labeled with artist name, wood species, and technique notes.
What to expect: the art and the wood
The Hawaii Wood Guild Masters Show is an invitational exhibition, meaning artists are selected by the Guild for their exceptional skill, design innovation, and mastery of materials. Past shows have featured:
- Furniture: Tables, chairs, cabinets, and desks that showcase the curl, figure, and grain of koa, mango, and monkeypod.
- Bowls and turned work: Lathe-turned vessels from spalted woods, burl sections, and rare grain patterns.
- Sculptures: Organic forms and abstract pieces that celebrate the natural character of island hardwoods.
- Functional art: Serving boards, boxes, and decorative items blending utility with aesthetics.
Featured woods
- Koa (Acacia koa): Hawaii's premier native hardwood, prized for its golden-to-red tones, chatoyance, and curly grain. Koa's cultural significance and scarcity make it a centerpiece of the show.
- Mango: Vibrant yellows, reds, and dark streaks; often used for furniture and bowls.
- Monkeypod: Wide slabs with dramatic live edges, popular for dining tables and statement pieces.
- Ohia, Milo, and Cook Pine: Native and naturalized species that offer unique color palettes and working properties.
All works emphasize Hawaiian-grown timber, supporting sustainable forestry and showcasing the beauty of locally sourced materials.
The Hawaii Wood Guild and sustainable forestry
The Hawaii Wood Guild, a nonprofit organization for woodworkers on the Big Island, exists to promote excellence in woodworking, foster community among artisans, and advocate for sustainable use of island hardwoods. By encouraging the planting and stewardship of high-value species, the Guild and events like the Masters Show help ensure that future generations will have access to the same materials that inspire today's work.
The Guild collaborates with the Hawaii Forest Industry Association and other forestry advocates to connect craft with conservation, making the Masters Show not just an art exhibition but a statement about land use, ecology, and cultural continuity.
Why Waimea and Isaacs Art Center
Waimea (also called Kamuela to avoid confusion with other Hawaiian place names) sits in the cool upcountry of the Big Island, a ranching and educational hub surrounded by rolling pastures and the shadow of Mauna Kea. Hawaii Preparatory Academy's Isaacs Art Center is a respected venue for visual arts, offering rotating exhibitions, school programs, and public access to high-quality shows year-round.
The gallery's Tuesday-to-Saturday schedule makes it easy to pair with other Waimea attractions: the farmers market on Saturday morning, lunch at Merriman's or Village Burger, and scenic drives to the Kohala Coast or Waipio Valley.
How to plan your visit
- Arrive mid-morning: The gallery is quietest on weekday mornings, giving you time to examine each piece without crowds.
- Ask questions: Gallery staff and sometimes the artists themselves are present to discuss techniques, wood sources, and design inspiration.
- Photography: Respectful photography is generally permitted; ask staff if you plan to share images on social media and always credit the artist.
- Purchases and commissions: Some works may be for sale or available for commission; inquire at the front desk or contact the Guild for artist connections.
Beyond the show: Waimea and surrounding areas
- Parker Ranch: Historic cattle ranch with a visitor center and museum showcasing Big Island ranching heritage.
- Waimea Farmers Market: Saturday mornings for local produce, flowers, and crafts.
- Anna Ranch Heritage Center: Preservation of a historic ranch home with gardens and cultural programs.
- Scenic drives: Kohala Mountain Road to Hawi, or the descent to Waipio Valley Lookout.
Other Big Island wood shows in 2026
- Volcano Wood Show: Held annually in July at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village, featuring local artisans and indigenous/exotic woods. Open to the public with proceeds supporting the Art Center's educational programs.
- Hawaii's Woodshow (Honolulu): The statewide premier exhibition, held in October on Oahu, draws Big Island artists and showcases the best of Hawaiian woodworking.
If you are passionate about woodcraft, plan a Big Island trip that spans both the January Masters Show in Waimea and the July Volcano show for a full spectrum of island artistry.
What to bring and wear
- Comfortable footwear: Gallery floors are easy to walk, but you may stand for extended periods examining details.
- Layers: Waimea can be cool and breezy, especially in January; bring a light jacket.
- Notebook: If you are a woodworker or furniture enthusiast, jot down artist names, species, and techniques that inspire you.
Supporting the artists and the Guild
Attending the show, sharing your experience, and purchasing work directly supports Big Island woodworkers and the Guild's mission. Consider joining the Hawaii Wood Guild as a member if you live locally or want to stay connected to events, workshops, and future exhibitions.
Call to action
Mark your calendar for mid-January 2026, watch for the official opening announcement from Isaacs Art Center and the Hawaii Wood Guild, and plan a Waimea morning that pairs the Masters Show with coffee, a farmers market loop, and scenic upcountry views. Let the warmth of island hardwoods, the precision of master craftsmanship, and the stories of sustainable forestry remind you why the Big Island is as much about culture and creation as it is about lava and beaches.
Verified Information at a Glance
- Event: Hawaii Wood Guild 39th Invitational Masters Show
- Category: Juried woodworking exhibition featuring furniture, bowls, sculptures, and functional art
- 2026 Dates: January through late February 2026 (exact dates TBA; 2025 ran Jan 11–Feb 28)
- Venue: Isaacs Art Center at Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA), Waimea (Kamuela), Big Island
- Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (closed Sunday, Monday)
- Admission: Free and open to the public
- Featured materials: Koa, mango, monkeypod, ohia, milo, Cook pine, and other Hawaiian-grown hardwoods
- Organizer: Hawaii Wood Guild (nonprofit woodworking organization on the Big Island)
- Related event: Volcano Wood Show, July 19–August 10, 2025, Volcano Art Center
%20Big%20island.jpg)
%202026.webp)