4 highlights from Family Sunday

On April 20, the museum was abuzz with activity. Visitors moved between the galleries and courtyards, taking part in Earth Day-inspired artmaking, performances, and conversations, and meeting a few special guests along the way.

Mahalo to everyone who came to celebrate the natural wonders of our planet! Here’s a look back at the day’s festivities. Hope to see you at our future community events!

1. Snails, snails, snails

Curious kids and adults gathered in Kīnaʻu Courtyard for a rare opportunity: the chance to meet Hawai‘i’s endangered land snails. With Bishop Museum malacologists there to guide and teach, visitors leaned in for a closer look at the charming creatures as they slowly glided across the trays.

The snails were a way for visitors to experience part of the process of a Hawai‘i Triennial 2025 artist. These same species inspired artwork in the galleries, appearing in Hayv Kahraman’s paintings. The artist herself took the stage at the Doris Duke Theatre later in the day. She was joined by Dr. Báyò Akómoláfé, whose podcast the artist regularly listened to, leading her to embed some of his ideas in her work. Their talk explored our relationship with nature and how personal stories can transform loss into creativity—themes that run through her snail-inspired pieces. 

2. Science lessons through art

After meeting living snails up close, many were inspired to participate in one of the dayʻs art activities—painting 3D-printed pūpū (shells) while learning about Hawaiʻi's rich biodiversity. Within hours, all kinds of creations could be found in Kīnaʻu Courtyard—some swirling with patterns, others popping with bright solid colors. 

Nearby, visitors also made kūpeʻe (bracelets) as a way to connect with more of Hawaiʻi's wildlife. The activity began with a binder featuring local species like the honu, koholā, and humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa. After selecting their favorite, visitors received a small 3D-printed figure of that animal to incorporate into a beaded bracelet, complete with the creature's name and DNA barcode. 

3. Enjoying hula, learning to play the ipu

In the late morning, kumu hula Mālia Koʻiʻulaokawaolehua Helelā and her hālau took the stage in Central Courtyard, showcasing traditional dance and chant rooted in connection to the ʻāina. Dancers of all ages—from toddlers to kūpuna—demonstrated their skills, honoring  traditional and original compositions.  

After their engaging performance, families gathered for the ipu workshop, where they learned to use the instrument to create rhythms. Soon, the ipu's distinctive sounds filled the courtyard as participants practiced their skills. 

4. Sustainable style  

The HoMA Shop hosted a special pop-up with Malai Hawaii, a local brand launched in 2022 by Cynthia and Mali Chang Lai. Their pieces transform unused rice bag panels into wearable art—shirts, crop tops, shorts, bucket hats, and bags. And Sunday also marked the debut of their newest creations: vintage-style gym shorts and clam digger pants. Visitors browsed these unique sustainable fashion items that give materials a stylish second life, updating their wardrobes with new pieces to be treasured. 
 
Admission is free for kama'āina on Family Sundays. Join us in July for our next gathering! Become a member today to experience art in new ways, enjoy exclusive events, and help us inspire thousands through the power of art and community.