Hawaii's Woodshow 2023

The 2023 Hawaii’s Woodshow™, Na La‘au o Hawai‘i is the Hawai‘i Forest Industry Association’s (HFIA) 31st Anniversary woodworking exhibition. Attendees are treated to extraordinary heirloom-quality works made from interesting and beautiful Hawai‘i-grown woods. The Woodshow promotes the positive role forests play in our economy and ecology.

The Show calls for the use of wood from Hawaiian-grown tree species, especially those that have been planted and brought to maturity here in Hawai‘i. It serves as a reference point for the planting of native and non-native high value hardwoods for future generations.

Three jurors selected awards based on a balanced knowledge of contemporary woodworking and Hawai‘i forestry. Awards are based on ‘Inspiration of Design” and “Excellence of Implementation”. This year’s jurors were C. Bart Potter, Alan Wilkinson, and Diane Chen K.W.

HFIA is excited to welcome back former Woodshow Coordinator Marian Yasuda. Mahalo to Diana Ching for coordinating Hawaii’s Woodshow the past three years.

Mahalo to Bill Brooks for the use of his music on this video and to Kyle Metcalf for the videography and edit.

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In this instant gratification world of disposable items, how refreshing to see exquisitely and uniquely handcrafted pieces of decorative art, furniture, lamps, bowls, whimsical pieces (e.g., the maneki neko and "Over Kill Bud Vase"), and even a classical guitar, cigarette box ukulele and Maori taiaha (staff weapon), much of which were made from reclaimed wood. Aside from the familiar koa, monkey pod, sugi (cedar), pine and eucalyptus, it was fascinating to see pieces crafted from plumeria, mango and lychee. Kudos and gratitude to the artists and organizers involved in Hawaii's Woodshow, as well as to Kyle Metcalf, videographer, for capturing the beauty and diversity of the pieces as a lasting legacy.🌺🙏🌺