“ALOHA NŌ is a call to reconsider what we think we know about the word aloha. While the term is often used and commercialized, its true meaning goes much deeper. Aloha is not just a greeting—it is a way of living, rooted in deep love, truth, and connection. Aloha is not just a feeling—it involves building meaningful relationships with the land (‘āina), the ocean, the environment, and with each other.” – Hawaiʻi Triennial 2025 Curators, Wassan Al-Khudhairi, Binna Choi, and Noelle M.K.Y. Kahanu
With a packed house last Saturday night, we gathered to celebrate the opening of ALOHA NŌ with a special convening of community members, cultural practitioners and Hawaiʻi Triennial 2025 (HT25) artists, team members and curators.
The evening’s program was full of heartfelt expressions of gratitude and aloha. Kumu Keala Ching’s powerful voice filled the Mill’s main space and gallery with an oli honoring our beloved ‘āina of Kona, Hawaiʻi and beyond, inviting community to engage in the practice of care and aloha. On behalf of the Hawaiʻi County Council, Council Member Rebecca Villegas presented a certificate honoring the 30th anniversary of the Donkey Mill Art Center to founders Hiroki and Setsuko Morinoue and Executive Director, Ashley Raymond.
Rosina Potter, Executive Director of HT25 and Piia Aarma, Hawaiʻi Contemporary Board Chair, expressed their appreciation and excitement of the expansion of the Triennial beyond Oʻahu. Curators Wassan Al-Khudhairi and Noelle M.K.Y. Kahanu shared their gratitude to the Mill’s team for embracing the theme of ALOHA NŌ and expanding the dialogue with Mill students and community. The presence of artists Sonya Kelliher-Combs and Citra Sasmita was grounding as they spoke of their experiences connecting deeply with ‘āina and people of Kona and Hawaiʻi. One of the many highlights of the evening were two young artists who recently participated in workshops with Sonya Kelliher-Combs during the Spring Art Experience. Amelie (age 8) shared her reflections on the meaning of aloha and Anela (age 17) talked about the special experience of seeing the Triennial on Oʻahu and how meaningful it was to meet—and learn from—these world-renowned artists in person.
Halena Kapuni-Reynolds, who wrote a beautiful piece about the Donkey Mill in the HT25 Guidebook, closed the evening’s program with a spirited oli composed by Taupōuri Tangarō.
With the Hawaiʻi Triennial exhibition on view at the Mill until June 28, we look forward to continued community activations and dialogue around the theme of ALOHA NŌ and sharing more information with you about the featured artists and their work in the coming months.
“May ALOHA NŌ inspire us all to cultivate empathy, truth-telling, and resilience in our daily lives, and lead to a shared commitment to a more equitable and sustainable future for all.” – HT25 Executive Director, Rosina Potter, and Associate Director, Josh Tengan.