KEONI OF HAWAI‘I: Art of the Aloha Shirt
Aug 11, 2026 - Oct 3, 2026
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Since its origins nearly a century ago, the aloha shirt has become Hawai‘i’s enduring fashion statement, sporting an array of designs that have reflected the societal transitions occurring across the islands. Through original textile artwork, production sketches and swatches, advertisements, and vintage shirts, this exhibition tells the story of John “Keoni” Meigs (1916-2003), an early innovator whose notable designs contributed to a sense of visual identity that put Hawai‘i on the world map. During his time in the islands from 1938-1951, he operated as Keoni of Hawai‘i, producing as many as 300 aloha print designs, among them many patterns that remain iconic today. This exhibition is curated by Dale Hope, a second-generation contributor to Hawai‘i’s garment industry, drawing from the collection of Dan Eskenazi and additional private collections.
Public Programs:
Presentation: Aloha Wear Identity
Saturday, August 8 at 4 pm
Alexa Higashi Meeting Room
Dale Hope, exhibition curator and former Art Director of Kahala Sportswear, and Lisa Starr, former owner of ‘Ukulele Clothing Company, will share stories from their years of experience leading local aloha wear brands.
FREE
ACTIVATIONS: After Hours at the Gallery
Friday, September 4 from 5 – 8 pm
Schaefer International Gallery and Yokouchi Pavilion & Courtyard
This edition of ACTIVATIONS features a runway fashion show of vintage aloha wear through the decades, accompanied by retro DJ beats. Food and beverage offerings available for purchase during the event.
FREE with ticketed RSVPs through the MACC Box Office (Reservations open August 25)
OBSERVE & PLAY FAMILY DAY – In Honor of Shirley Yokouchi
Saturday, September 19 from 10 am – 12 pm
We invite families come dressed in aloha outfits and experience the exhibition in the gallery, then create their own patterns and designs at activity stations outside.
FREE
John Keoni Meigs Portrait
John Keoni MeigsAloha Shirt Featuring Waikiki Sand
banner image: John “Keoni” Meigs, tracing, preliminary painting, and aloha shirt featuring Waikīkī Reef
Since its origins nearly a century ago, the aloha shirt has become Hawai‘i’s enduring fashion statement, sporting an array of designs that have reflected the societal transitions occurring across the islands. Through original textile artwork, production sketches and swatches, advertisements, and vintage shirts, this exhibition tells the story of John “Keoni” Meigs (1916-2003), an early innovator whose notable designs contributed to a sense of visual identity that put Hawai‘i on the world map. During his time in the islands from 1938-1951, he operated as Keoni of Hawai‘i, producing as many as 300 aloha print designs, among them many patterns that remain iconic today. This exhibition is curated by Dale Hope, a second-generation contributor to Hawai‘i’s garment industry, drawing from the collection of Dan Eskenazi and additional private collections.
Public Programs:
Presentation: Aloha Wear Identity
Saturday, August 8 at 4 pm
Alexa Higashi Meeting Room
Dale Hope, exhibition curator and former Art Director of Kahala Sportswear, and Lisa Starr, former owner of ‘Ukulele Clothing Company, will share stories from their years of experience leading local aloha wear brands.
FREE
ACTIVATIONS: After Hours at the Gallery
Friday, September 4 from 5 – 8 pm
Schaefer International Gallery and Yokouchi Pavilion & Courtyard
This edition of ACTIVATIONS features a runway fashion show of vintage aloha wear through the decades, accompanied by retro DJ beats. Food and beverage offerings available for purchase during the event.
FREE with ticketed RSVPs through the MACC Box Office (Reservations open August 25)
OBSERVE & PLAY FAMILY DAY – In Honor of Shirley Yokouchi
Saturday, September 19 from 10 am – 12 pm
We invite families come dressed in aloha outfits and experience the exhibition in the gallery, then create their own patterns and designs at activity stations outside.
FREE
John Keoni Meigs Portrait
John Keoni MeigsAloha Shirt Featuring Waikiki Sand
banner image: John “Keoni” Meigs, tracing, preliminary painting, and aloha shirt featuring Waikīkī Reef