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JOURNEY TO THE HORIZON, ARRIVE IN WONDER, & IMMERSE YOURSELF.

Step into the story of Waikīkī. Launching with a soft opening in July 2025, In The Southern Sun is a new visual storytelling exhibit that reframes the cultural history of Waikīkī through art, memory, and place-based design. Through a seasonally shifting series of murals, installations, and multi-sensory artworks, the experience invites visitors to explore Waikīkī’s layered past in a new light.

In The Southern Sun is a self-guided experience. Guests are welcome to explore the exhibit at their own pace, take photos, engage with the space as they go and have fun! 

Presented by global art collective POW! WOW! and curated by Kamea Hadar, this thoughtfully crafted exhibition takes place in a reimagined gallery at 2424 Kalākaua Avenue, located at Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Beach Resort and Spa.

Rooted in the Hawaiian proverb “Mai ka lā hiki a ka lā kau” (“From the rising to the setting sun”), In The Southern Sun unfolds in four seasonal chapters that mirror the changing light of Waikīkī—from golden dawn to indigo dusk—encouraging guests to reconnect with the land, its stories, and one another.

FEATURED ARTISTS

KAMEA HADAR

Kamea Hadar grew up in the worlds of his Japanese-Korean mother and Israeli father. He began studying drawing and painting from a young age.Although Kamea’s work is rooted in traditional portraiture, it has evolved from the canvas to large-scale murals and installations found in cities worldwide. He labels his work as “Hybridism”, a hybridization of traditional and modern culture

GAVIN MURAI // RECKON SHOP

Gavin Murai, born and raised on the south shore of O‘ahu, has established Reckon Shop, a multi-faceted creative enterprise influenced by his insular upbringing, regional surfing lifestyle, and international experiences. Employing a methodological approach of "analog then digital," Reckon Shop undertakes endeavors ranging from brand development to large-scale murals, adapting to client needs and various artistic formats.

MELON // GANGWAY GALLERY

Melón’s art is deeply rooted in connection and community. Born and raised in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood, he discovered graffiti as both an escape and a means of self-expression. Hopping trains and immersing himself in the city’s diverse art scene, he found inspiration beyond his block. Graffiti became his escape from the gang life that surrounded him, offering a creative outlet and a sense of purpose.

NOA HARDISTY

Noa is an artist/muralist raised on O‘ahu with a passion for surfing. As a kid, he found inspiration watching his dad draw dragons and anime characters on his surfboards. Noa finds purpose in discovering lines and creating eye-catching perspectives that make his family proud.

KEOLA RAPOZO // FITTED HAWAII

Native Hawaiian designer and co-founder of local brand FITTED. Born and raised in the Koʻolaupoko area of Oʻahu and a product of Kahaluʻu, Rapozo knew from a young age that his calling in life was design.

CORY KAMEHANAOKALA TAUM

Cory Kamehanaokalā Holt Taum (b. 1990) is a Kānaka ʻŌiwi artist who lives and works in Hawaiʻi. He is an active mural artist and cultural practitioner, sourcing inspiration from the stories and teachings of the past and their relevance in today's drastically changing Hawaiʻi.

JACK SOREN

As a Native Hawaiian born and raised on O‘ahu's North Shore, his family's shared love for surfing and its history has heavily influenced Soren's work and ethos.Working primarily with paint and pigment on canvas, Jack has produced several solo exhibitions, as well as contributed works to numerous group and collective shows since 2016.

SHAR TUIASOA "PUNKY ALOHA"

Punky Aloha Studio is the illustration studio of Shar Tui‘asoa, a freelance illustrator based in Kailua, O‘ahu.  After studying Fine Art at her local community college for 6 years, Shar moved to California to earn her BFA in Illustration.  She moved back to Hawai‘i shortly after and started Punky Aloha Studio in the summer of 2018. 

JEFF GRESS

Jeff Gress is a Honolulu-based artist renowned for his vibrant hand-lettered murals, traditional sign painting, gold leaf gilding, and contemporary graphic design. His work masterfully blends bold typography with cultural storytelling, celebrating both local Hawaiian heritage and global visual influences.
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BOOK THE SPACE

Plan a private gathering, group booking, or celebration at In The Southern Sun—an immersive space shaped by Waikīkī’s light, memory, and landscape.

BOOK THE SPACE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What ages is the experience suitable for?

The experience is designed for all ages to enjoy. An adult must accompany children at all times.
How long is the experience?

Each visit is timed for up to 90 minutes to allow all guests the opportunity to enjoy the space comfortably.
Where can I park?

Valet or Self-parking is available at the Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Beach Resort and Spa parking garage (101 Uluniu Ave). Please note, there is NO parking validation available. The maximum clearance for indoor parking is 6'6". Oversized vehicles (over 6'6") may park in several locations nearby.
How early should I arrive for my time slot?

Please arrive 15 minutes early to ensure a smooth check-in and to make the most of your experience.
Do I need to book in advance?

We recommend booking in advance through our website to guarantee entry at your preferred time. Walk-ins are welcome based on availability and can be purchased via the ticketing QR code at the entrance.
What should I bring or wear?

As we're located near the beach, resort-casual attire is appropriate. For the safety and comfort of all guests, shirts and proper footwear (Slippers -sandals are permitted) are required at all times. All guests must be dry and free of sand to enter the space. The gallery is air-conditioned, so please plan appropriately if you are easily cold. 
Is re-entry allowed?

Re-entry is not permitted, so we recommend planning your visit accordingly.
What’s your cancellation or rescheduling policy?

Tickets are non-refundable, but they can be rescheduled based on availability. If your booking is more than 48 hours in advance, please contact us at aloha@inthesouthernsun.com, and we’ll do our best to assist you.
Is photography allowed?

Yes! Personal photography and videography are encouraged — don’t forget to tag us @InTheSouthernSun!

If you plan to bring professional equipment, a crew, or shoot content for commercial/media purposes, please reach out to media@inthesouthernsun.com in advance to reserve a designated press and marketing window - this helps ensure a great experience for all of our guests.
Is the space wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the space is wheelchair accessible.

Are food or drinks allowed inside?

To help preserve the space and ensure a clean environment for all guests, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the gallery.
Is there a lost and found?

Yes. If you think you may have left something behind, please contact us at aloha@inthesouthernsun.com, and we'll do our best to help reunite you with your item.
Can I bring my pet?

Only service animals are allowed inside the space at this time.
Can I host a private event or group visit?

Absolutely! We’d love to hear more about your event. Please inquire at aloha@inthesouthernsun.com to share your vision and receive a custom quote.
Do you offer discounts for kamaʻāina, students, or military?

Yes, we offer a kamaʻāina rate for Hawaiʻi residents. Please present a valid local ID when you check in for your tour.