WHAAM! AT WAINAKU, presented by HIAA and Ola Brew Co.

WHAAM! at Wainaku

VIP Hour: 5 - 6 PM

General Admission: 6-9 PM

Presented by Hawai‘i Island Art Alliance (HIAA) & Ola Brew Co. 

Inspired by the bold color and cultural impact of the Pop Art era, WHAAM! at Wainaku is an immersive fundraiser transforming Ola’s ‘Ōkolehao Distillery into a vibrant, high-energy creative experience. 

On Saturday, May 30, step into a night where culinary artistry, live music, and visual expression intersect – set within a dynamic space at the former Wainaku Executive Center. 

Come dressed to the theme – think bold colors, geometric patterns, innovative costumes, comic-influenced couture. Show up, stand out, and be part of the art.

Every ticket directly supports Hawai‘i Island Art Alliance, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, and its work to expand access to arts and cultural programming across Hawai’i Island. Read more about our mission here.

THE EXPERIENCE

WHAAM! brings together an exceptional lineup of chefs, performances, and artists for a fully immersive evening to engage the senses.

CULINARY ARTISTS 

Ernie Gray, Poke Market

Brian Hirata, Naʻau

Mark Pomaski, Moon & Turtle

Sheldon Simeon, Tin Roof / Tiffany’s

Jeremy Van Kralingen, Ola Brew Co.

LIBATION CURATION

A unique cocktail experience & open bar curated by Soni Pomaski, Tyson Takiue, Ryan Kadota and Brandon Waiheʻe, in partnership with Ola Brew Co. and Kadota Liquor. Ages 21+ only, please.

MUSIC PERFORMANCES

Soundscapes, live music + dancing ALL night, provided by Hilo Honeys • DJ Thunder Bunny • Yellow Streetlights

VISUAL ARTISTS

Kristie Fujiyama Kosmides, Danhieux & Kaiʻili Kaulukukui will create original works in real time, with opportunities for guests to engage in the creative process. All artworks will be available via silent auction.

SILENT AUCTION

A thoughtfully curated auction featuring original artworks and unique experiences – offering another way to support the arts while taking home something meaningful. 

LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE

General Admission – $195

Event: 6 to 9PM

• Entry to full event experience 

• Culinary tastings from featured chefs

• Live music, art, and open bar

VIP Experience – $375 

Early access: 5 to 6 PM 

• Private VIP hour - 1st course with five featured chefs, specialty cocktail offerings and live entertainment, opportunity to paint first layers live with Visual Artists Kristie Fujiyama Kosmides & Danhieux

• Access to the upstairs Ola Brew Speakeasy and lounge - featuring 'Ōkolehao tastings - throughout the event 

• Special VIP swag, designed by HIAA Board President, Kūhaʻo Zane

• First access to the full event experience & silent auction

The Beacon Sponsorship - $7,500

These sponsors light the way for HIAA's cause, allowing us the capacity to activate spaces and places in Hilo, because we believe art can be an engine for economic vitality, rural resilience, and human connection. This sponsorship includes:

• Reserved Table with 8 VIP Experiences;

• Company logo on WHAAM! recap video, printed assets, and prominently displayed at event

• 8 Custom Personalized WHAAM! Art Prints, in addition to VIP swag bags

• Professional Group Photo - On canvas or framed

• Verbal Acknowledgement at WHAAM!

• Social Media Mentions as Sponsor

• Access to Media Package for Promotional Use

All guests enjoy full access to food, beverages, live art, and performances, along with swag items. Tickets are extremely limited and expected to sell out. 

DRESS CODE

COME DRESSED TO THE OCCASION. Pop art, interpreted your way. 

Channel Andy Warhol’s repetition and vibrant colors, Roy Lichtenstein’s bold graphics , Yayoi Kusama's iconic dots, or create your own personal statement. Indulge in the endless inspiration from this era - at WHAAM!, you’re the canvas.

PARTY IN THE NAME OF ART

This is more than a night out; it’s a party with a purpose. WHAAM! is inspired by the Pop Art era of the 50’s and 60’s, which broke down barriers between everyday culture and fine art, making creative expression feel accessible rather than exclusive. By drawing inspiration from advertising, comics, and mass media, Pop Artists showed that art can come from familiar, shared experiences—an idea that aligns directly with HIAA’s efforts to broaden community engagement. For HIAA, this legacy reinforces the value of meeting audiences where they are, using recognizable imagery and contemporary themes to invite participation, spark dialogue, and ensure the arts feel relevant and welcoming to diverse communities across Hawai’i Island.

HIAA is rooted in the belief that the arts belong to everyone. Proceeds from WHAAM! support: 

• Expanding access to arts and cultural programming to ALL in our community

• Creating economic opportunities for local artists 

• Sustaining the team that makes this work possible

The arts provide connection, healing, and economic opportunity. Your presence and support helps ensure this continues across the island.