About EHCC

The East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center is a non-profit organization supporting the arts and culture community in Hilo for over 50 years. It is located across from Kalākaua Park in beautiful historic Downtown Hilo; a two-block walk from Hilo’s downtown Bayfront. Once the Hilo Police Station and County Courthouse, the Center now offers striking art exhibits, unique performances and a broad range of classes/workshops for all ages. Visiting the Center is free however donations are appreciated..

Address:  141 Kalākaua St, Hilo, HI 96720
Phone:     (808) 961-5711
Email:      [email protected]

Hours of Operation: 

Gallery: Tuesday through Friday 10am ⎯ 4pm and Saturdays from 10am ⎯ 2pm

Main Office: Tuesday through Friday 10am ⎯ 4pm

*The gallery closes in-between exhibitions for installation.*

Want to visit us as part of a field trip? Contact us ahead of time for info and to make accommodations!

Mission:

To be an inclusive platform for culture and the arts. Through visual and performing arts and education, we give voice to our diverse communities and provide a forum for inquiry into their experience and histories.

Vision Statement:

While maintaining standards for aesthetic expression, we are pluralistic and egalitarian, culturally and socially inclusive, providing a venue to our Hawaiian host culture as well as the many other voices which comprise our diverse island community.

Values:

A vibrant, thriving gathering place centered on art and culture, led by the ever-evolving voices of our Big Island communities, inspiring mutualism, dialogue, and understanding of the forces that shape our ideas, actions, and evolution.

Meet the team

Board Members

Staff & Volunteers

Advisory Council

Neida Bangerter Former Gallery Director Maui Arts & Cultural Center

Pualani Kanaka'ole Kanahele Hawaiian Scholar, Hula Master

Halena Kapuni-Reynolds Associate Curator of Native Hawaiian History & Culture Smithsonian Institution

Mary Orwig Accountant

Michael Shewmaker Sculptor

Alison Wong Director of Partnerships Hawai'i Contemporary

Noe-Noe Wong-Wilson Executive Director Lālākea Foundation

Tom Moran Former Chief Curator Grounds for Sculpture

Interested in becoming an EHCC Board Member?

Board members contribute to the vision and stewardship of EHCCʻs mission. To find out more about board involvement, including how to apply, please click here.