The Heard Museum is excited to invite the community to Lei Day, a free family event on April 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In Hawaii, Lei Day is a statewide holiday celebrating Hawaiian culture. The Heard will celebrate the Aloha spirit with the He’e Nalu: The Art and Legacy of Hawaiian Surfing exhibition, and artist/author Shar Tuiasoa, sharing on-site readings of her new book, “Punky Aloha,” and assisting visitors through a paint-by-number mural that she designed specifically for the event.

"I am thrilled to be a part of the Heard Museum's celebration of Hawaiian art and culture through its He'e Nalu exhibition and programming," shared Tuiasoa. "It's an honor to share parts of our 'cultures of the moana (Pacific Ocean)' with a new audience. ‘Punky Aloha’ is all about making friends, so I am really excited that I get to spend the day celebrating Lei Day with my wonderful new friends in Arizona!"

Tuiasoa is based in Kailua, Oahu and is the owner of the Punky Aloha Illustration Studio. She has created artwork for editorial clients in Hawaii, including the Honolulu Museum of Art, as well as Apple, Disney, Pixar, Sephora, Target, the New York Times and more.

In addition to meeting Tuiasoa, guests will have the opportunity to see dance groups Na Maoli o Na Moku, Kaimikahu Hale O Hula, and Halau Ho'okahi I Ka Hula perform in the Steele Auditorium. Hula lessons from Halau Ho'okahi I Ka Hula will also be available at 12:30 p.m. in the Monte Vista Room. Other activities include Hawaiian language lessons from Makamae Sniffen, Hawaiian games, making paper or flower leis, stamping tapa designs, guided tours of the He'e Nalu: The Art and Legacy of Hawaiian Surfing exhibit and more!

"The Heard Museum has recommitted to being a premiere destination for young people and families," said Lucia Leigh Laughlin, the museum's youth and family engagement manager. "Lei Day will not only be an exciting day, but it also offers a unique way for young people to connect with the museum's art and exhibitions. We hope everyone who joins us will visit the He'e Nalu exhibition as well as participate in the fun activities that will bring the art they see more deeply into their lives."

Families will also have access to plenty of food options including The Heard Museum Courtyard Cafe and Coffee Cantina, Emerson's Frybread, 10th Island Shave Ice, Pacific Rim & Sushi, and Wiki-licious Malasadas.

Lei Day is made possible by sponsors Hawaiian Airlines, SRP, Applied Materials, aps, The Molly Blank Fund, The Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation, and the Steele Foundation. The event will take place Sunday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, please visit heard.org/event/lei-day/.