GIAC Dresses Airport Windows

Two new reasons to pause while walking through the Lihu`e airport are the smartly dressed display windows on both sides of the terminal. The state DOT requested the HTA upgrade the window displays. Enter the Garden Island Arts Council.

Carol Yotsuda and airport window display—Aloha Airlines end. ARTS photo by Anne E. O’Malley

The County of Kaua’i Office of Economic Development contracted the Council to plan, design and install the exhibitions an average of three times a year.

Funding comes from the HTA and the County. Guidance comes from OED Director Beth Tokioka and Tourism Specialist Robbie Kaholokula. Airport Manager Tim Skinner handles onsite coordination—a gargantuan task given federal security restrictions.

Windows focus on unique Kaua`i events. The window on the Aloha Airlines end features Koloa Plantation Days, the Kaua’i Music Festival, and the Bon Odori season celebrated at each of the Buddhist Churches. These were summer celebrations and now we’re moving into fall, but visitors plan return trips. Watch for alterations as new events come up.

Hawaiian Airlines end of airport also has new display. ARTS photo by Carol K. Yotsuda

The window on the Hawaiian Airlines end features fall celebrations—the Kaua’i Mokihana Festival, Queen Emalani Festival in Koke’e and Hawaiiana Festival at the Grand Hyatt Resort and Spa.

It’s about a three-month process from planning to installation, and future window planning is underway. Many individuals and organizations assist throughout the process, with a skeleton crew actually doing the installations.

The Council installed several window displays in the past, and now has a chance to promote the arts in all its glory for visitors and residents alike to see.

The only drawback? You have to be booked on a flight to get inside to see.