The Summer Slide

What began as a simple idea—a photography exhibit exploring the golden eras of surf on O‘ahu—blossomed into The Summer Slide, a week-long celebration of culture, community, and craft that brought the island together in the heart of Ward Village.

This multidimensional event series honored the vibrant legacy of the South Shore. Its first year spotlighted 1960s–80s surf photography, paired with reimagined boards inspired by each decade and crafted by local shapers. In its second year, the focus shifted to Hawai‘i’s most iconic symbol of laid-back style: the Aloha shirt. No Suits in Paradise: A History of the Aloha Shirt offered an immersive, textile-rich exploration of fashion as cultural identity, created in collaboration with legendary storyteller Dale Hope.

Supporting activations extended the experience beyond the gallery walls. In partnership with the Honolulu Surf Film Festival, the program featured outdoor screenings, a live shaping bay, and a contemporary photo series by Danny Fuller and Mark Kushimi, bridging past and present through a modern lens on surf culture.

This layered cultural activation helped reinforce the creative identity of Ward Village—resonating deeply with both locals and visitors, while driving meaningful engagement across retail, restaurants, and real estate.