HAWAIʻI Magazine’s Official Photo Contest Rules
Our take
As HAWAIʻI Magazine gears up for its 26th annual photo contest, the excitement surrounding this event is palpable. Celebrating the stunning beauty and rich cultural tapestry of the Hawaiian Islands, the contest invites both seasoned photographers and budding artists to capture the essence of Hawaiʻi through their lenses. With categories like Land, Ocean, People, and Wildlife, the contest offers a platform for participants to express their unique perspectives while showcasing the islands’ breathtaking landscapes and vibrant communities. For those eager to get involved, it's worth noting that the HAWAIʻI Magazine’s 2026 Photo Contest is Now Open! highlights a fresh approach this year, encouraging a diverse range of submissions.
What makes this contest particularly significant is its accessibility. The inclusion of a dedicated Student Submissions category opens the door for young creators, fostering a sense of community and nurturing the next generation of photographers. This initiative not only amplifies the voices of students but also enriches the contest with fresh, innovative viewpoints that reflect the youthful spirit of Hawaiʻi. The submission guidelines, which allow participants to submit up to ten entries with a maximum of two per category, strike a balance between encouraging creativity and ensuring a focused, high-quality showcase of talent.
The contest serves as more than just a competition; it acts as a cultural touchstone for both residents and visitors alike. Each photograph submitted tells a story, capturing personal experiences and collective memories that resonate deeply within the community. This focus on storytelling through imagery aligns with the adventurous yet grounded ethos that embodies the spirit of Hanalei Bay Country Club. It invites participants to explore and indulge in their surroundings, celebrating the authentic beauty of the islands while fostering a sense of belonging and shared experience. As we reflect on the power of photography to connect and inspire, it becomes clear that this contest is an embodiment of what makes Hawaiʻi truly special.
Engaging with the community through photography also invites broader conversations about the importance of preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the islands. As photographers capture the stunning landscapes and vibrant life of Hawaiʻi, they also bring attention to the need for conservation and respect for these precious environments. The contest becomes a platform not only for artistic expression but also for advocating awareness and stewardship of the islands. The vibrancy of the submissions can drive home the message that our actions matter and that it is crucial to protect the beauty that inspires so many.
As the deadline for submissions approaches, one can't help but wonder how this year's entries will reflect the ever-evolving narrative of Hawaiʻi. Will we see a shift in how photographers interpret the concept of home in an increasingly globalized world? The anticipation of diverse perspectives is thrilling, and it invites us to imagine how these captured moments will inspire not only future artists but also all who engage with the beauty of Hawaiʻi. As we look forward to the contest's culmination, we are reminded of the role that creativity plays in forging connections, fostering community, and celebrating the unique cultural tapestry that is Hawaiʻi.
HAWAIʻI Magazine’s Official Photo Contest Rules.
Please read the following rules carefully before entering HAWAIʻI Magazine’s 26th annual photo contest.
Eligibility & Entry Limits
Participants may submit up to ten (10) total entries, with no more than two (2) entries per category. Entries must be submitted in one of the following categories: Land, Ocean, People, Wildlife, Kīlauea and Student Submissions.
The Student Submissions category is open to currently enrolled students. Additional verification may be requested.
Photo Requirements
All submitted images must:
- Be photographed in Hawaiʻi on or after January 1, 2025
- Meet a minimum resolution of 1800 x 1200 pixels
- Be submitted in one of the following formats: .jpg, .jpeg or .png
- Not be submitted in .tiff format
Contest Period
The contest begins upon announcement and closes at 11:59 p.m. HST on Sunday, May 3, 2026. Entries submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Original Work
All entries must be the original work of the participant. By entering, participants confirm they are the sole creator and copyright holder of each submitted image.
Rights & Usage
By entering the contest, participants grant HAWAIʻI Magazine a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual license to use, reproduce, publish and display submitted images in print, digital and promotional materials, with appropriate credit to the photographer.
Content Guidelines
Photos must not contain unlawful, harmful or inappropriate content. Images that violate or infringe upon another person’s rights, including privacy and intellectual property rights, will be disqualified.
Judging & Selection
HAWAIʻI Magazine staff will review all eligible submissions and select a group of finalists. Finalists will then be presented to the public, and winners will be determined through audience voting. All decisions made by HAWAIʻI Magazine regarding finalist selection are final.
General Conditions
HAWAIʻI Magazine reserves the right to disqualify any entry that does not comply with these rules or is deemed inappropriate. By entering, participants agree to abide by these official rules and all decisions made by the contest organizers.
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