Haiku ART Contest for students

74th Cherry Blossom Festival Haiku Art Contest

The 74th Cherry Blossom Festival’s annual Haiku Art Contest, sponsored by the Japanese Women’s Society Foundation, invited Hawaii students from grades 3 thru 12 to showcase their creativity through haiku and artwork reflecting this year’s festival theme, “Yasashisa”, which translates to kindness and the prompt: “How do you show Yasashisa (kindness)?”

Requirements

1. Entry must reflect this year’s festival theme, Yasashisa, which translates to kindness,  and respond to the prompt: “How do you show Yasashisa (kindness)?”

2. An entry consists of a haiku and artwork displayed together on a single sheet of 8½” x 11” paper, plus a completed [link to application].

3. Entries must be flat, e.g., painting, drawing, print, or photograph.

4. Only students residing in the State of Hawaii in grades 3-12 may participate, and independent submissions without teacher involvement are welcome. 

5. Submissions will be organized by the following categories: Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, and Grades 9-12. 

6. One (1) winner will be selected per category by a panel of three judges, and each winner will receive: (i) check for $100; (ii) presentation of prize and on-stage recognition at a CBF public appearance in January or February 2026; (iii) their haiku and artwork published in the 74th CBF Souvenir Book; and (iv) their haiku and artwork showcased on the CBF website.

7. Mail completed application form and entry to–

   • 74th CBF Haiku Art Contest

   • P.O. BOX 1105

   • Aiea, Hawaii 96701

8. Entries must be postmarked by Friday, November 21, 2025. Late submissions may not be accepted.

9. For teachers or parents submitting multiple entries in one envelope: Please paperclip the application form to each corresponding entry so the committee can tell which entry belongs to whom.

FAQ

1. What is the structure of a haiku?

   • For this contest, we request traditional haiku containing three lines, totaling 17 syllables. The first line is 5 syllables, the second line is 7 syllables, and the third line is 5 syllables (“5-7-5”).

2. Can the haiku be written in either English or Japanese language?

   • Yes, English and Japanese language haiku are acceptable. However, if written in Japanese, the entry should also contain the corresponding English translation to reference.

3. Can more than one student work on a single entry?

   • No. Each entry (haiku and artwork) should be completed by a single student.

4. May I submit a sculpture to accompany my haiku?

   • No. All entries must be on a single 8.5 x 11” sheet of paper.

5. What medium is preferred for the artwork?

   • Any medium is acceptable, so long as it does not significantly protrude off the paper. Paint, colored pencil, crayon, and photographs will work. Keep in mind that entries must be mailed, so consider avoiding media that may be affected in transport.

6. When will winners be announced?

   • Winners will be contacted by our Haiku Art Contest Committee Chairs sometime in December 2025 or January 2026. A public announcement will be made at the CBF public appearance which will either be in January or February 2026 and be posted on the CBF website.

last Year’s Haiku ART Contest Winners

“How do you show Ai for Hawaii?”

Honorable Mentions

Grades 3-5

Grade 6-8

Grade 9-12

Mahalo

Thank you to the many teachers who shared the art of haiku with their students, and thank to the participating students for sharing your creativity with us! This year we received  entries from students from the following schools.

Aina Haina Elementary School

Benjamin Parker Elementary School

Ewa Makai Middle School

Haha‘ione Elementary School

Hanalani Schools

Honolulu Waldorf School

‘Iolani School

Kailua Intermediate School

Kalani High School

Kaneohe Elementary School

Lahaina Intermediate School

Mauka Lani Elementary School

Moanalua Middle School

Myron B. Thompson Academy

Pauoa Elementary School

Pearl Harbor Elementary School

President Theodore Roosevelt High School

President William McKinley High School

Punahou School

Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School

Saint Louis School

Salt Lake Elementary School

Sanford B. Dole Middle School

Washington Middle School

Webling Elementary School