Nomination and applications are now open for the 2026–2028 Hawaiʻi State Poet Laureate. Nominations may be made by an organization or individual. Self-nominations are allowed.

The first step in making a nomination is to email a completed Poet Laureate Nomination Form to SFCAartistGrants@hawaii.gov. Once the form has been reviewed and approved, candidates will receive an email with permission to move on to the next step of the nomination process. If their nominee has already been nominated, they will be asked to submit a letter of support. All materials must be received by November 15, 2025.

Eligible candidates have 10 or more years of experience doing poetry in Hawaiʻi and a track record of community service and education. Candidates will be judged based on artistic excellence, and their deep commitment to Hawaiʻi and our diverse communities.