The annual Maui Matsuri is now accepting entries for its art contest from eligible students who can win up to $100 in cash prizes. The Maui Matsuri Art Contest is sponsored by HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts Maui.

The contest is open to Maui County students from kindergarten to 12th grade. The deadline to enter is April 2. All entries must depict this years’ Maui Matsuri 2026 Festival theme of “Tomo,” the Japanese word for “friend.”

Cash prizes will be awarded to the first and second place winners in each of four age divisions. Each participant can submit one hand-drawn, non-digital artwork on an 8.5-inch by 11-inch paper, without any frames or mounting pieces. Each entry must have an official entry form, along with a signed disclaimer lightly taped to the back of the artwork submitted. No names should be visible on the front.

Entries may be dropped off at Housemart Ben Franklin Crafts store at Queen Kaahumanu Shopping Center by April 2. Mailed submissions should be addressed to the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui at P.O. Box 5090, Kahului, HI, 96733, and postmarked no later than April 2.

Winners will be recognized at the Maui Matsuri Children’s Festival at University of Hawaii Maui Campus from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 9. The winning artwork will be featured at the Ben Franklin Store at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center.

For the full contest rules, visit mauimatsuri.com or email mauimatsuri@gmail.com.