Our customer “June” was wondering where she could find original works of art by artists who show their work on HawaiiArt.com when she visits the Islands on vacation. This presents a great opportunity for our artists to acknowledge the galleries that they think are best for visitors. The criteria for rating should be based on customer experience, fairness to the artist, and the availability of your work at the location. Hopefully we can create a comprehensive list that serves our artists and the galleries that support them. Artists, please limit your lists to your top three galleries and feel free to post comments on each one as to why they made your best art gallery in Hawaii list.
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The top three galleries in my mind are: 1) the Gallery of Great Things in Waimea (fine art plus all kinds of interesting artifacts from across the Pacific); 2) the Lavender Moon Gallery in Kianaliu (nicely displayed, good sampling of Hawaii artists); and 3) Studio 7 Fine Arts in Holualoa (I love Hiroki’s work). Have a great trip to the Big Island! Aloha, Mary
Krazy About Kona in the Kona Inn shopping village. Two shops south of the Kona Inn restaurant. Half of the store is dedicated to art and the other jewelry. I have a great display there. Its a friendly and fun place for people to visit. Theres a reason they’ve been in business for over 16 years.
Trudy’s Island Arts at the Kona International Market. Located in the back by the bus stop. Numerous artists are represented along with jewelry. Same friendly shopping experience.
Both places deal only with local artist.
Kona Mountain Coffee on the hwy between town and the airport. Local art and of course local coffee and gifts. Same friendly service.
The best volcano photography around at all 3 places.
Tell them Bryan sent you.
Thank you all so much for your helpful information. I know there will be several people that will benefit from this blog. I am actually only able to visit Oahu on this trip. Any recommendations specific for that island?
There are many interesting galleries on the Big Island, but I think the best gallery for local art is definitely the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. A hidden gem, especially if you’re interested in art glass is Big Island Glass Gallery in Honokaa. The Gallery of Great Things in Waimea is full of local art as well as art and artifacts from across the Pacific.
Aloha and have fun!
Clytie
The top three galleries on Oahu that I enjoy the most are: Sunshine Arts in Kahalu’u. They have a beautiful gallery with a variety of Hawaii artists. They were also a “pick” in the newest Lonely Planet. The staff is wonderful and very helpful. Next would be Cedar Street Galleries in Honolulu. They have a helpful staff and a variety of artists and styles ranging from classical landscapes to modern sculptures. Third would be Nohea. They have a beautiful gallery with many artistic home decor items. I also have to add that if you’re on Oahu, the Punahou Carnival Art Gallery (open Feb 5 and 6, 2010) is not to be missed for its variety of local art. Aloha and enjoy your trip
ISLAND TREASURES in Hawaii Kai and Kailua on Oahu, have fantastic diversity in local artists and many koa woodworks, WAIKOLOA GALLERY at the Hilton Waikoloa, Big Island for original work, and KOOLAU GALLERY in Windward Mall for affordable prints and reproductions.
Of course, the greatest gallery I’ve ever experienced by far is the “BIG ROOM”.
It’s live and you can see it, touch it, breathe it, feel it, wear it, inhale it, live it. And, you can take it home with you and keep it forever.
Most people know it as the “Great Outdoors”…
Welcome to Paradise!
Island Treasures, Kailua; this is an amazing collection of all kinds of local art. I have a nice collection of Original Oil paintings there, as well as a large collection of my art prints.
Britton Gallery, Haleiwa – this is a nice collection of local artist’s works. I have several Original Oils there and a collection of my art prints.
The Good Art Gallery, Waikiki – this is across the street from the Moana Surfrider Hotel on the beach, who also carry a collection of my work.
Kaukini Gallery, West Maui – They carry some of my Original work and my prints. This is a quaint gallery all the way around the West end of Maui. It is located in the tiny village of Kahakaloa. It is a beautiful drive, but please drive with caution since portions of the road are one way and very close to the cliffside.
Warm Aloha and have FUN!
Global Creations on Oahu’s north shore is a lovely gift gallery that also carries fine art. The staff is warm and friendly and the gallery offers a relaxed atmosphere for browsing. the gallery is located in the heart of Haleiwa. Dreams of Paradise Gallery on the Big Island, located on the Hilo Bay Front right next to Cafe Pesto, is a gorgeous Fine Art Gallery, and should not be missed during your visit to town.
I just sent some wood paintings and reproductions to Nani Kauai Gallery in Princeville. I’m looking forward to working with the owner Brad. I have heard great things and they have some amazing art.
Sunshine Arts in Kaneohe is so fun. It’s bright and open and such an unexpected surprise. You’ll see what I mean when you go inside. It is a must see on your drive around Oahu.
Genesis Arts Gallery in Queens and King Shops on the Big Island is really nice. They’ve been there for along time and have unique sculptures, wood bowls and carvings, tables and LOTS of my wood paintings: ) They’ve packed a lot of cool stuff into that space.
And the already mentioned Global Creations on The North Shore of Oahu is so great. SO much to look at and very unique. Lots of one of a kind gift items.
Aloha!
Kellie
My three favorite local art galleries are:
1. Sunshine Arts –located on the windward side of Oahu in Kahalu’u. A large gallery with many excellent local artists, diverse styles and media, reasonable prices, also matting and framing service.
2. Island Treasures –one located in Kailua, another one in Hawaii Kai. Great artwork, beautiful gallery, friendly staff.
3. Na Mea –located in Waikiki at Hilton Hawaiian Village. Small but nice gallery by the pool. Mostly prints, some originals.
My artwork can be found in these three galleries plus several more.
Check out the Hana Coast Gallery in Hana, Maui for an eclectic mix of local talent, including yours truly. The gallery is nestled in Hana, a beautiful must-see destination!
Island Treasures in Kailua, on the east side of Oahu is my favorite art gallery. That’s where I have put all of my original paintings, along with a complete selection of prints. It’s the sort of place that an artist enjoys browsing in. They carry an incredible selection of diverse artwork, and the staff are so personable and helpful. It’s truly a joy and an inspiration to spend time there. In addition, they have gorgeous handmade jewelry, glasswork, woodwork, and bath products.
On the North Shore, there’s a fun little boutique kind of shop called Kai Ku Hale. It carries a luscious assortment of artwork and unique handmade gift items. I always find something there that I love.
If you should go to the Big Island, the Hilo side, stop in at the Woodshop Gallery in Honomu (on the way to Akaka Falls). In addition to some incredible wood pieces, they carry some nice limited edition prints, sculptures, etc. The Hilo side of the island is our favorite – with it’s lush vegetation, plentiful waterfalls, and scenic vistas. Beautiful.
For me it would have to be the realistic paintings at Patrick Ching’s studio in Waimanalo, called Naturally Hawaiian. It has a great country atmosphere, and you can’t miss the painted horses out front! There are a lot of wonderful paintings and many gifts, all by local artist
He has another gallery in Kauai featuring additional originals in the Princeville Shopping Center, and there are a few other art outlets there as well, so it’s always a good stop.
Then there’s the Wishard Gallery on the big island in Waimea. Again, a lot of wonderful nature and landscape art from various local artist, a must see.
Well from a carver’s prospective, I’d say that if you are on Mau’i that you should go to “Native Intelligence” on North Market St. in Wailuku…Cultural practitioner, Artist, Kahuna Nui and Kumu Hula Kapono’ai Molitau has gathered Na mea around the state. All Hawaiian artist and crafters fashioning Hawaiian cultural treasures. On Oahu…or coarse Brother Patrick Ching’s Naturally Hawaiian…out in Waimanalo look for the old green gas station past the Mcdonald’s and look for the Horses. Also Na Mea at Ward Warehouse shopping center and various locations in Waikiki a hui of craftsmen and artist around the state, plus plenty books and literature about Hawaii and it’s culture. Shop Pacifica at the Bishop museum is a good source plus tour the Hawaiian Hall at the Museum and see true Kupuna craftsmanship. and all of Haleiwa town…see carvings at Polynesian and Global Handicrafts.
I’m no longer in the islands, but on every visit I drop in to Patrick Ching’s Naturally Hawaiian in Waimanalo! Love the true sense of welcome I receive, the great range of art including lots of local artists work.
When on Kauai, Hanapepe town is full of wonderful art galleriers. Over 16. We have a great art walk every Friday night 6-9. Something for everyone.
We found that the best “all round” gallery with the Hawaii feel to it was the Old Lahaina Gallery on Maui. They evidently have closed but they were really great and it was truly one of the only places we felt the true spirit of ‘Aloha’. Very sad to see them go.