Art & Culture Shopping

For the Art and Culture Aficionado: Finding Handcrafted Heirlooms

Shopping for art on the Big Island is a chance to acquire something truly unique, a piece infused with the spirit of the land and the hands that shaped it. The thriving art scenes in towns like Holualoa and Volcano are not just collections of galleries; they are vital economic hubs that allow for the preservation and continuation of Hawaiian culture. When you purchase a piece of art here, you are participating in a living history.

Holualoa: The Art Village in Coffee Country

Just a few miles up the slopes of Hualālai from Kailua-Kona lies the village of Holualoa. It has a rich past, first as an agricultural center for coffee and sugar, and has since transformed into a charming art enclave. The main road, Mamalahoa Highway, is lined with historic tin-roof buildings and old stone walls, giving it an "Old Hawaiʻi" feel that has inspired a vibrant community of artists.

Donkey Mill Art Center

This is the cultural heart of the community. More than just a gallery, it's an active art center offering classes and workshops for all ages in ceramics, printmaking, fiber arts, and more. Their gallery shop is an excellent place to find one-of-a-kind pieces from local artists, with proceeds supporting the center's educational mission.

Volcano Village: Art Forged by Fire

At the edge of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the small community of Volcano Village is home to artists who draw their inspiration directly from the raw, creative energy of Kīlauea volcano. The art here is deeply connected to the dramatic landscape of lava flows, lush rainforests, and native flora and fauna.

The Hub: Volcano Art Center

Your first stop should be the Volcano Art Center. It has two locations: the main gallery, housed in the historic 1877 Volcano House Hotel building just inside the National Park, features a stunning collection of work inspired by the volcano. Its Niaulani Campus, in the village itself, is where the learning happens, with workshops in ceramics, hula, lauhala weaving, and even free guided tours of the surrounding old-growth koa and ʻōhiʻa rainforest.

The Art of Koa Wood: Hawaii's Prized Timber

Koa wood is more than just a beautiful material; it is sacred in Hawaiian culture. Its name means "warrior," and in ancient times, this strong, prized wood was reserved for the aliʻi (chiefs) and used to build magnificent voyaging canoes (waʻa), powerful weapons, and important ceremonial items. A piece made of Koa carries with it a symbol of strength, nobility, and courage.

The Legacy of Lauhala Weaving: A Story in Every Strand

The ancient Polynesian art of ulana lauhala, or weaving the leaves (lau) of the Hala (pandanus) tree, is a foundational craft in Hawaiian culture. For centuries, deft fingers have plaited these dried leaves into everything from floor mats (moena) and baskets to hats (pāpale) and even the sails of voyaging canoes.