Stopped by with my mom since we were in the area, and I couldn't have predicted just how lucky we…read moreturned out to be. Patrick's images seriously capture the spirit of Hawai'i, which was perfect since I was looking for gifts for friends back home. Gallery Patrick has both small and big flats that fit perfectly into the suitcase and are super affordable - as well as larger canvas and metal pieces for anyone wishing to make a statement in their home. Patrick himself is a wonderful person who loves photographing nature and meeting new people. We had such an engaging conversation that I was sad to leave! Anyone who finds joy in little moments and new interactions will be charmed by Patrick's gallery. Seriously, if you're in the area, stop by. You won't regret it.

Unique photography of exotic and tropical flowers from the Big Island, Hawaii displayed in the…read morestunning portrait form; background in black and the subject popped on metal, canvas and even slate, yes, slate, never seen before as a medium. Stunning and breath taking can not even described the images I saw on metal. The slate plates are in different sizes. They make perfect present for a wall hanging or a trivet which sure will impress your dinner guests.

Amazing artists!! Been there 24 yrs and wow, they're work is stunning! Watch them create, pet the…read morenew puppy and definitely purchase something! This couple are awesome snd the work shows it!

Amazing small husband and wife studio. I was lucky enough to come in time to see them blowing a…read morepiece. Arrived at 3pm and watched for about 30 minutes such an amazing process. They are very friendly, and talked to us while heating up the glass. They have a small display studio which showcases their work. Beautiful experience to watch.

I highly recommend the Volcano Art Center. My Beautiful Bride and I joined the free nature trail…read morewalk this morning. Our octogenarian guide Rob overflowed with historical and botanical knowledge. And he's a very kind person. While online reviews describe the trail as a wide gravel pathway, what we experienced this morning was a fairly narrow path, mostly of dirt and often covered with leaves. Also, instead of the advertised 60 minutes, our tour was closer to 90 minutes. Time well spent! We had not intended to stay longer, but we were delighted to transition to the free onsite art protect. Today's hands-on activity, led by project guide Chris, was creating prints from Dietrich Varez relief blocks. My partner and I each made two. The materials and lesson were all free.

Although the visitor station was closed, the Art center was open and had souvenirs and jewelry to…read morepurchase at the entry to the park.

Go for lunch and the art. The owner, Ira Ono, is sweet and fun. A wonderful place to spend the…read moreafternoon. Beyond the art shop and restaurant, walk around the grounds. I'd give this place 11 stars if I could

Interesting gardens Very friendly and helpful staff Many different gift items for yourself and…read moreothers back home.

They offer ceramic classes, sell clay and tools for sculpting clay, and have a great selection of…read morejewelry, ceramics, and other kinds of art that are done by local artists. REVIEW #281

I've been taking classes here for a few months now and really enjoy it. The facility is well…read moreorganized and clean. It's fun to learn and socialize. I especially appreciate the open studio times. My first two classes were with Shannon, who is a force of nature. One needs to have a lot of strength and determination to have a ceramics studio open for as long as she has in an area like Hilo. At times she can be a bit gruff but she's had to put up with a lot of careless students who don't pay attention and cause tremendous damage (destroying kiln shelves, destroying plumbing, etc etc etc). Just have some patience and don't take her tough love personally and you'll be right as rain. I love this place and am super grateful to have a space to learn how to throw. Also, she sells equipment, clay and glazes for those who are setting up their own space.

Very pleased with the quality of print services from Island Photo. This is a really great Big…read moreIsland service, located in the new shopping mall in Pahoa. Worth the extra few miles drive but they also ship orders. On Saturdays, say hi to Stephen, a photographer who helps with the array of services and some very good photography for sale. I recommend them. Mahalo!

#25 for 2018 Walking…read moreinto Tanglewood is a stepping into a mystical world of wonder. First, Harry and Mouse, that's right a Mouse lives here. They are the most wonderous people you can meet with an interesting history of succesfull businesses from bakery to computer technology. Harry applies his grasp of physics and technology to the camera producing incredible art. You can see the love and feel the passion in each piece displayed. Self taught he has learned quickly his craft. I am always amazed and excited to see what he does next. When you reach the property, you walk through a gate to be greeted by Little, their not so little dog. To the right is their working studio doubling as their gallery. There are small prints to large prints. And, can go larger if you so desired. Mouse custom frames each masterpiece to perfection. It is a working studio. You may see where Mouse builds the frames. She may be putting the canvas onto the frames, stretching it. A few computers showing galleries of gorgeous pictures Harry is working on. A commercial printer to handle their work load, and large prints. It is easy to see Harry loves shooting the stars, waves and volcano. His shots of the milky way are breath taking. The volcano shooting clouds of lava and smoke are just incredible. The strength of the waves blanketed by the stars in the same frame, astounding. Please go see for yourself. Tanglewood is open every weekend. One Saturday a month, they have a potluck when all photographers are invited to join in a Saturday of sharing. Harry is willing to share not holding anything back. That makes him special when often information is protected like a secret. You can find his work on Amazon, through select stores and always in their home, Tanglewood Gallery. An interior designer is available. You can talk to Harry about that if that is a service you need. Note: Mouse is famous for creating scrap cookies out of Colorado so many years back. Many have tried to copy, imitate but her's is still #1. The story behind that is very interesting but that's best heard from her when you visit.

It was a pleasure to meet owner and photographer Bruce Omori at Extreme Exposure! Thank you for…read morefinding two beautiful pueo owl photos, I can't wait to frame and put on my walls. There are tons of lava and volcano photos on their walls, very impressive collection of past and recent eruptions. You're sure to find something for your home here!

If you want to truly see the Big Island as its wild, awe-some, untamed, and absolutely alive self,…read moreBruce Omori of Extreme Exposure is the person to get you there, both as a guide and through his photography. As a budding extreme nature photographer, I've found I do my my best work when my photography is paired with a deep sense of place. I want to truly know a place, feel a connection, and set that free in my shots. You can't truly know the Big Island (or any part of Hawai'i) as a new arrival/outsider, in my opinion, unless you are invited in through the eyes of someone who knows it fully and deeply in a way that only locals can, and can skillfully immerse you in such a way that you feel like you belong. That skill is incredibly rare (as is being a kind, thoughtful and respectful human without bravado when guiding), but Bruce is a master. During my last visit to the Big Island, Bruce spent two days showing me parts of the island largely inaccessible to outsiders. One of the days was a lava tour; at each stop, his passion for volcanoes and the active history of the island shone through. I was totally nerding out and he was right there with me; you'd never have known he had seen these things a million times. He patiently answered every question, never once rushed me or seemed bored, and clearly was invested in making sure the visit was exactly what it needed to be. I felt like I was spending the day with an old friend. The second day was an exploration of a lesser-traveled part of the island, and was a grand adventure. We had to traverse a small stream crossing on foot to go check out a waterfall, and Bruce let me slowly creep around like a dummy, making sure I didn't fall on my camera in the water without seeming inpatient or disrespectful, keeping me upright and pointing out stable areas in the water where I could step. The next time I return to the Big Island (which will hopefully be on the regular to see lava!), it will feel like I'm going home, and that is in large part due to the way Bruce shared it with me. If you want the real deal, this isn't a place to cut corners - and honestly, I'm not sure you're really going to find an experience like this with anyone else there. Mahalo nui Bruce and Sheryl for bringing me home.

Definitely stop by Kohala Artists' Cooperative; it's just off the road, but you might miss it if…read moreyou're not looking. Inside, you'll find an eclectic collection of art from local artists. Some of the woodworkings and glass art are spectacular! There are loads of other items as well, each one unique and hand made. When we arrived, there was a glass-blowing workshop going on outside the cooperative, where a man was teaching a group of people how to make glass art, by melting the glass on a rod in the big hot oven, then blowing into the hollow tube to shape the glass, and fill it with air. This would be a fantastic way to spend a few hours, if you're creative and don't mind the heat of the oven. They'll even ship your finished work of art to you if you're not around, in the day or so after it dries and cools.

This is a cute co-op featuring artwork from 20+ local artists, from photography to ceramics. If you…read morehave the time, I recommend signing up ahead for a glass-blowing class. The skilled glassblowers, Matthew and Carolyn will guide you through the process of making your own custom glass object. This is an excellent group activity as you watch and encourage each other as you make your objects in turn. A unique experience to say the least, and your final reward is a keepsake to commemorate the experience for years to come. This was the highlight of my last Big Island trip.

Fabulous collection from local artisans; great variety! Friendly personnel. Love it. This clever…read moreshop is nestled in the stately, majestic banyan trees. If you're looking for an unusual gift that represents beautiful Hawai'i, look no further! There is bound to be something here that will catch your eye.

Right off of Banyan Drive near the entrance to Liliuokalani Gardens sits a little art shop. Being…read morenearby the hotels, there's always the concern you're about to enter a tourist trap but thankfully this place is far from it. Banyan Gallery offers art, jewelry, cards, and small handmade souvenirs from artists in and around Hilo. It's a great place to stop in and buy something meaningful either as a memento of a trip or gifts for people at home. It's a welcoming little building with colorful items in the windows and a table outside. Prices are consistent with unique handmade items - it's not cheap here. I bought a pack of printed cards on my last visit. I'd recommend stopping here on your next visit, you might find a treasure.

Shopping in Hilo Town, Hawaii…read more.. I remember the name of this store... I was here decades ago when I was active with the Jaycees (Junior Chamber of Commerce). We would have meetings on the Big Island every so often. After our gatherings, we'd roam around the town! This store still has amusing gifts, practical items, and cute stuff! It has postcards, jewelry, t-shirts, plushies, baby items, children's toys, Aloha shirts, soaps, lotions, books, Hello Kitty merchandise, tote bags, greeting cards, and more! Service is very friendly! The nice lady at the cash register asked me about my Shohei Ohtani shirt... LOL! Note: this store didn't have air conditioning... shucks! However, there's free street parking all around the area!

Cute gift shop in downtown Hilo! Anytime I want to send a cute Hawaii themed item to my best…read morefriends in the states, I like to stop here. They have things for both keiki and adults. They do like supporting local businesses as well, so make sure to support them to support other local businesses too! How perfect!