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.

The House of Fire is awesome! Nestled in next to Uncle Robert's Market, this place is a hidden gem…read more Their storefront is filled with all sorts of work (jewelry, photography, paintings, pottery, blown glass, and more) made by local artists. I would definitely recommend stopping in to check out their beautiful selection and watch magic in action in their Live Glass Blowing studio. Great choice to stop in on Wednesday before hitting the epic night market right next door!

I absolutely recommend to stop by this art gallery and check out all the amazing artist work. Also…read moreask about glass blowing lessons... totally worth trying! The service and friendliness from all the staff makes you feel like family.

Yeah~I love jewelry made by artisans because when you buy a piece of jewelry from an artisan-the…read morejewelry piece you purchased is one of a kind. My sister, Natalie always buys her jewelry here for the specific reason I mentioned.

We just love Hawaiian Artifacts! They have a really great selection of authentic Hawaiian items,…read morehand made by locals. Their historically accurate ancient Hawaiian weapons are amazing! They are a regular supplier to the film industry. As for customer service, it's wonderful. Friendly, knowledgeable and engaging, we could have stayed all afternoon to "talk story". We loved the welcome crew (their two dogs and kitty) that came out to greet us. Even though they are a little out of the way, they are one of the few local shops left. Great people, fair prices, and well worth the visit!

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.

Fantastic local art and so many different artist highlighted…read more Perfect to find something unique that's highlights so many parts of Hawaiian culture.

The One Gallery provides an array of wonderful local art. There is something for everyone's taste…read more It is the perfect place for tourists to get a more meaningful and aesthetic souvenir. For locals yo can support local artists and beautify your homes. The gallery also provides art classes, and studio sessions with live models so aspiring artists can hone your skills with a welcoming community of artists.

What a cute spiritual store you with a cute cafe spot in the back. This has definitely been one of…read morethe most unique metaphysical stores I've ever been to. I was so enamored by it that I forgot to take pictures! So many great products for the local witches or curious peeps wanting to see what a spiritual store offers. I got a great Oracle deck and I'm so happy about and a tincture made locally. My friends aren't too much into stores like this but loved it because of the cafe and being able to sit at the end of the store with a great atmosphere and great way they decorated the store, you can appreciate it!! I highly recommend to visitors and locals living in the area. They had a great selection of cards, art pieces and value. The owner of the store is very sweet and willing to help with any questions you have !

Witches, warlocks, wizards and wayward wanderers will witness, in wide-eyed wonder, the wares and…read moreworkmanship of the wrights of Hawaii. OK, alliterative nonsense aside (12 point alliteration combo, BTW!), Wild HeArtist feels part art gallery, part mystic emporium. You'll find handcrafted artworks, jewelry, accessories and home décor items, alongside t-shirts, teas, soaps, colognes and perfume, and metaphysical paraphernalia such as crystals, pyramids, geodes, stones and other occult oddities. Oh, and did I mention the Nector Cafe at the back, with all its countless collection of consumable concoctions and confections? Ugh, sorry, I said I would stop with the alliteration. But it's just so fun! Alright, for serious this time: Wild HeArtist boasts a seriously singular selection of souvenirs and spangly, sparkly stuff for your solicitous shopping satisfaction! Augh! I give up! It's just awesome here, okay? Go check it out!

This is another cute little gift shop located on the Bayfront side of Hilo (facing Hilo Bay). It's…read morefilled with many handcrafted products made by local artists, items such as koa earrings, Hawaiian quilts, ceramics, bags, jewelry, towels, and more. The owners/employees are attentive without being demanding or overbearing. It's one of those mom-and-pop stores trying to eek out a living in the rural community and you just want to support them 110% since they're a dying breed, especially in my small hometown. REVIEW #276

Wonderful, locally made gifts, jewelry and crafts. Great for browsing and taking home handmade…read moreomiyage! Very friendly staff, especially Meera, the owner.

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.

Very informative tour. We learned a lot about the process of growing and processing cacao into…read morecacao nibs which are then sold to be used to make chocolate. We tasted delicious chocolate that was made from cacao grown from these fields. Thoroughly enjoyed the tour and chatting with the owner. Highly recommend.

The cacao farm is breathtakingly beautiful. Very informative tour - we really learned how much…read morework goes in to growing and processing cacao for chocolate. Also appreciated learning how the owner used her engineering background to perfect the growing, drying and roasting processes. The chocolates we tasted were delicious! We highly recommend this tour.

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.