Michikusa Gurus
 5 local artists' goods in Hawaii

Made-in-Hawaii sundries created by artists in Hawaii with their love of Hawaii are now attracting a great deal of attention. Some are artistic works of art, some are daily necessities, and some are special gifts for your loved ones. Here are a few of the most inspiring items.

The smallest piece is unbeatable!

 7 types in total, including Hawaiian language messages and the local
7 types in total, including Hawaiian language messages and the local "Kailua" ($6 each)

The art and designs of "Nick Kutscher," who has come to be recognized both nationally and internationally as one of Hawaii's leading artists. His prints featuring nostalgic Hawaiian landscapes and spots are outstandingly popular, but when you visit his store, you will find many creative sundries such as water bottles, stickers, tapestries, and more. One of them is the embroidered patch, which adds a special touch because you can enjoy your own twist on it after you buy it.
You can stick the patches on your bags, clothes, or anywhere you like and feel Hawaii all over your body.

Thinking of Hawaii, we want you to hold them in your hands.

 The mid-century gallery space where the artwork is displayed is a model for recreating Hawaii at home.
The mid-century gallery space where the artwork is displayed is a model for recreating Hawaii at home.

Nick Kutscher moved to Hawaii from Florida, where he grew up with surf culture.
While living a slow life centered on surfing, he started to build his career by creating graphic paintings at the request of his wife, which led to pop-up events in Kailua, and gradually became well known to the public.
His longing for Hawaii since childhood, and his current style of incorporating Hawaiian islands and surfing with his children, has made his vintage-inspired, family-oriented works popular among all generations.

Nick Kuchar Art & Design Co.
  • Address 629 Kailua Rd. Suite 120 Kailua, HI 96734 MAP
  •  Direction 30 minutes from Waikiki by car
  •  Business Hours 10:00~18:00, 11:00-16:00 (Sunday)
  •  Closed Closed on weekends and holidays
  •  TEL 808-744-0777
  •  Parking Free of charge

Tropical and heartwarming floral prints

 Artist
Artist "Christine Reino" and her work. Price depends on print size: 8 "x10" prints $35~.

The compositions are like traditional Hawaiian quilts, and the idea of combining vividly colored paper with the flowers and plants found in every home has a new yet nostalgic feel, with even a hint of the good old days. People who are fascinated by the work say that the "Laura Piller" prints are invigorating. Flowers and plants that would have otherwise decayed are picked up by Christine's hands and arranged in a pretty way, giving them a second life and a live feel that rivals that of fresh flowers.

The miracle of bringing nature back to life beautifully on paper

 Christine at work. Flowers and plants are placed and viewed repeatedly, and finally a photo is taken to complete the process.
Christine at work. Flowers and plants are placed and viewed repeatedly, and finally a photo is taken to complete the process.

After working as a photographer for a famous surf brand, she started Lola Pillar three years ago to create artwork inspired by the nature of Hawaii. This is actually the name of her husband's grandmother. The witty brand name "Grandma Pillar" reflects Christine's love for her family, her life, and Hawaii. Since no two pieces of art made from natural materials are ever the same, Christine wishes to create one-of-a-kind, heartwarming artwork that can be printed and delivered to the world.

Olive Boutique

Wall hangers that make you want to say ALOHA

 Available in white and light blue, $25 each Attachable with screws provided.
Available in white and light blue, $25 each Attachable with screws provided.

The palm-sized Hawaiian pose is made of porcelain, which is a wall-mounted type of material with clear functionality and a smooth texture that makes you feel relaxed just by looking at it. Shaka" is a hand sign used daily in Hawaii, and is a friendly greeting such as "Let's take it easy" or "Thank you. Jason Doe's shaka hooks with Hawaiian messages are popular with both men and women alike, and although there are a few stores that carry them, they are said to be a rare commodity that sells out as soon as they arrive.

You can't take your eyes off the chic designs created by a high-end jeweler

Jason and his dog
Jason and his dog "Kona" in the workshop surrounded by jewelry making tools.

His day job is as a high-end jewelry designer. He started making jewelry when he was in high school and worked as a designer for a famous Hawaiian jewelry company before setting up his own business. He is also involved in art-conscious industrial design, and his outstanding sense of style is admired throughout Hawaii. Jason's playful creations are based on his experience and techniques in jewelry making, which he has refined over and over again to create precise and beautiful designs, and are the essence of his work.

Oliver Men's Shop

Artistic goods that make you feel the whole North Shore

 The
The "Coco Tree" series, all one-of-a-kind, coasters $24 each, 4 "x4" canvas $36~.

Jason began making jewelry 12 years ago, before the word "sustainable" was even known, by collecting and making jewelry from the flotsam and jetsam that washed up on the beaches of the North Shore. His shellwork and plastic pieces, as well as palm trees and beach girls painted on any material he can think of, have been enthusiastically received by tourists who yearn to visit the North Shore. In particular, the Koko Tree series, in which each tree is different from the others, is full of a free-spirited, North Shore-like atmosphere. Touching the sensibility that only the people who live here can have, you can take a little bit of relaxation with you in your suitcase as a souvenir.

The works of art are the result of a happy life.

 You can also find Jason in his store, which he runs with three women who live on the North Shore.
You can also find Jason in his store, which he runs with three women who live on the North Shore.

Jen Johnson has been in love with the North Shore since her first visit 32 years ago. The calm summer sea, the winter sea that attracts surfers from all over the world, and the daily walks along the ocean with a cup of coffee in hand.
I never get tired of picking up shells or sitting under a palm tree and looking at the view. I'm so happy to be able to do the art I love because I live here, and I have a lot of things to pick up," she says.

The Cove Collection
  • Address 59-712 B Kamehameha Hwy. Haleiwa, HI 96712 MAP
  •  Direction 1 hour drive from Waikiki
  •  Business Hours 10:00-18:00
  •  Closed Closed on weekends and holidays
  •  TEL 1133 Bethel St. Honolulu, Hawaii 96712
  •  Parking Free of charge

Bring home the elegant scent of Hawaii!

 All handmade wax tablets, $22 each
All handmade wax tablets, $22 each

While opening a store at a farmer's market held on Oahu and expanding at select stores,
We are opening a "Shop at Ohanahale Marketplace" in November 2021. Products made with a focus on fragrance include candles and air sprays. Wax tablets, which are easy for tourists to take home, are popular, and they also look cute and make excellent closet air fresheners. There are a total of 12 varieties, including plumeria and pikake. Made with only natural ingredients, these small but fragrant masterpieces are a must-have souvenir of your trip to Hawaii.

A joint effort of a husband and wife team in search of a new way of life

 Owners Claire Park and husband and wife Ben Two.
Owners Claire Park and husband and wife Ben Two.

L'atelier de Claire" means Claire's workshop. She moved to Hawaii seven years ago from New York, where she worked as a fashion designer. She says her lifestyle has changed dramatically from her fast-paced life. She started this business to contribute to the local community by listening to the natural environment of Hawaii and to find a sustainable way of life. She loves the flowers she grows at home and the plants she and her husband find on their hikes, which they call "Hawaiian beauty," and magically incorporates them into her sophisticated products.

Fighting Eel
  • Address 1133 Bethel St. Honolulu, HI 96813 MAP
  •  Direction 15 min. drive from Waikiki
  •  Business Hours 10:00~17:00, 11:00~16:00 (Sunday)
  •  Closed Closed on weekends and holidays
  •  TEL 808-738-9300
  •  Parking None
  •  Memohttps://www.fightingeel.com ( stores that carry the products)
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.