Honolulu (Hawaii)
Michikusa Expert
5 carefully selected goods by local Hawaiian artists

Made-in-Hawaii goods, created by artists living in Hawaii with their own love for the islands, are currently attracting a lot of attention. From artistic pieces to items for daily use, and even special items perfect as gifts for loved ones, we introduce some exquisite items that will make your heart flutter.

The Michikusa Expert in charge of this article

  • Maya Kudo

    A media coordinator active primarily in magazines and television. Author of "Hawaii Days 365" and "Favorite Things About Living in Hawaii," with numerous serials such as "Omotenashi Hawaii" on CREA Web. Currently shares daily life in Hawaii related to travel and living on Instagram "Mayahawaii325," which has 35,000 followers. Originally from Oita Prefecture, currently lives in Manoa, Oahu, known for its frequent rainbows. Hobbies include free diving and BBQ.

    Michikusa
    Expert
"The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club," where you can enjoy art and culture as if you were living there

The smallest piece is irresistibly cute

There are 7 types in total, featuring Hawaiian language messages and the local name "Kailua."
A total of 7 types, including Hawaiian language messages and the local 'Kailua'.

Before you know it, the art and design of Nick Kuchar have gained high acclaim both domestically and internationally as representative of Hawaii. While his prints featuring nostalgic Hawaiian landscapes and spots are exceptionally popular, visiting his shop reveals a wealth of creative goods like water bottles, stickers, and tapestries. Among them, the embroidered patches offer a special feeling because you can enjoy customizing them in your own way after purchase.
You can stick them wherever you like, such as on bags or clothes, and keep the feeling of Hawaii close to you at all times.

We want you to pick this up while thinking of Hawaii.

The mid-century gallery space where the works are displayed serves as a great example for recreating Hawaii in your own home.
The mid-century gallery space where the works are displayed could serve as a model for recreating Hawaii in your own home.

Nick Kuchar moved to Hawaii from Florida, where he grew up immersed in surf culture.
While living a slow life centered on surfing, he began creating graphic art at his wife's request, which led to pop-up events in Kailua and gradually built his career as he became known to the public.
His work, which incorporates his childhood longing for Hawaii and his current experiences surfing and traveling the Hawaiian islands with his children, is popular across all generations for its vintage feel and abundance of family love.

Nick Kuchar Art & Design Co.
  • Address629 Kailua Rd. Suite 120 Kailua, HI 96734 MAP
  • Access30 minutes by car from Waikiki
  • Business hours10:00-18:00, 10:00-17:00 (Sun)
  • ClosedIrregular holidays
  • TEL808-744-0777
  • ParkingFree

A tropical and heart-warming flower print.

Artist "Kristin Rayno" and her work. Prices vary by print size. 8-inch x 10-inch print.
Artist Kristin Reynold and her work. Prices vary by print size. 8-inch x 10-inch print.

The composition, reminiscent of traditional Hawaiian quilts, and the idea of combining flowers and plants found in every home with vivid colored paper create an atmosphere that is both new and somehow nostalgic, even carrying the scent of a good old era. Those captivated by her work say that they receive energy from Laura Pillar's prints. The way flowers and plants that were meant to wither are picked up by Christine, cutely arranged, and preserved, has a joy as if they are living a second life, and a sense of vitality that rivals even fresh flowers.

A miracle that beautifully brings nature back to life on paper.

A glimpse of Kristin at work. She repeatedly places flowers and plants, observes them, and finally takes a photograph to complete the piece.
Kristin at work. She repeatedly places flowers and plants, observes them, and finally takes a photo to complete the piece.

After working as a photographer for a famous surf brand, Kristin started Lola Pilar three years ago with the desire to create art pieces inspired by the nature of Hawaii. In fact, this is the name of her husband's grandmother. The witty brand name, Grandma Pilar, is filled with Kristin's cherished feelings for her family, her life, and Hawaii. Since she uses natural materials, no two pieces can ever be the same, so she hopes to deliver them as prints; it is a heartwarming, one-of-a-kind art piece in this world.

Olive Boutique

A wall hanger that makes you want to say ALOHA.

Available in white and light blue, $25 each, mountable with the included screws.
Available in two colors, white and light blue, $25 each. Can be installed with the included screws.

A palm-sized Hawaiian pose, this wall-mounted type is made of porcelain to ensure functionality, with a smooth texture that warms your heart just by looking at it. "Shaka" is a hand sign used daily in Hawaii, a greeting used with affection to mean things like "take it easy" or "thank you." Jason Dow's Shaka Hook, which carries such a quintessentially Hawaiian message, is highly popular among both men and women, and it is said to be a legendary item that sells out as soon as it arrives at the few shops that carry it.

You won't be able to take your eyes off the stylish designs created by a luxury jeweler.

Jason and his beloved dog, Kona, in a studio surrounded by jewelry-making tools.
Jason and his dog Kona in his studio, surrounded by jewelry-making tools.

His main profession is as a high-end jewelry designer. He became interested in jewelry making when he was in high school, and after working as a designer for famous Hawaiian jewelry brands, he went independent. Alongside that, he also works on art-conscious industrial design, and his exceptional sense is something everyone in Hawaii respects. Based on the techniques and experience of jewelry making, which he has refined through repeated improvements into precise and beautiful designs, the miscellaneous goods he creates with a sense of playfulness are highly perfected and represent the true essence of Jason.

Oliver Men’s Shop

Artistic goods that let you feel the North Shore in its entirety.

The one-of-a-kind "Coco Tree" series: coasters are $24 each, 4-inch by 4-inch canvas.
The one-of-a-kind "Coco Tree" series, coasters $24 each, 4-inch x 4-inch canvas.

Long before the word "sustainable" became widely known, she began collecting driftwood washed up on North Shore beaches and using it to create art 12 years ago. From shell crafts to plastic pieces, she paints palm trees and beach girls on whatever materials come to mind, drawing intense interest from tourists who admire the North Shore. The Coco Tree series, in particular, where each piece is unique, is full of the free-spirited, quintessential North Shore vibe. Experience the sensibility that only those who live here possess, and pack a sense of relaxation into your suitcase along with your souvenirs.

The many works are a gift of a happy life.

Sometimes I stand at the storefront of the shop I run with three women living on the North Shore.
Sometimes he stands at the storefront of the shop he runs with three women living on the North Shore.

Since her first visit to the North Shore 32 years ago, Jen Johnson has been in love with this place, and that is the driving force behind her work. The calm summer sea, the winter sea that draws surfers from all over the world, and daily walks along the coast with a cup of coffee in hand.
"I never tire of the scenery I see while picking up shells and sitting under the palm trees; I am truly happy to be able to live such a life. Being able to make a living from the art I love is also because I live here, and there are plenty of things to find, too," she says with a smile that makes you feel happy just looking at her.

The Cove Collection
  • Address59-712 B Kamehameha Hwy. Haleiwa, HI 96712 MAP
  • Access1 hour by car from Waikiki
  • Business hours10:00-18:00
  • ClosedIrregular holidays
  • TEL808-561-7447
  • ParkingFree

Bring home the elegant scent of Hawaii.

All-handmade wax tablets.
All-handmade wax tablets.

While selling at farmers' markets held on Oahu and through select shops, she opened a store at the Ohana Hale Marketplace in November 2021.
Her products, which focus on scent, include candles and air sprays. The wax tablets are popular with tourists because they are easy to carry home, and they are excellent items that look cute and can also be used as closet air fresheners. There are 12 varieties in total, including plumeria and pikake. Made only from natural ingredients, these small yet highly fragrant masterpieces are a perfect memento of your trip to Hawaii.

A collaborative effort by a happily married couple who arrived here while searching for a new way of life.

Owners Claire Park and her husband, Ben Tsu.
Owners Claire Park and Ben Tu, a married couple.

"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 changed completely from her fast-paced days. Listening to the natural environment of Hawaii, she started this work as her life's mission, wondering if she could live a sustainable life that contributes to the local community. She cherishes the flowers grown at home and the plants she and her husband find while hiking—their shared hobby—calling them "Hawaiian Beauty," and magically incorporates them into sophisticated products.

Fighting Eel
  • Address1133 Bethel St. Honolulu, HI 96813 MAP
  • Access15 minutes by car from Waikiki
  • Business hours10:00-18:00, 11:00-16:00 (Sun)
  • ClosedIrregular holidays
  • TEL808-738-9300
  • ParkingNone
  • Noteshttps://www.fightingeel.com (Retail stores)

If you want to fully enjoy a "trip to experience Hawaiian culture and art," you should also be particular about where you stay. Located in the heart of Waikiki, "The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club" is a boutique hotel themed around 1960s surf culture and retro Hawaiian style.

If you book through the official website, you can check in at 1:00 PM, so we recommend dropping off your luggage early and heading out to visit your favorite galleries and shops. Why not spend your time in Hawaii in your own way?

*The information provided is current as of the date of the article's update. Please check in advance as it may be subject to change.