By DeeAnna Muraski

Aloha! Last week I promised you a free trip to Kauai…via this article. So, close your eyes and imagine (albeit it might take a lot of imagination) warm tropical breezes, the smell of the salty ocean, tall, softly swaying palm trees, the sun warming your face and a cool tropical drink in your hand. Kauai was initially created by a volcanic eruption which then developed the other Hawaiian Islands through lava: Maui, Oahu, the Big Island, Molokai and Lanai.

Kauai witnessed the destructive commercialization happening on the Big Island and sought to protect their vast wild natural beauty by imposing a moratorium on building any structure higher than a coconut palm, restricting island-to-island ferries, and outlawing jet skis.  This should give you a small glimpse of how important nature and their natural beauty is to the resident locals.

Additionally, they sought to learn self-sufficiency which is important for anyone 6,560.9 miles away from the Mainland (United States).  Due to their desire to be self-sufficient, Kauaians work hard to learn sellable trades that help them live and appeal to tourists. They brand their island-made products proudly with the moniker “Kauai Made.” 

Anyone visiting the island will yearn to take a piece of the island home with them to remember the unparalleled beauty– especially on cold dreary January days. Thus, a large art culture is evolving in Kauai to capture said beauty.

The artists have gorgeous free scenery at their disposal and those artisans flocking to the “garden isle” are world-class and nationally award-winning. The communities fully embrace and help promote this culture by hosting daily farmer’s markets located around the island. Their “Friday Night Art” and culture street fairs are booming in popularity and lucrative for communities and vendors.

The most famous art enclave located on South Shore (Kauai is divided into North Shore, South Shore, East Side and West Side) in a previously desolate town called: Hanapepe (hana-pep-ay). Formerly empty buildings were developed into prestigious art galleries housing artwork valued up to $13,000.00. But there are many affordable pieces for those of us, not flush millionaires!

The photo provided shows a glimpse of the creativity, and fun, of the local artists. Everyone deserves a piece of paradise, so buy a small art piece knowing you are supporting local artisans. While traveling, be on the lookout for local art which is a wonderful keepsake, promotes the local economy, and beautifies your home. Pretty soon you will have your own curated home gallery to enjoy and make you smile for years to come. Mahalo! (ma-hah-low; means thank you!)

Upcoming and Current Events:

• LAA Gallery is closed for winter break.
• Now until the end of March Susan Ring is exhibiting at Warsaw City Hall Gallery. Free admission. Hours are Monday through Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wide variety of subject material and mediums (oil, watercolor, etc.)
• If you are interested in exhibiting at Warsaw City Hall please email [email protected]:
  • Please include the following:
    • A short biography
    • Photos of your work
    • Your contact information.