When traveling to Hawaii, you’re likely to get some unique souvenirs to mark the occasion. While you could stop by a local gift shop and purchase mass-produced items, buying from local artisans and craftspeople is much better.
One such purveyor of fine, locally-made goods is Kauai Pottery and Handmade Art. This company is small and independent as it’s run by a single shop owner/designer. Because of its startup status, Kauai Pottery doesn’t have a brick-and-mortar location yet. Instead, you can find the owner selling their wares at a kiosk in the Harbor Mall on the island’s southeastern side. Or, if you’re not in the area, you can order pieces online through their Etsy shop.
So, what can you expect from Kauai Pottery and Handmade Art? As the owner describes, they make “island-inspired and made pottery and sterling silver jewelry reflecting the beauty of Kauai, the ocean she rests in & the energy that permeates her.” Each piece is a distillation of what it means to be on Kauai and surrounded by the beauty of its nature.
Striking colors and shapes will catch your eye as you admire the ceramic vases, mugs, plates, and bowls. The vases resemble waves with curvy profiles and layered colors. As for the “handmade art” side of the business, the owner produces many unique and stunning earrings. Examples include white sea glass, gold-filled lava stones, titanium quartz stones, teal sterling silver, and onyx and pearl earrings. Whenever possible, Kauai Pottery tries to use local elements so that each piece is a reflection of the Aloha life. Hawaiian pearls feature heavily in most of the earrings, as do sea glass and Puka shells.
If you like certain elements but don’t see a piece with them, you can send a personalized request through Facebook or Etsy. The owner is very responsive and sends items quickly! Depending on where you live, you can expect to receive your order in a few days.
Insider Tips:
-While the store does have a kiosk, the best way to purchase a piece is online through the Etsy store. You can also message the owner through Facebook to request items or coordinate a pickup time. Kauai also ships items everywhere, and the owner is great about sending them quickly and reliably. Some customers have reported receiving their order in as little as two days. Obviously, the further away you live, the longer it will take.
-Facebook is the best source of new information about upcoming pieces and new arrivals. The owner also updates their Etsy page regularly, so you can check both sites.