Your visit to Maui isn’t complete until you can take back a souvenir. But you want more than a T-shirt or coffee mug. You’re looking for art or jewelry handmade by Hawaiian artisans that are reasonably priced. It sounds like you need to plan a trip to Karen Lei’s Gallery.
Before we describe her main gallery and vast art collection, let’s get to know Karen Lei better. Karen Lei was an art major in college who specialized in oil paintings. She opened her shop in 1993 on her family’s (ohana’s) ranch land in Kahakuloa. The ranch has been her artistic inspiration with its rugged mountains, beautiful ocean views, and the fact that it’s home to her Hawaiian ancestors.
Karen Lei has expanded her artistic interests to include fashioning island-inspired jewelry. Her gallery also features other Hawaiian artists, which will appeal to guests looking for an eclectic array of art and jewelry.
As we’ve hinted at, Karen Lei’s Gallery isn’t in a trendy strip mall or even easy to get to, but it’s well worth the drive. Her gallery is perched high above the village of Kahakuloa with Elephant Rock as the backdrop. Getting there may be time-consuming, but the views are stunning.
One might expect the gallery to be in a small home or roadside shack in such remoteness. Instead, guests are greeted by a beautiful home with picturesque views of Kahakuloa, the mountains, and the Pacific Ocean. Step inside, and you’ll discover artwork and jewelry from over 100-local artists.
If you don’t have the time to make the drive, then consider exploring her gallery in Kaanapali Shores in Lahaina. The store is inside the hotel, and they will validate your parking ticket, so parking is free.
Let’s step inside Karen Lei’s Gallery for a closer look at what is available.
Oil paintings
Karen’s artwork captures the vibrance and colors of Hawaii. If an oil painting isn’t available, consider a new work or a printed version. You may also peruse paintings from other local artists whose style and color selection are as varied as their names.
Sculpture
Local sculptors hand-carve these beauties in wood, stone, stainless steel, and cast bronze.
Tahitian Pearl Strands
Karen handpicks only the best pearls from Tahiti and French Polynesia to create beautiful one-of-a-kind necklaces. Each strand is unique in luster, size, shape, and color, making this the perfect gift for those wanting a more luxurious piece of Hawaii to take home.
Jewelry
Karen Lei’s Gallery has a wide array of pieces to choose from, and their inventory is constantly evolving. You’ll find works made from leather, stone, gold, and precious stones and gems. While their website has many pictures to look through, they remind guests that these are only a sample of what’s available at the gallery.
Glass
Guests will find stunning works ranging from sea life to vases to small jewelry pieces.
For the sake of time, we didn’t mention artwork in wood, metal, and ceramics. Visitors will also find photographs and other gifts to select as well.
We think you’ll not only love the scenic views getting to Karen Lei’s Gallery, but you’ll savor the shopping for a piece of Hawaii to take home.
Insider Tip:
Karen Lei’s Gallery has restrooms inside and also sells ice cream. Food trucks often visit, allowing guests to get a bite to eat and sit at the convenient picnic tables to take in the vistas.