Our Story
An Artisanal Gift & Home Boutique
We were just a couple of friends backpacking across Hawaii, searching for the perfect gift – something meaningful that would truly capture the islands' spirit. Our quest led us to a master Native Hawaiian wood carver whose creations took our breath away. What started as appreciation quickly evolved into apprenticeship when this gifted artisan agreed to share his craft, teaching us to blend natural wood, colorful roots, and ocean-inspired resin into something magical.
Captivated by Maui's breathtaking landscapes and peaceful energy, we felt called to share this artistic discovery with the world. Taking a leap of faith, we channeled our passion into creating a place where others could experience the same magic we found with local artisans. In 2018, we invested our life savings and borrowed money from family to establish Aloha Art Collective on Lahaina's Front Street. Our gallery thrived as we showcased unique cutting boards, wood-epoxy sculptures of whales and turtles, and handcrafted chef's knives that allowed customers to bring a piece of Hawaii's beauty into their homes.
Then came the catastrophic 2023 Maui wildfires, one of the most devastating natural disasters in Hawaii's history. Everything we had poured our hearts into was consumed in the inferno – our homes, gallery, all the treasured artworks, and much of the historic town of Lahaina that we called home. In those darkest moments, nature offered hope: a papaya tree in our garden sprouted from the ashes. This resilience became our sign to rebuild.
Today, Aloha Art Collective has risen anew with seven locations across Hawaii, including in Honolulu and Kihei. We've expanded our vision by showcasing local ceramic and glass artists alongside traditional woodwork, helping our communities recover and thrive.
The spirit of aloha guides everything we do:
- Love and compassion for our communities
- Harmony between traditional craft and modern design
- Deep connection to the land and nature that inspires our work
- Sharing the beauty of Hawaiian craftsmanship with the world
- Patience and acceptance through life's challenges
Our handcrafted pieces bring the spirit of Hawaii into your daily life, turning ordinary moments into meaningful experiences.
When you choose one of our artisanal creations, you're bringing home more than beautiful craftsmanship – you're connecting to the islands' creative soul and the aloha that guides every piece we make.
With the spirit of aloha,
Eitan, Tim & Eli, The Aloha Art Collective