Unique Art To Find On You Hawaii Vacation

Hawaii is a world-renowned vacationers paradise

, hosting beautiful beaches, ample shopping, delicious food, and a variety of Polynesian styles entertainment. Many people visiting the islands are pleasantly surprised to discover a vast art scene, often featuring Hawaiiana and Polynesian influences. Tiki carvings, gyotaku fish prints and intricate shell jewelry are just a few of the popular art forms to be found in Hawaii. There are also many talented painters and photographers who's work centers around capturing the islands unique flora and fauna.

In just about every town you might visit you will find a gallery or few. Very often these galleries will feature pieces from local artists. By far the most famous art districts are Honolulu, Lahaina, Kona and Makawao. Some of the towns have spent decades cultivating their art district status. Strolling down Front Street in Lahaina you will be greeted by a gallery or three on every block, each showcasing completely different styles and mediums.

Tiki carving is a traditional Polynesian practice brought to Hawaii by the first Polynesian settlers. Deep mythology is centered around the Tiki, and there are a few to which the Hawaiian offer reverence. Ku and Hina: male or husband (kane) and female or wife (wahine), are the Tiki gods which are invoked as great ancestral who have control over the fruitfulness of earth and the generations of mankind. Tiki Lono is a god of fertility and is associated with cloud and storms. Tiki Kane was a leading god to the Hawaiians, and Tiki Kanaloa was evoked by canoe men for sailing.

The lei or flower garland is also a traditional art form for the Hawaiian people. The lei represent an invitation and enclosure of love and welcome. It is generally made of fragrant or colorful flowers, ferns, ti leaves or even very tiny shells. Very often the shell lei is made from the very tiny, hard to find and precious Ni'ihou shell. These shells can range in color from pink, to red, orange and even purple. The shells are only found on a select few beaches and as they are very tiny are extremely hard to find, and even more challenging to string. Luckily there are very patient artists who are able to creating a variety of unique shell jewelry.

Gyotaku fish prints are another art form unique to the islands. Although this form of nature printing originated in Asia, it has found many enthusiastic practitioners in Hawaii. T h e Hawaiian island chain is the most remote location in the world, as it is the farthest place away from any other land mass. Due to Hawaii's isolation approximately 62% of local marine species are endemic, or native to the islands. The native fish gyotaku prints are unique to Hawaii, because you can not find them any where else in the world. Hawaii gyotaku artists are also big fans of printing the he'e (octopus), bamboo, and tropical flowers.

Jewelry carving is another traditional Polynesian art form commonly practiced in Hawaii. The styles and materials used are very similar to the Maori (New Zealand) style of carving. The medium most often carven is green stone, sharks teeth or fish bone. Traditional Polynesian symbols are often carved into the piece, which is then smoothed and polished. Many luaus (Hawaiian parties) and resorts (hotels) will feature jewelry carving artists who will practice their art for the tourists to watch and learn.

Of course a landscape as visually stunning as Hawaii will attract many a talented photographer or painter. Most galleries will feature sections for Hawaiian landscape art, often featuring the beaches, waterfalls, sunsets or tropical flowers.

Purchasing art while traveling is a beautiful way to bring a piece of that far off place back with you. Art lasts much longer than most souvenir or memento items, and very often will be enjoyed by a lot more people.

by: Joe Feesh

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