There is no doubt about it: Hawaii is absolutely paradise – especially for creative spirits. With gorgeous scenery, a ton of culture, and a laid-back lifestyle, Hawaii is the perfect place for creative individuals to find inspiration. And no one is surprised that artists, photographers, writers, and musicians flock to these eight cities in the Aloha State.
- Haleiwa
Marko Fosten/Flickr A sleepy surfing town located on Oahu’s north shore, Haleiwa is full of unique boutiques, hip shops, cool restaurants, various art galleries – and an annual summer art festival.
- Hawi
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr The largest town on the Big Island’s north shore is Hawi. A once bustling sugar plantation town, Hawi is now known for its art galleries, shops, and picturesque charm. Just two decades ago, the town nearly disappeared into history, but a new generation of artists and entrepreneurs moved into the area, fixed up the decaying storefronts, and made Hawi into the cool art town it is now.
- Paia
Graeme Law/Flickr With an eclectic mix of boutiques, restaurants, antique stores, and art galleries, Paia is a groovy little surf town on Maui perfect for artists and surfers alike, who crave a laid-back lifestyle full of gorgeous views, ocean breeze, and inspiration.
- Honolulu
Justin De La Ornalles/Flickr The state capitol is not only full of industry, business, and tourism – but also art. This includes several independent galleries, the Honolulu Museum of Art, a few theatres, live music venues, and popular event, First Friday, which is an monthly art walk and party throughout the city.
- Hanapepe
Wally Gobetz/Flickr With the greatest concentration of artists on the island, Hanapepe is known as “Kauai’s Biggest Little Town.” Every Friday night from 5 – 9 p.m., local art studies keep their doors open late for Friday Art Night. Some artists sit on the sidewalk to paint or display their recent work while local performers play Hawaiian music.
- Kainaliu
Steve Kennedy/Flickr This old plantation town on the Big Island is home to the Aloha Theatre, which opened in 1932 as a silent theatre. Now known as the Aloha Performing Arts Company, the theatre showcases film, live music, and dance performances.
- Lahaina
Mark Faviell/Flickr With a thriving art scene, including several popular galleries, weekly Friday Art Nights, and various events – like the annual creation of a 30-foot community art piece – Maui’s Lahaina Town is full of artists, photographers, and creative souls of all varieties.
- Holualoa
Hawaii County/Flickr A small coffee-farming town situated 1,400 feet above Kailua-Kona, this single road town is home to many fine art galleries and coffee shops. The town’s Donkey Mill Art Center provides hands-on classes, exhibitions, and events focused on contemporary art, crafts, and culture.
Where have you found creative inspiration in Hawaii?
Marko Fosten/Flickr
A sleepy surfing town located on Oahu’s north shore, Haleiwa is full of unique boutiques, hip shops, cool restaurants, various art galleries – and an annual summer art festival.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
The largest town on the Big Island’s north shore is Hawi. A once bustling sugar plantation town, Hawi is now known for its art galleries, shops, and picturesque charm. Just two decades ago, the town nearly disappeared into history, but a new generation of artists and entrepreneurs moved into the area, fixed up the decaying storefronts, and made Hawi into the cool art town it is now.
Graeme Law/Flickr
With an eclectic mix of boutiques, restaurants, antique stores, and art galleries, Paia is a groovy little surf town on Maui perfect for artists and surfers alike, who crave a laid-back lifestyle full of gorgeous views, ocean breeze, and inspiration.
Justin De La Ornalles/Flickr
The state capitol is not only full of industry, business, and tourism – but also art. This includes several independent galleries, the Honolulu Museum of Art, a few theatres, live music venues, and popular event, First Friday, which is an monthly art walk and party throughout the city.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
With the greatest concentration of artists on the island, Hanapepe is known as “Kauai’s Biggest Little Town.” Every Friday night from 5 – 9 p.m., local art studies keep their doors open late for Friday Art Night. Some artists sit on the sidewalk to paint or display their recent work while local performers play Hawaiian music.
Steve Kennedy/Flickr
This old plantation town on the Big Island is home to the Aloha Theatre, which opened in 1932 as a silent theatre. Now known as the Aloha Performing Arts Company, the theatre showcases film, live music, and dance performances.
Mark Faviell/Flickr
With a thriving art scene, including several popular galleries, weekly Friday Art Nights, and various events – like the annual creation of a 30-foot community art piece – Maui’s Lahaina Town is full of artists, photographers, and creative souls of all varieties.
Hawaii County/Flickr
A small coffee-farming town situated 1,400 feet above Kailua-Kona, this single road town is home to many fine art galleries and coffee shops. The town’s Donkey Mill Art Center provides hands-on classes, exhibitions, and events focused on contemporary art, crafts, and culture.
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