Hawaii has hundreds of classical and contemporary art events that range from gallery crawls with vivid paintings, to D-I-Y ceramic molding classes, to exhibitions of 300 year-old Hawaiian artifacts.
As the backdrop of Hollywood blockbusters like Jurassic Park, Pearl Harbor and more recently, The Descendants, it is only natural that the islands host two incredible film festivals -- the Hawaiian International Film Festival in Honolulu and the Maui Film Festival.
You can also train your artistic eye here. If you have ever seen the clouds settle above the mountains, or the sun dip into the indigo ocean and thought about capturing the moment, you can book a nature photography tour on all four islands.
Explore galleries in Kauai during Hanapepe and Old Town Kapaa art walks. Additional perk: there will be food trucks and live bands in the streets to entertain you while you discover new artists. You can see more vivid paintings at the Honolulu Museum of Art (Oahu), Hawaii Museum of Contemporary Art (Hawaii Island), and Maui Arts and Culture Center (Maui).
Gather on Maui on a starry night with a few new friends for an outdoor movie screening like no other during the Maui Film Festival. It involve panels, fruity cocktails, food and because it’s Hawaii, hula dancing. Watch other world premiers at the Hawaii International Film Festival (Oahu), Waimea Ocean Film Festival (Hawaii Island), and classic films at the Ohana Film Festival (Kauai).
Art lovers, make it a day of viewing amazing pieces. Head to Downtown Honolulu to see Hawaii State Museum's eclectic collection of contemporary 3D sculptures and classical Hawaiian art for free. Then browse spaces like the Pegge Hopper Gallery on Nuuanu Avenue for large watercolor paintings and other mixed media work. See other great works of art at: Na Aina Kai (Kauai), the Volcano Art Center (Hawaii Island), and Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center and Gallery (Maui).
Like the intricacies of arabesque calligraphy? Then visit Doris Duke’s Shangri La to see awe-inspiring painted ceilings, delicately woven mats and ancient Islamic architecture, all in a gorgeous oceanfront location.
Check out first Friday in Honolulu. Browse new boutiques, art cafes and listen to local musicians. Stay after dark for the parties at some of the trendiest bars in Chinatown.
Visiting Honolulu in February? Then attend POW! WOW! Inspired by the Native American tradition (of the same name), POW! WOW! is a yearly weeklong event that celebrates art, music and community in Hawaii.
Oahu is Hawaii’s most popular art destination. With a ton of unique galleries, free museum exhibitions, Art after Dark at the Honolulu Museum of Art and the Hawaii International Film Festival, Oahu’s art scene rivals some mainland cities.
April is art month on Maui. During Art Maui, jurors select the works of over 100 Maui-based visual artists. There, visitors will get a chance to stroll the galleries and purchase originals.
Volcano + Art? Yes, please. Hawaii Island has galleries, like the Volcano Art Center dedicated to traditional Hawaiian art-forms and sculptures made with local raw materials, like volcanic lava. For more volcanic art at night, visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park during their weekly After Dark in the Park event that features visual artists, filmmakers and musicians.
Put your hands to work at Kauai Museum. Learn how to craft quilts and fishing nets using ancient Hawaiian techniques. Afterwards, browse the gallery floors to see paintings, beads and other Hawaiian artifacts.