PHOTO COURTESY OF WARD VILLAGE
Ben Wilkinson (benwilkinsondesigns.com) is a household name in the world of big-wave surfing, but it is his passion for woodworking that truly sets him apart. When he’s not riding the waves, he dedicates his time to repurposing wood that would have otherwise gone to waste, creating stunning sculptures, surfboards and furniture. His work not only showcases his artistic prowess but also carries a powerful message about sustainable living and the responsible use of Hawai‘i’s natural resources. One of Wilkinson’s most intriguing projects was his most recent at Kō’ula at Ward Village. The logistical hurdles of procuring the correct log and transforming it into a functional artwork fascinated him. The main bar, for instance, was salvaged from the East side of O‘ahu and required careful planning and craftsmanship to bring it to life. The result was a stunning piece of functional art that showcased the natural energy of the wood. “Being able to take something that could end up just being cut up and taken to a landfill or being cut and left to rot on properties and giving it a new life is a great way to utilize Hawai‘i’s finite resources,” he says. “We are just a speck in the Pacific, but there are so many talented, loving people here that it just makes sense.”
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