Now, more than ever, the dialogues of the day play out through the visual arts. Here, we ask local artists who are leading the cultural conversation to give us insights on their favorite places to visit and things to do on the islands from their artful perspectives.
Native to Hawai‘i, Jack Soren is a full-time artist painting murals. PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN EDWARDS
What makes the Hawaiian art scene so enthralling?
We are blessed to live in one of the most beautiful places on earth, and that natural beauty translates into our bodies of work. I truly believe that if one connects with Hawai‘i and Hawaiian values, it can change your life in many ways, and if I can share Hawai‘i with the world, maybe I can help make a difference in the world with those who come in contact with me or with my work.
What is your latest art collaboration?
The ‘Welcome to Wahiawa’ mural painted by Jack Soren x Devour x Eric Karbeling, located on O‘ahu
Best place to take in the sunset?
Pu‘u o Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site on the North Shore of O‘ahu
What’s your go-to wardrobe and which local shop has it?
Nike Dunks, Dickies, a baggie black tee and orange beanie at 808 Skate, Kailua, or any other skate shop
Favorite local brand?
In4mation and Number 808 in Hale‘iwa Town Center
Favorite beauty or wellness tip for Hawai‘i living?
I always keep a clean fade with my boy Christian the Barber on the North Shore of O‘ahu. And get as much vitamin sea as you can.
Your favorite interisland getaway?
Waipi‘o Valley on the Big Island is a very magical place to me, and Hanalei Bay on Kaua‘i.
Tamara Brink with one of her paintings on canvas. PHOTO BY KAILI AGYAGOS
What makes the Hawaiian art scene so enthralling?
The Hawaiian art scene is like no other. I think Hawai‘i’s influence and presence as an artistic community is going through a transformation that is going to be more widely recognized in the next generation of artists. I am excited to be part of that.
What are you currently working on?
I’m completing a large series of paintings I was drawn to while pregnant with my third son. This series was inspired by the simple quietness and isolated nature that pregnancy and early childbirth often bring to women.
My favorite place to take a break and think in Hawai‘i is…
Waimea Falls Park botanical gardens trail on the North Shore of O‘ahu. Rich with abundant history and a wonderfully curated botanical park that highlights Hawai‘i’s unique flora.
Where do you get your favorite Hawaiian comfort food?
Waiāhole Poi Factory on the windward side of O‘ahu, poke at the Kahuku Superette on the North Shore of O‘ahu and Auntie Moani’s fried fish at Moani Island Bistro & Bar, Kapolei
Favorite local boutiques?
Niu Boutique in historic Wahiawa. This block in Wahiawa is anchoring an emerging resurgence in this long-forgotten town, and this little women’s boutique is a must stop. Also The Cove Collection, a charming oceanside boutique across the street from Sharks Cove on the North Shore, O‘ahu.
Your favorite interisland getaway?
Big Island has the strongest draw on me. The diversity of ecology and people inspires me.
Best place to take in the sunset?
Sunset Beach on the North Shore of O‘ahu. The name carries its reputation; it does not disappoint. Ever.
Your go-to surf spot?
Pua‘ena Point Beach Park—a long, gentle breaking wave with plenty of honu and aloha.
“Nocturne, counting stars” (2015, acrylic and water-based media on canvas), 84 inches by 84 inches. PHOTO COURTESY OF KALANI LARGUSA
When I’m working, my inspiration comes from...
Maybe I’m addicted to what painting is teaching me about life? The more I learn, the bigger the scope of my inner and outer world gets.
Where can we find your latest work?
I recently made a few small paintings for the A‘ali‘i project in Ward Village, Honolulu. One of the paintings is nearly ‘toothache sweet,’ pure joy. The other is a quiet pelagic piece, like ‘a great big novel on a bookshelf waiting to be read again for the first time’ kind of quiet.
“Untitled” (2021, acrylic and water-based media on canvas), 22 inches by 24 inches. PHOTO COURTESY OF KALANI LARGUSA
What makes the Hawai‘i art scene so enthralling?
The potential for sincerity and focused commitment through expression, and how this all points back to what it means to be human.
My favorite place to take a break and think in Hawai‘i is...
Arguably Hawai‘i’s best resource, the ocean. And as the sun sets, Bar Leather Apron, Honolulu.
Favorite local shop?
I love Aloha Exchange (Kalaheo, Kaua‘i) and Olive & Oliver (Kailua, O‘ahu). I feel somehow represented when I walk in there.
Artist Kalani Largusa is from Kapahi, Kaua‘i. PHOTO COURTESY OF KALANI LARGUSA
Favorite wellness tip for Hawai‘i living?
Lose yourself in the details. Time is so precious and there’s beauty all around waiting to be nurtured. Also, in this regard, exfoliate and hydrate, gentlemen. I use Kiehl’s; it’s clean.
Best place to take in the sunset?
Polihale Beach and State Park in Kaua‘i
Go-to surf spot?
I paint landscapes and figurative work in my free time, and I have painted my favorite spots several times over. If you know these locations intimately, you’ll recognize them immediately.
Artist Carol Bennett at an exterior light test at Glasmalerei. Peters PHOTO BY JANI PETERS
My favorite place to enjoy the arts is…
On Kaua‘i, I enjoy Halele‘a Gallery. The south side and North Shore locations have unique personalities.
What makes the Hawaiian art scene so enthralling?
Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts in Honolulu is one of the most vibrant institutions of its kind in the country.
Where can we find your latest work?
‘The Ahupua‘a / Laulima’ just finished installing. It’s a public art installation at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport’s Consolidated Car Rental facility. It’s comprised of 20 stained-glass totems. They start on the ground level (Arrivals) and rise up to the second floor (Departures).
“The Ahupua‘a / Laulima” stainedglass sculpture at International Airport CONRAC on the left side of the first floor. PHOTO BY AARON ACKERMAN
My favorite place to take a break and think in Hawai‘i is…
An evening swim at Waiohai Beach in Kaua‘i
What is your favorite Hawaiian comfort food and where to get it?
A burger at Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee in Kaua‘i with a plantation iced tea
What is your favorite outdoor activity and where do you go?
Hiking Alakai Swamp Trail at Koke‘e
Go-to wardrobe and which local shop has it?
For arty business meetings, I shop at Kiko’s in Kapa‘a.
Your favorite interisland getaway?
I like Honolulu and staying at the Diamond Head side of Waikīkī. Waikīkī is actually the only place I surf! I like the big city museums and Chinatown galleries.
Best place to take in the sunset?
Polihale State Park, Kaua‘i
Digital artist Brennan Alexa. PHOTO BY IJFKE RIDGLEY
What makes the Hawaiian art scene so enthralling?
What I find so fascinating is that their art is woven fully into Hawaiian culture beyond what can exist in a museum or website.
What is your latest piece of work?
This past summer I framed some larger 24-inch-by-24- inch prints on canvas to go up in a hotel in Waikīkī.
My favorite place to enjoy the arts is…
Salt at Our Kaka‘ako, Honolulu
My favorite place to take a break in Hawai‘i is…
On my surfboard. Time operates in a different way when you are in the ocean.
What is your favorite Hawaiian comfort food and where to get it?
I love all the food from the Waiāhole Poi Factory, Kaneohe, and the best way to top it all off is with the Sweet Lady of Waiāhole (warm kulolo and haupia ice cream).
Favorite local brands?
Honolulu’s The Curb Kaimuki, Arvo Cafe and Kona Coffee Purveyors for my coffee; Ginger13 for all my home and witchy goods; and Paiko for my blooms.
Your favorite interisland getaway?
Kaua‘i, the beautiful Garden Isle
Best place to take in the sunset?
Pu‘u O Kaimukī Park (Christmas Tree Park)
“Light Run”; “Kingdom”. PHOTO BY CHRIS MIYASHIRO
When I’m working, my inspiration comes from…
The heavens that rotate above us every night, the energy fractals in fruits and flowers, the mana of the ocean and reminiscing on adventures to the wao akua.
What is your latest or current piece of work or project to note?
My latest physical art project was a gallery showing in Chinatown at Kaiao Space featuring abstract depictions of Hawai‘i’s voyaging corridors.
“Kingdom”. PHOTO BY CHRIS MIYASHIRO
What is your favorite Hawaiian comfort food and where to get it?
Fresh niu, squid lū‘au, poi, warm kulolo, ripe ulu, nīoi with rice and occasional fresh i‘a. I usually get it from friends’ farms or places like Waiāhole Poi Factory, Young’s Fish Market, Helena’s Hawaiian Food and Haili’s Hawaiian Food.
Favorite beauty or wellness tip for Hawaii living? Only support products with natural, sustainable ingredients that are doing well for the community. Spend time in the sun; eat from the ground.
Artist Chris Mowgli Miyashiro was born and raised on the southern shores of O‘ahu. PORTRAIT BY KAMALU PAWEHI
Your go-to surf spot?
Uncle Gerry says surf is where you find it. I agree.
The 2022 calendar cover. PHOTO COURTESY OF PEGGE HOPPER
My favorite place to enjoy the arts is…
Hawai‘i State Art Museum, Honolulu
What makes the Hawaiian art scene so enthralling?
New galleries opening like Native Book at Arts and Letters on Nuuanu in Chinatown and First Friday, a downtown Honolulu art walk on the first Friday of every month
What is your latest project to note?
The calendar for 2022
Painter Pegge Hopper. PHOTO COURTESY OF PEGGE HOPPER
What is your favorite Hawaiian comfort food?
Lettuce wrap at Little Village Noodle House in Chinatown
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Sitting in the shade on Kailua Beach, O‘ahu, with my grandson
Go-to wardrobe and which local shop has it?
Marimekko at Uniqlo at Ala Moana Center, Honolulu
Favorite local brand or boutique?
Fighting Eel in Honolulu. I collaborated with them on a pareo that is available on both of our websites.
Best place to take in the sunset?
Picnic at Magic Island, a small peninsula in Honolulu
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