Emily H.
Yelp
What a beautiful spot -- worthy of lunch, shopping or just a moment's peace.
Our guide with Nui Pohaku Adventure Tours brought us to Volcano Garden Arts as part of our cruise excursion, and I'm so glad he did!
Upon entering the cottage-size gallery, we met owner Ira Ono, an artist who made several of the items in the shop. He explained his goal behind Volcano Garden Arts and a bit about his path with his art.
Fun fact: Ono was chosen to make the ornament representing Hawaii for the White House Christmas tree. His ornament depicted an iiwi bird, whose feathers were made from old Hawaiian postage stamps.
The small shop is overflowing with goodies, and the prices aren't too steep. It has art, jewelry, accessories and other fun knick knacks. I ended up buying small containers of Hawaiian sea salt, among a few other things.
But the jewel of Volcano Garden Arts is its grounds.
They feature a soothing fountain, and the entire area is full of colorful plants, trees and flowers. It was a joy to wander aimlessly and take in the beauty. Small statues dotted the landscape.
And in the back of the yard was a giant rabbit in an enclosure -- the gallery pet, perhaps!
Our guide set up lunch for us in a private, tented area. There was so much shade that it was the epitome of comfort.
But if you haven't brought lunch with you, Volcano Garden Arts also has a small cafe with sandwiches, desserts and coffee.
The Big Island has small spots of beauty, and this is one of them!