Whether running out of their best glue or their favorite paintbrush is down to its last good bristles, any artist who works with their hands has been there. You’re in the middle of your next masterpiece, and your stock has gone low.
It’s a great thing we have brick-and-mortar locations that can help with the restock, without you having to wait during shipping time for online orders. In this guide, we’re listing out just a handful of places for the quick recoup. There is a vast array of shops beyond this list but here’s a reminder to have these at the back of your mind.
Oʻahu
Serving the community since 1973, it’s the place artists of all kinds can be loyal to. When quality is non-negotiable, take a drive to their Beretania Street shop.
- What you’ll find: Professional-grade painting and drawing supplies, heavy-duty canvases, and an impressive framing and drafting section.
- Why we love them: A staff that actually knows their stuff. Plus, not only do they have their own membership program, they offer fabulous discounts for seniors, students and teachers, military, and members of local art organizations.
A paradise for illustrators, bullet journalers, and stationery lovers that can’t get enough of high-end Japanese stationery.
- What you’ll find: Pens, plush, traveler’s notebooks, and more washi tape than you can imagine.
- Why we love them: It’s a sensory experience. You can test almost every pen in the store before making a purchase.
Located in Aiea, this place is the go-to for sculptors, set designers, and model makers.
- What you’ll find: High-precision airbrushing kits, specialized resins, and technical model paints.
- Why we love them: They bridge the gap between “hobby” and “industrial art” perfectly.
If you’ve got a flower project, you’ve got your one-stop shop, especially when putting together floral- or hula-related presentations.
- What you’ll find: Retail and wholesale-style artificial flowers, custom floral hairpieces, bouquets, leis, and accessories.
- Why we love them: It’s the best place to source components for hairpieces or costume design without the retail markup.
You can’t talk about art in Hawaiʻi without mentioning this longtime staple.
- What you’ll find: Yarn, fabric, and general DIY everything.
- Why we love them: In addition to collection of project inspo, they have free and public in-store demos and a membership club that offers 10% off purchases for just $10 a year.
While it looks like an office store, their bulk markers, paper, and “office-turned-art” supplies are a budget-friendly option for many local artists.
- What you’ll find: Over 50,000 products, inclusive of home office furnishings and supplies, arts and crafts, education and school supplies.
- Why we love them: They have monthly promos as well as a membership program exclusively for teachers.
Maui
It’s the Wailea boutique with collections that prove supplies can be high-end and approachable.
- What you’ll find: Curated luxury stationery, unique greeting cards, and wrapping papers.
- Why we love them: They are big on community. Keep an eye on their calendar for workshops ranging from hand-stamping to creative journaling.
Ben Franklin Crafts
For Maui makers, the Kahului Ben Franklin is the North Star.
- What you’ll find: Traditional island crafts, quilting supplies, and a robust seasonal section.
- Why we love them: It’s the island’s most consistent source for yarn and bulk fabric.
The store supports the college’s curriculum so when it comes to art, you’ll find supplies here that go beyond the typical craft aisle.
- What you’ll find: Professional-grade canvases, acrylic and oil pigments, sketchbooks, and precision drafting tools.
- Why we love them: It’s the most consistent place on Maui to find professional brands and specialized media. NOTE: inventory is tied to the academic calendar, so check in at the start of the semester when the shelves are most robust.
Big Island
Ben Franklin Crafts
Hilo’s HouseMart Ben Franklin is a landmark for the East Side creative community, serving everyone from fine artists to hula halau.
- What you’ll find: Everything. Seriously. From paints to island-inspired supplies.
- Why we love them: It very much feels like a neighborhood hub where you can learn a new painting technique and dinner recipe.
With locations in Volcano and Hilo, this is a textile lover’s dream.
- What you’ll find: An incredible selection of batik fabrics and native Hawaiian quilting patterns.
- Why we love them: Their “Hawaiian Butters” and local crafts make it a great place to find unique gifts. Don’t forget about their regular workshops!
You can’t go wrong with this premier destination for fine art materials. Their Kailua-Kona location has closed but its new location is TBD as of this post.
- What you’ll find: High-quality brushes, professional watercolor sets, and specialty papers.
- Why we love them: They are women-owned and small-business focused, offering personalized assistance that makes you feel like a pro even if you’re just starting out.
If there’s been a rise in resin art works, the artist most likely would’ve shopped at this West-side staple, the only resin store on the island.
- What you’ll find: Epoxy resins, pigments, and molding supplies specifically suited for our tropical climate.
- Why we love them: They take the guesswork out of a tricky medium. The staff are true specialists who give you the right advice for a quality project.
Kauaʻi
In Lihue, go to the Ace Hardware on Rice Street and walk into the Ben Franklin Crafts located inside the store.
- What you’ll find: A full-service craft department including yarn, artificial flowers, and fine art basics.
- Why we love them: It’s the ultimate maker one-stop shop. Hardware for the frame, paint for the canvas. All in one trip.
Located in the Princeville Center, this is a North Shore treasure for art and game lovers.
- What you’ll find: A robust art supply section featuring paints, brushes, and canvases.
- Why we love them: They cater to everyone from kids and adults to professional artists, making it a great stop for families and solo creators alike.
Serving Kauaʻi since 1973, this Lihue shop is the island’s longest-running quilt shop.
- What you’ll find: Over 50 years of expertise in Hawaiian-themed fabrics, batiks, and quilting notions.
- Why we love them: They carry fabrics exclusive to their store, perfect for making your work stand out.