The first thing to know about this place is that it's in a strange spot. It shares space with an Ace Hardware store, and from the outside it looks much more like a hardware store much more than a crafts store. This isn't as well-stocked as a decent arts and crafts stores on the mainland. But it's not on the mainland, is it? And mail order to Kauai takes forever. It's great to have your crafts goodies right away. My four-year-old had an assignment to do while we were away on Kauai: hand-made Valentine's cards for his preschool classmates, due the day after we returned home. We visited the store and got a package of nice pink construction paper, a scissors (since we didn't think to bring one), and an assortment of Valentine-themed stickers. I had my own craft project: replacing the cord that kept my wife's hat from blowing off her head. I got some decorative cord that made the hat look cooler than it had before the old cord started falling to pieces, and a sewing kit so I could do the repairs. (The kit's scissors was useless, but my boy's scissors did the job.) My wife needed something here too: fountain pen ink. She didn't find the really fancy stuff she likes to write with, but they had a nice selection of colors of a more commonplace brand. I kind of like the idea of a craft store sharing space with a hardware store. After all, some crafts use hardware store types of products. Carpentry is a craft, for example, and one can build a painter's from hardware store lumber. The people here were friendly, and seemed familiar with both the crafts and the hardware sides of the store. This is definitely the best arts and crafts supply store on the island, but competition is thin. The only other arts and crafts place on the island that I could find with a web search was actually a framing store, and doesn't even sell frames, except with its framing services. Fortunately, although this store has no arts and crafts competition other than really slow mail order, it doesn't rest on its monopoly status. Prices are decent, the range of products for office is decent, and it has good employees. read more

When it comes to craft supplies, this is the place to go. They have everything under the sun for all your crafting needs. Each aisle is well organized. I enjoy their holiday sections, located in the front by the registers. This holidays Christmas section is quite impressive. They changed the floor plan but their decorated trees are spectacular. The presentation of their items are nice. Employees are nice and give good customer service. Pricing is moderate. read more

Google a place on Kauai and you may find yourself on a wild goose chase (like the couple I ran into once looking for the TCBY that had closed two years prior). Finding myself in need of some basic craft supplies in town one day I pulled up the address for Ben Franklin. Easy enough, I thought. Fifteen minutes, three turnarounds, and one trip down to Kalapaki later I felt foolish and chalked up my empty-handedness to Ben Franklin's not existing any more. A friend laughed at me a few days later. "It's IN the Ace Hardware!" she said, between laughs. Sure enough, as you pass the Ace Hardware on Rice Street there's additional wording "and Crafts" in the familiar Ben Franklin font. The store itself is strangely divided in two. To the left: crafts. Right: hardware. Venture across a main aisle and you're all too aware that you won't find any rubber stamps amidst the metal tubing. But maybe the metal tubing could find a place in a craft project...? The Ben Franklin side of the store stocks a selection of artificial flowers, lei-making supplies (thread, yarns, how-to books) front and center, paints, beads, and other craft miscellany I thought I'd left behind on the mainland. Besides the leis, other local touches include Hawaiian-produced rubber stamps (a rubber stamp of a spam musubi, your name in Hawaiian as a rubber stamp), and more party decorating supplies then you can shake a stick at. Also on offer is a die-cutting machine for your individual use - the staff will gladly die cut small favor boxes or lettering on request - definitely a feature you won't see at any Michael's! For a craft supply store on Kauai, I was actually impressed at the stock at Ben Franklin. I missed the Martha Stewart section, but it definitely rivals Michael's and AC Moore in variety any day. The staff is helpful and there are regular demos and classes to sign up for. While prices aren't rock-bottom I found a 40% coupon (for a single item) in the newspaper ad, which helps. Just make sure you're looking for the Ace Hardware when you go to find Ben Franklin Crafts. read more

Excellent prices with everything I need to watercolor, gold leaf, stationary and lots of friendly professional staff too! Love it and can't wait to take my grandkids there this summer when they visit. Got a great deal on a Xmas tree at the after Xmas sale(75% off). My hubby is not at all handy but he takes instruction well so I really appreciate the gentleman that assists him when he sees my hubby wandering around looking dazed and confused. It's a little pricy compared to Home Depot but we still love it. read more

They've got a great selection for anyone who loves to craft and do stuff yourself. Tons of ideas right as you walk in. Premade and they'll help you if you need anything. Lots of different house paint to choose from. Tools, outdoor stuff, build-it-yourself furnitures. So many different aisles to choose from when trying to get your own stuff going. A little on the pricey side, but you get what you pay for. read more