We saw a thought-provoking, well cast production of the musical "Next to Normal." It was an…read moreimpressive cast, and the venue lent itself to sharing cultural arts. The seats are comfortable. The restrooms and vendors are hope more arts programming continues in this space. It's an asset for the community!

Young at Art is a student art exhibit which will be at the Hawaii Museum of Contemporary Art,…read moreA.K.A. East Hawaii Cultural Center until March 26. This yearly event showcases so many beautiful and amazing pieces of art created by students all over the Big Island. Every piece in this exhibit is so awesome, but I just couldn't take my eyes off of this spectacular ceramic octopus. Wow..

They offer ceramic classes, sell clay and tools for sculpting clay, and have a great selection of…read morejewelry, ceramics, and other kinds of art that are done by local artists. REVIEW #281

I've been taking classes here for a few months now and really enjoy it. The facility is well…read moreorganized and clean. It's fun to learn and socialize. I especially appreciate the open studio times. My first two classes were with Shannon, who is a force of nature. One needs to have a lot of strength and determination to have a ceramics studio open for as long as she has in an area like Hilo. At times she can be a bit gruff but she's had to put up with a lot of careless students who don't pay attention and cause tremendous damage (destroying kiln shelves, destroying plumbing, etc etc etc). Just have some patience and don't take her tough love personally and you'll be right as rain. I love this place and am super grateful to have a space to learn how to throw. Also, she sells equipment, clay and glazes for those who are setting up their own space.

Fantastic local art and so many different artist highlighted…read more Perfect to find something unique that's highlights so many parts of Hawaiian culture.

The One Gallery provides an array of wonderful local art. There is something for everyone's taste…read more It is the perfect place for tourists to get a more meaningful and aesthetic souvenir. For locals yo can support local artists and beautify your homes. The gallery also provides art classes, and studio sessions with live models so aspiring artists can hone your skills with a welcoming community of artists.

It was a pleasure to meet owner and photographer Bruce Omori at Extreme Exposure! Thank you for…read morefinding two beautiful pueo owl photos, I can't wait to frame and put on my walls. There are tons of lava and volcano photos on their walls, very impressive collection of past and recent eruptions. You're sure to find something for your home here!

If you want to truly see the Big Island as its wild, awe-some, untamed, and absolutely alive self,…read moreBruce Omori of Extreme Exposure is the person to get you there, both as a guide and through his photography. As a budding extreme nature photographer, I've found I do my my best work when my photography is paired with a deep sense of place. I want to truly know a place, feel a connection, and set that free in my shots. You can't truly know the Big Island (or any part of Hawai'i) as a new arrival/outsider, in my opinion, unless you are invited in through the eyes of someone who knows it fully and deeply in a way that only locals can, and can skillfully immerse you in such a way that you feel like you belong. That skill is incredibly rare (as is being a kind, thoughtful and respectful human without bravado when guiding), but Bruce is a master. During my last visit to the Big Island, Bruce spent two days showing me parts of the island largely inaccessible to outsiders. One of the days was a lava tour; at each stop, his passion for volcanoes and the active history of the island shone through. I was totally nerding out and he was right there with me; you'd never have known he had seen these things a million times. He patiently answered every question, never once rushed me or seemed bored, and clearly was invested in making sure the visit was exactly what it needed to be. I felt like I was spending the day with an old friend. The second day was an exploration of a lesser-traveled part of the island, and was a grand adventure. We had to traverse a small stream crossing on foot to go check out a waterfall, and Bruce let me slowly creep around like a dummy, making sure I didn't fall on my camera in the water without seeming inpatient or disrespectful, keeping me upright and pointing out stable areas in the water where I could step. The next time I return to the Big Island (which will hopefully be on the regular to see lava!), it will feel like I'm going home, and that is in large part due to the way Bruce shared it with me. If you want the real deal, this isn't a place to cut corners - and honestly, I'm not sure you're really going to find an experience like this with anyone else there. Mahalo nui Bruce and Sheryl for bringing me home.

My new favorite store in Hilo. Tastefully setup with beautiful local art, hand made furniture, and…read moreartisanal goodies. I found them online and obsessed over a handmade cookbook holder made from local Ulu wood. I am now the proud owner of said cookbook holder that is a beautiful and purposeful piece of art in my kitchen. The owner Kevin hand makes the furniture and his wife runs the store. They provide a very friendly and welcoming vibe. We plan to commission a handmade piece from them soon!

Ono food! All prepared by the culinary students. They offer a variety of foods during service…read moreTuesday-Thursday.

It's cafeteria food at it's finest. The school provides great local variety foods served by young…read moreeager college students in culinary arts. The college has won several food service/plating awards every year under the direction and tutelage of Mr. O. From 10-1pm and when the food service program semester is in session, the college offers cafeteria lunch style plates using local grown veggies, fruit; fresh fish caught in Hilo Bay, chicken and grass feed beef. They service school faculty, admin, and students, neighboring businesses, local folks, and the occasional wandering tourist (aheem, that'd be me ;p) It's cheap eats, $6.95 for plate lunches. You have a choice of protein and veggies, 2 scopes of rice (they also offer delicious fried rice as well), mac and side salad. Specials that day offering free bean salad and Portuguese bean soup. The school is one of those hard to find, local secrets... ;p

Artistic rustic and simply beautiful. Love the caretakers and always leave amazed after every visit.read more

Sofie and I ate our lunch near this place. We came here to use the restrooms - which are…read moredownstairs. We did a promenade through the exhibits then an allemande left downstairs to the restrooms. The bathrooms were clean and functional. Four stars! It took us about 90 seconds to view all the exhibits. The exhibits were neither intriguing or displayed with much creative thought. I suppose all of this reflects the budget they have to work with. I'd give this place a pass unless you need to use the restrooms. Everything is free. Free parking, and free admission.