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Downtown Art Center

4.9 (16 reviews)
Closed • 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Exhibit Poster
Patricia S.

What a cute little place to put an art installation! Checked out the "Space Age Life, Future Design 1957-1974" which was "an exhibition showcasing a portion of Tim Apicella's collection from a period in American and European social culture when industrial designers created with optimism, enthusiasm, and bold innovation, producing consumer goods enabled by new technologies such as brightly colored molded plastics, foam, fiberglass, metallics, and synthetic fabrics". Apologies for posting this late because the exhibit was held late January to early February 2026. For us space-age geeks out there, this was a fun exhibit. Will have to keep an eye out for future fun installations at this venue in the future.

The umbilical cord to entrance
Rand E.

Came for their new center blessing ceremony. It was so fun to see this space now and it's expansion. The ceremony was conducted by an episcopal and native Hawaiian minister. It included a prayer and cleansing & blessing ceremony. So fun to explore the whole upper and lower workplaces and galleries. Hope this gem can withstand the times. Also found out there were jazz performances every Sunday in January and many other events sponsored as well. Check out their website!

Suri S.

A great space to come and appreciate art and culture. They usually have different artists throughout the year showcased here. "Fire & Water" is the theme this month - The Hawaiian Islands are the result of these elements. There are benches to sit and relax too. The ladies working are always very nice and welcoming too. Come check it out till December! Free street parking on Sundays and open till 4pm.

Irene M.

This is why I love to wander and get lost... Driving has it's benefits I'll never give in but when you go for a stroll you do see things much more vibrant and clearer when you take it slow...DAC or Downtown Art Center is one of them. Located in the same building as the Satellite City Hall and so is the Municipal Parking is right there even the elevator takes you right besides the entrance of both floors. Two floors yup the first floor are beautiful art for sale though you need to ring yourself in to view them I decided to check the upstairs first beforehand and that level needed no request to be let in. What a stunning spacious are filled with all sorts of art I took a few of my personal favorites and left some for you to enjoy which I do recommend as it's totally free admission and I do recommend to visit their Hale Makana gift shop as it's filled with so many beautiful items and as a crafter myself there's nothing more I love than to support the arts. This nonprofit group takes donations which I did drop in the jar and took home some beautiful cards I'll send to someone to brighten their day and is just a great place to casually enjoy the beauty all around you follow them on Instagram @downtownartcenter as they do have events and classrooms as well and bring home a piece of art...support local artists! Thank you!

Hubby's bowl
Lois I.

Hubby and I went the HEART street festival today....We were so fortunate to participate in painting a blank bowl with raku style. So fun, each bowl was so distinctive and fun to paint, for $15.00 per bowl, it was soooo worth it. We painted our bowls (no lines, fast), then went to have lunch. 1 hour later, our bowls were fired, cooled and ready for pick up. They were then wrapped in newspaper to protect our works of art. I wish, i could go back and paint another bowl.

Pink Sphere, Handblown Glass by Hugh Jenkins
Cyndy K.

Cyndy's Bottom Line: Great art exhibits and artwork for sale. *Admission is free, Donations are welcomed *Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am - 6pm *Parking available on-site at Chinatown Gateway Plaza municipal lot. Entrance at 1051 Bethel Street Downtown Art Center (2nd floor) strives to teach, entertain, inspire, and inform by creating a home for a wide variety of arts and creative programs. *Scheduled exhibitions and events show casing Hawaii's local artist. *Hosts art and community-related classes and workshops for all age groups from fun filled art classes to self defense classes. *On the first floor there is a arts and gift shop that sells a wide range of artwork by local artists. You will find art, jewelry, sculptures, collectibles and beautiful hand blown glass work by Hugh Jenkins. Open on Tue-Sat, 11:00-4pm. *Website: downtownarthi.organic *Instagram: @downtownartcenter *Facebook: Downtown Art Center

MW aka Mark White ceramic artist
Rob B.

Aloha, DAC is a beautiful collaboration with the City and community to create a wonderful Art Center to display local talent as well as teach to want-to-be local talent. As I'm the latter, I enjoy taking Saturday Art for Arts Sake classes to express myself in other mediums of art. I truly enjoy meandering through each months exhibit of amazing local talented artists works. If you've not been here, you need to make your way down to see each months great display of work. There is a store on the first level that features more local artists and selling on a regular basis, nice. And if you're like me and want to dabble a little, come and enjoy a class. You will be inspired, I promise. Enjoy!

Shantell C.

Checked out the art exhibit and Mother's Day craft fair. Large art space, albeit a little hard to find off the main road as entrance is upstairs.

Acrylic on Canvas by Francis Oda.

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Review Highlights - Downtown Art Center

“*Admission is free, Donations are welcomed *Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am - 6pm *Parking available on-site at Chinatown Gateway Plaza municipal lot.”

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HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts - This is what my mom needed!

HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts

3.7(180 reviews)
3.4 mi
•$$

It's been a really long time since I went to Ben Franklin Market City. I needed to prep some lei…read morefor the kid's senior night and went hunting for options. I knew I wanted either paper lei or eyelash yarn lei, even tho I've never done either. Wish me luck. I went first to the paper crafts section. Thank goodness the paper punches were in stock as were the cardstock packs in the colors I wanted. There were sample sizes and finished sample lei for those of us who can only work with 3D concepts. Then I went to the yarn section. All the yarns were neatly sectioned by type and color. There were signs and descriptions and also finished samples with the types of yarn. The most impressive highlight for me was the staff! Everyone I encountered was helpful, patient, and gave advice willingly. One was leading a workshop and I felt bad just asking for her to call for someone to assist but she was like "I gotchu, what advice do you want?" Then I found someone else closer to the yarns and asked her and she was also very matter-of-fact with the advice. Very helpful and practical. I renewed my membership for $10 which already paid for itself coz the 10% discount was $12. I think. I better not get obsessed with another new hobby!!

It has been a long time since I've been inside a Ben Franklin store. I think I went with my mom…read morewhen I was a kid and my first time to Hawaii. They utilize the space very well! I could spend a couple of hours just wandering around. It looks like they have knitting classes and other craft classes too. I wish I needed something but I was just tagging along. There's a lot of stuff from Japan too which was pretty cool. The staff is really nice too!

Photos
HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts - Lion dance 2024

Lion dance 2024

HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts
HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts - The wooden stick/pole was a bit too long, so I had to cut it down to fit the dust pan.

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The wooden stick/pole was a bit too long, so I had to cut it down to fit the dust pan.

Creations By You - Plumeria charms!

Creations By You

4.2(99 reviews)
0.9 mi•Kalihi
•$$

OH MY GOODNESS! Are you serious?! I was honestly debating if I should gatekeep this hidden gem, but…read moreI can't do that because this shop deserves recognition. This little hidden gem is on a corner, so parking is somewhat of a challenge to find but, they do have a parking lot on Liliha St, a little small but, if you're patient, you can find parking since they share a parking lot with a cafe next door (hot tip: get there a little early, stop by the cafe next door, get yourself a sweet treat and then go shopping) which is exactly what my friend and I did this morning! Upon walking in, we were immediately greeted by Val and her sister, and felt like we were raiding our sister's bead/craft closet! They have such a large section of beads, lei beads, ribbons, decals, and beading supplies amongst other things. My friend and I arrived at 10:40 this morning, and omg, didn't leave until 12:45! You can honestly spend all day in there easily! We had such a blast in there, and everyone was so helpful, especially because my friend and I had an idea of what we wanted to do but didn't know exactly what we needed! I'm not going to lie, I got a total of 20 decals, BUT they're not all for me, and they're going to be used for presents! Another hot tip: if you feel like you get overwhelmed easily, come to the store with a few bead/lei projects in mind already and look for what you need. I came here without a plan, and I got a lot of the stuff I was looking for, but realized that I need to sit down and organize my thoughts for what I want to make and for whom, so I can plan accordingly for my next visit! All in all, I am going to come back here. Not only are you shopping local to support smaller businesses, but you're also getting a good deal on all the stuff! What I love about it is if I want to try something but I'm not committed to it 100% yet, I can come, get a few things to try it out, if I like it, I can come back for more, and if I don't, I didn't waste money!

Saw a Tik Tok for this place and we are OBSESSED!!! I could be in this store FOREVER, I practically…read morewas . Thankfully I wasn't the only one. D1 and I spent a lot of time going back and forth thinking of projects and my mom was so cute just going with the flow. Adding her opinions here and there. Stickers, beads, charms, ribbons, a crafters dream come true. A small parking lot in the back. A little cramped inside but filled with so many goodies. They even have samples of what to craft, that's how we both got sucked in. #supportlocal.

Photos
Creations By You - Plumeria charms are found here!

Plumeria charms are found here!

Creations By You - My bag charms using the sakura bell and plumeria charms from Creations by You.

My bag charms using the sakura bell and plumeria charms from Creations by You.

Creations By You - Located on the corner of Liliha Street and Kuakini Street

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Located on the corner of Liliha Street and Kuakini Street

CAS Crafts & Collectibles - Keychains and more

CAS Crafts & Collectibles

5.0(3 reviews)
7.1 mi

Uniquely Kawaii…read more.. That's what CAS Crafts & Collectibles is, located in Pearlridge Center this little kiosk cart is filled to the brim top to bottom with all thinks kawaii not just stationaries and accessories but plushies and decor. Pearlridge Center is filled with many places anime and Kpop though here they just seem to find items that aren't found anywhere else and at such great prices what a find to see items that are so special and makes my gift giving a breeze! What a find including some Line Friends items which is just the most difficult ones to find and they have it here yay!! My bestie have apparently discovered this place which I have known for quite some time but haven't had the chance to write a review but they certainly deserve the five stars for the selection and friendly staff who points out the matching item to pair with whatever direction I'm going and that's a ten star team! Thank you!

Super cute merchandise at a kiosk in Aiea, O'ahu, Hawaii…read more.. Strolling through Pearlridge Mall, I didn't expect to see Brown and Cony, but there they were... As angels together! How can I resist? Located between TJ Maxx and Macy's, this section of Pearlridge used to be called Downtown, but now, it's Wai Makai. I wasn't going to buy anything... Really... We had just finished breakfast and had time before lunch... CAS Crafts & Collectables has so many cute items - pens, stationary, keychains, plushies, etc. I actually found Brown and Choco pillows from Line Friends (the Korean version of Sanrio). I had to get the Brown plushie for my friend's birthday next month! She'll luv it!!! I don't want to show her the Brown and Cony angel plushies... There was only one... and it was priced lower than an online store (plus - avoid paying shipping)!!! It's also better to get items from this kiosk - rather than going to Korea to buy them! Haha! Come take a look! There are unique things here! ... and service was very friendly and helpful!

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CAS Crafts & Collectibles - Pens, stationary, etc.

Pens, stationary, etc.

CAS Crafts & Collectibles - Cony and Brown!!! They're angel plushies!

Cony and Brown!!! They're angel plushies!

CAS Crafts & Collectibles

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HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts - Pearl City - Storefront

HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts - Pearl City

3.1(148 reviews)
8.9 mi
•$$

Haven't been crafting much lately but today I renewed my membership…read more Lots of good sales going on. Even Christmas trees are decorated very prettily. Saw a pink embellished pumpkin I was tempted to buy. Stick to my plan...supplies to make Doc's birthday card. I was the only one in line so fast and easy service. Easy to go hog wild on cutesy items in the store. Good deals I could get carried away easily.

First off, I love this store!…read more Living on the mainland, there are so many crafting supplies that are unique to Hawaiʻi, and every time I walk into Ben Franklin Crafts, I find myself wandering the aisles thinking, "Ooh... I don't have this back home" and in goes the item in my cart. What brought me in today tho, was to support one of the local small businesses that rents a "locker" inside the store. I absolutely love this concept. Ben Franklin has created a space where local makers can showcase and sell their work, giving shoppers the chance to support dozens of independent businesses all under one roof. Honestly, if money were no object, I'd probably leave with something from every locker. The variety is incredible, and it's fun seeing all the creativity from local artisans. Whether you're a serious crafter, looking for a unique gift, or just enjoy browsing, this place is sooo dangerous... in the best way possible. It's basically a crafter's candy store, and I look forward to getting lost here every time.

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HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts - Pearl City
HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts - Pearl City
HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts - Pearl City - 10/10/25 Dooerless entrance,  cashier to the left

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10/10/25 Dooerless entrance, cashier to the left

JQ Store Hawaii - Opened again on June 30, 2023 on the upper level of International Marketplace

JQ Store Hawaii

4.3(32 reviews)
3.2 mi•Waikiki

There are few Anime/Japanese Stationary stores on the island and JQ is one of them. It's one of my…read morego-to spots when I'm in town to buy collectibles or gifts for friends who love anime. Located inside a small plaza near Ala Moana (Piikoi st.) They share a private parking area with Cho Dangs Honolulu and Nijiya Market. They have a wide variety of items that changes constantly and something new available at the shop. Once you set your eyes on something rare, I recommend buying it instead of waiting because I guarantee you it will not be there the next time you visit. I also advise that the store can get really expensive because these are mostly imported goods from Japan. So spend wisely! Sales and discounts are also provided, but on rare occasions. The employees are also very helpful and nice. They will support your purchase just not your wallet (lol).

They have a lot of cool imported stuff here. I especially like the blind boxes! The prices here…read moretend to be a bit excessive but what can you expect since they are in Waikiki. I got an Evangelion Room Blind Box from here and I was just examining all the different selections that they had. Definitely a very good variety and I always like to stop by to take a look at what they bring in. If you're an anime fan then this place is definitely for you. Customer service is just average. I think I remember they called me out to not take pictures in the store one time. lol

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JQ Store Hawaii - Inside

Inside

JQ Store Hawaii - Outside

Outside

JQ Store Hawaii

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Downtown Art Center - artclasses - Updated October 2026

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