My wife is addicted! She and a friend took a wheel throwing class over a year ago and they both…read morequickly became members soon after. Our home is now quickly filling with a large assortment of mugs, berry bowls, sake cups, rice bowls, trinket dishes, incense holders and the list goes on. On a positive note, we now have no shortage of Christmas and birthday presents. As mentioned, Mudd Studio offers wheel throwing and hand building workshops of various lengths (1 day, 3 day, etc.) They also offer studio membership. As a member, you have 24 hour access to the studio as well as use of the equipment, supplies, glazes, etc. My wife has never mentioned a negative thing about the place or people there - only that it is a positive, supportive and inspiring community. Its location in Chinatown (Smith Street) makes it a great addition to the local art scene. Support local businesses!

My husband surprised me with a 3-day wheel class for my birthday, and I can't recommend Mudd Studio…read moreenough! Our instructor, Paola, was fantastic--she explained each step clearly and gave us plenty of space to experiment and practice at our own pace. She struck the perfect balance between guidance and freedom, and I always felt supported. Between the two of us, we made four pieces: two cute little ice cream bowls, a pretty little green cup, and a small planter that I'm absolutely in love with. The class was fun, relaxed, and such a great way to connect--not only with each other, but also with the other classmates in our small group. I can't wait to go back and keep learning (and creating)!

I booked the tufting class as a birthday surprise for my friend on Airbnb experiences. I saw some…read moreTiktoks a few years ago of tufting class and was sad that we didn't have anything like that here. So when I was looking for activities, I was so excited to see this class show up! We had to reschedule one time but they were super understanding and I was easily able to reschedule on the Airbnb app! The owner Chiara, was super friendly and welcoming when we arrived! She went through all the steps and safety to ensure our experience was seamless. We brought our own designs and got them approved by her but she also has examples you can use as inspiration too. If you bring your own design, for first timers I recommend something simple with simple lines and colors so you don't feel too rushed. You also have to draw your own design on the canvas but done worry too much if you're not confident in your drawing skills. The process is very forgiving so it'll still turn out good even if you don't draw your design perfectly! We had so much fun and loved how our pieces turned out! I highly recommend booking a tufting class here to anyone!

This place rocks! An awesome 5 star experience to enjoy!…read more I booked the Turkish mosaic lamp workshop experience with Kraft Stories (KS)! All Star Yelp Elite Friend Irene M. joined me in this crafty DIY adventure. It's easy to book a workshop on the KS website. I received an email confirmation of my class and payment. A reminder is also emailed to you. Website: https://kraftstories.com/pages/honolulu There are a variety of art workshops available each week. Currently the Rug Tufting Workshop is in hot demand! The Turkish Lamp workshop is scheduled for two hours. We went a bit overtime. Oops. Our instructor was Kardi. She is so helpful and priceless, as she guided us on each step of the process. Her patience with me gained her five stars! ; ) Refreshments are offered to you during the workshop and bathrooms are available in a separate upstairs location nearby. Thank you Kraft Stories Nur and Chiara, and Instructor Kardi for a wonderful experience. Time to take another KS workshop! Enjoy the pictures!

I recently visited this place a couple of times because I was attending a meeting nearby. They are…read morelocated at the Chinatown Gateway Plaza on the 2nd floor. This is the same building that has the satellite city hall office. Parking is either on the street or in nearby lots. There is a municipal parking lot in the same building which entrance is on Bethel Street. Parking is cheap. Both times I went, it was on a Sunday. I found the DAC to be so interesting with the artwork displays from mostly local artists. There is a different exhibit each month and the best part, it's free to visit. They also hold art classes there. The layout of the center is a decent size, white walls, and spacious walking thru. They also have their own restrooms which were very clean. In January, the monthly exhibit was about the WWII internment camp in Waipahu as part of the Honouliuli National Historic Site's 10th anniversary celebration. It was informative & I learned somethings that I never knew before. In March the Hawaii Watercolor Society had a member's showing, which was also an interesting exhibit seeing the beautiful water color paintings. Overall, nice experience to check out.

What a cute little place to put an art installation! Checked out the "Space Age Life, Future…read moreDesign 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.

My friend and I decided to learn how to make some jewelry, and I'm so glad we did! So the gem…read morestudio is located inside the international marketplace (we parked at Target and took the elevator down to the first floor). If you're coming from Target, walk straight until you see an open area to the right; it's around that corner (across from Maui Divers). Super easy to find! When we walked in, we were greeted by Jen, who happened to be our instructor as well! There are charms to pick from on the left side of the store, a table of different gems in the middle, and, to the right, a station for permanent jewelry! You'll have a base pay for what you're making, and then you'll be charged for the gems or charms when you add them on (prices are behind the gems, and charms will have a price in each of their little cubbies). My friend and I initially wanted to do the silversmith class, but we were so intrigued by the inlay, so we chose that instead! Honestly, it was super easy to make! The band has an empty center for you to crush the gems of your choosing (they offer a variety to choose from). So you crush your gems, then put a little, and I mean LITTLE, bit of resin in the empty center, place your gems on it, then cure it with the UV light and continue all around until you're done! Then you do the big curing, your artist will smooth it for you in the grinder, then you polish it by hand, then polish it on the machine! In total, it took us about an hour and a half. I honestly had so much fun and learned so much that I can't wait to do it again! All in all, my friend and I have already decided that we're coming back and trying a different project!

Lia took me here for my birthday to Gem Studio and I loved it! Benny was our instructor and she…read morewas terrific! I would definitely return again!

My daughter attended two weeks of art camp at Rainbow Art Studio, and she absolutely loved every…read moreminute of it! She came home every day excited about what she created and couldn't wait to go back the next morning. The counselors were kind, encouraging, and clearly know how to nurture kids' creativity--Parker told us she made new friends and felt really supported the whole time. She was so into drawing and painting that her hand would actually hurt from how much she was creating (in the best way possible!). She was also incredibly proud of the artwork she brought home at the end of each camp. As a parent, it was such a joy to see her inspired, engaged, and proud of what she accomplished. We highly recommend Rainbow Art Studio to any family with a creative kid (or one looking to be more creative)!

My daughter loves Rainbow art studio! She has been taken art classes after school/summer camp since…read morekindergarten and her art skill is improved so much!! All teachers are very kind and friendly. For summer camp, she creates artwork based on themes each week and we love to build her art gallery wall in the hallway. I highly recommended Rainbow art studio for all art lover kids!!

Besides being in Manoa they also have a location on Waialae Iki. Not a fan of people waiting in the…read morecar, smoking/vaping outside, people changing kids diapers, car doors open wide into the street, feet outside the window,etc. such a terrible look. Wish they held their private lessons elsewhere and not in a residential neighborhood where customers camp out til their child is done. That street needs HOA.

I kind of knew Manoa School of Music was located at the Manoa Marketplace. I had seen signs and…read morepassed by countless times on my trips to neighboring businesses. I never paid much attention, however, until recently, when one of my daughters expressed an interest in learning to play the violin. A quick internet search led me to their web page which provided some basic information. More useful and current information came via email with the owner Carolyn Stanton. She answered all of my questions promptly and professionally and we were registered and ready to go with violin lessons in no time. Erika is our daughter's teacher. Our daughter has no violin experience, and Erika has been very kind, encouraging and patient. After each lesson, she reviews with us how the lesson went (what went well, what was practiced, etc.) She also gives us guidance for what to practice at home until the next lesson. The school offers numerous musical classes - strings, piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, etc. Their brochure also indicates they offer visual arts classes and cooking classes. Who knew? Super convenient location (Manoa Marketplace). Lots of parking and lots to do while you're waiting for your budding musical virtuoso.

Signed up for "Some Like It Hot" because I want to learn more about jewelry-making and had my first…read morelesson today. First time visiting the Art School and first time working with a handsaw. Metalsmithing is no joke! My left tricep is sore just from holding the copper piece in place. The instructor, Juvana S., was professional, approachable, friendly, and seems knowledgeable. I found myself wishing the class was a YouTube tutorial because I need to watch/hear some things on repeat and also pause when needed. The class went on a good pace though since my fellow classmates were mostly new to this type of thing. The Metals Studio has everything (I guess) stocked and laid out. The three hours went by really quickly. I can't wait to learn more in the weeks to come!

I went to the Pecha Kucha night (20 slides, 20 seconds each) on Friday to get a flavor of this…read morestyle of presentation (to implement in my classroom). We showed up minutes before intermission and right away I noticed... 1. The sound quality was poor (you could barely hear from the back where most of the crowd was standing) 2. There were limited stools to sit on but a majority of the crowd was standing... 3. There was a tent with free beer but they don't serve during the presentations (intermission looked like a scene from Walmart on Black Friday) The presentations were... not what I expected. The next Pecha Kucha night is on March 9th and I think I'm going to give it another shot. Chamorro Grindz was the featured food truck but we ate before we came (the reason why we were an hour late). The highlight of the night was when I discovered that teachers can check out artifacts to share with their students ... for free.

Mele is warm and inviting and very knowledgeable in the art of feather lei making. She is patient…read moreand shares about the history of this art form as she teaches you how to make various types of leis, flowers, kahili etc. she is a fabulous teacher and has such an infectious laugh. The hour just flew by.

Aunty Paulette & Aunty Mary Lou have a huge place in Hawaiian history, because they have…read morecontributed so much to the preservation of the talent for feather lei making. The talent and aloha of these two icon oozes out when you go and visit their shop on Kapahulu Avenue. I was first introduced to feather lei making when I used to dance hula for Na Lei Hulu I Ka Weiku. When my kumu (dance teacher) asked us to make a lei hulu (feather lei) for a dance performance, I was super dissapointed because I knew it was going to be a LOT of work. But WOW - that was perhaps one of the best things that I have ever done in my history of dancing hula. Since my first feather lei making experience, I have visited Aunty Paulette & Aunty Mary Lou almost every time I go back home to Honolulu. I always learn something new, and both are always willing to share their no'eau (knowledge) with me. I just wish one day I could have a small percentage of their talents. They are not only knowledgeable on making lei hulu, but they know a LOT about Hawaiian history, the protocol for Hawaiian culture, and people who have influenced the development of the Hawaiian culture. The store is a nice and cozy little store. The store offers very reasonable and very unique feathers to make leis. Feathers from the goose, to the rooster, to the peacock, to peasant, etc are all in the store ready for your selection. Prices are very reasonable, and Aunty is always willing to give you a quick tip or hint if you ask. There are several ready-made lei hulu for sale in a display case - made by the aunties and their haumana (students). My favorite thing in the store is the royalty cape made purely of yellow and red feathers. It's one of Aunty Mary Lou's most famous masterpieces! Aunty Paulette & Aunty Mary Lou - mahalo nui loa no kou no'eau. Nunui ka hau'oli au no kou makana mai ia'u. Malamalama.