Art and Soul: Personalizing Your Big Island Home with Local Art

If you’ve recently purchased a home in Hawaii, congratulations—you’ve made a great choice! Now comes the exciting part: making it your own. In this guide, we’ll explore how art, especially custom pieces from local artists, can transform your space and help your house become a true home.

Welcome Home to Hawaii

There’s something very special about owning a home on the Big Island of Hawaii. The sounds of the ocean, the rustle of palms in the breeze, and the glow of the golden-hour sun across lava cliffs—this island is alive with energy, beauty, and soul. As a realtor with over 40 years of experience helping people find their dream homes, I’ve seen firsthand the joy of moving to paradise. But I also know that settling in, emotionally and aesthetically, is a process.

Many homes here—especially in resort communities like Waikoloa, Mauna Lani, and Mauna Kea—come fully furnished. It’s a convenience, yes, but it can also be a creative challenge. The furniture may be functional, but it may not quite be to your taste. The art might be generic or lack the emotional spark you’re craving. What’s missing? Your touch. Your story. Your soul.

And that’s where this journey begins—by turning your new house into a home that reflects who you are, what you love, and how you want to live.

Why Personalizing Matters

A home is more than just walls and windows—it’s the backdrop of your life. Your sanctuary. Your launchpad. And here in Hawaii, where the natural world is vibrant and soul-stirring, your indoor space should resonate with the same sense of harmony and inspiration.

Everyone’s taste is different. Maybe you’re drawn to soft coastal palettes and natural wood textures. Or perhaps you prefer bold, contemporary statements and vibrant colors that mirror island sunsets. Regardless of your style, the key to making your home truly yours is personalization. And nothing brings that personal touch like original, meaningful artwork.

The Challenge of Island Living

Of course, creating your dream interior in Hawaii comes with its unique set of challenges. Unlike cities on the mainland with endless design stores and furniture warehouses, the Big Island offers a more curated—sometimes limited—selection of home décor. Shipping large items from the mainland can be time-consuming and expensive, and what arrives isn’t always quite what you envisioned.

But here’s the silver lining: these limitations often lead to more thoughtful, creative choices. And that’s where local art can play a transformational role.

Instead of browsing online catalogs or waiting for the next container shipment, why not turn to the talented, inspired community of artists right here on the island? Not only will you find pieces infused with the spirit of Hawaii, but you’ll also be supporting local creatives and adding soul to your space.

What Makes a Home Unique? You.

One of the greatest gifts of owning your home is the freedom to shape it around your own preferences and passions. And when it comes to setting the tone of a space, few elements are more powerful than art.

Art is emotional. Art is personal. It doesn’t just fill a wall—it tells a story. Your story.

Think about the rooms you spend time in: your living room, your dining space, your bedroom. Now imagine looking up and seeing a piece of art that moves you, that reminds you of the first time you stood on the edge of Waipio Valley or the moment you knew Hawaii was home. That’s the power of personalizing through art.

And while local galleries can be a good starting point, many of them focus on work aimed at tourists—bright, kitschy prints that lack depth or soul. What if you like a painting, but the size is too small? What if the frame clashes with your décor? What if the colors don’t quite sing to you?

This is when you should consider commissioning a custom piece.

What Is Commission Art and Why Should You Consider It?

Commissioning a piece of art may sound luxurious—and it is, but in the best way. It’s an investment in your environment, your daily joy, and your connection to your home.

When you commission a piece, you’re not just buying art—you’re collaborating with the artist to create something that’s deeply personal. Together, you discuss your vision: the size, the color palette, the theme, the emotion you want the piece to evoke. You choose how it will harmonize with your home’s interior, how it might echo the view outside your window, or reflect the tones in your furniture.

For discerning homeowners on the Big Island, where architecture is often open and expansive, scale and composition matter. A large-scale oil painting above the living room sofa can become a focal point. A quiet piece in the bedroom can bring calm at the end of the day.

By commissioning a bespoke work of art, you gain a piece that is truly one-of-a-kind. It’s designed with your home in mind. It reflects your style, your story, and your spirit. It’s not just décor—it’s a signature.

Meet Christian Enns: Hawaii’s Art Icon

Let me introduce you to someone truly special: Christian Enns.

Living and working right here in Puako on the Big Island, Christian is more than an artist—he’s a storyteller, a soul-capturer, and, frankly, a force of nature. He brings the same passion to his studio as he does to the waves—yes, he surfs 20-footers!—and that energy is visible in every stroke of his brush.

Christian is best known for his bold, large-scale oil paintings that capture the power and poetry of Hawaii’s landscapes. From roaring waves to quiet lava fields, his work embodies the emotional and spiritual essence of the islands.

With a degree in Fine Arts from Laguna College of Art and Design, Christian has spent years refining his craft across 30 countries. His paintings now hang in private residences and luxury homes around the world, but he continues to call Puako home.

His work isn’t just beautiful—it’s powerful. His canvases often include allegorical layers, rich with symbolism and meaning. When you hang a Christian Enns painting in your home, you're not just adding color—you’re inviting in energy, emotion, and the deep, resonant voice of the island.

Commissioning a Masterpiece: The Process

So what happens when you decide to commission a painting from Christian?

First, you connect. Christian is warm, intuitive, and genuinely passionate about aligning his work with your vision. He’ll spend time getting to know you, learning about your space, your taste, and your emotional response to color and form.

From there, the creative dialogue begins. You’ll discuss themes—whether you want a seascape, a mountain view, or something abstract. You’ll explore palette and scale. Christian may visit your home or review photos to understand the lighting and layout. The process is both collaborative and deeply rewarding.

Once the painting is complete, it arrives ready to transform your space—your very own masterpiece created just for you. And for those who fall in love with his work but aren’t ready for a large commission just yet, Christian also offers stunning prints that are perfect for secondary rooms, hallways, or even as thoughtful gifts.

Where to See His Work

Want to see Christian’s work in person before taking the plunge? Begin by exploring his website, where you can discover a range of styles and colors.

Additionally, his latest collection, “Sacred Nature,” is currently on display at The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Located on the second floor of the North Tower, this show features a breathtaking array of paintings and sculptures, each exploring the profound connection between nature, spirit, and form.

Here, you can see the evolution of Christian’s artistry up close—how he captures the elemental power of Hawaii with such grace and confidence. It’s more than a gallery—it’s an experience.

Location:

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

62-100 Kaunaʻoa Dr.

Waimea, Hawaii 96743

United States

Framing the Moment: Colette’s Custom Framing in Kona

Once you’ve found—or commissioned—the perfect piece of art, the final step is framing it to perfection. A frame can enhance a painting, protect it, and help it blend seamlessly with your interior design.

That’s where Colette’s Custom Framing in Kona comes in. Colette’s is a local gem, offering art gallery-quality frames at competitive prices. Whether you’re framing a photograph, a painting, a shadow box, or a vintage textile, they have hundreds of beautiful moldings and acid-free mattings to choose from.

Their craftsmanship is impeccable, and their passion for art shows in every detail. And if your piece needs to be shipped, Colette’s also offers expert crating services to ensure safe delivery.

Art deserves a proper home, too. And Colette’s will help you find the perfect finishing touch.

Your Home, Your Masterpiece

There’s no better place to celebrate art than in your own home—and no better canvas than the Big Island of Hawaii.

Here, where land meets sea in bold, beautiful ways, your home can become a reflection of everything you love and believe in. Art is not an accessory—it’s an expression. It invites joy, beauty, meaning, and even healing into your life.

Whether you’re starting with one statement painting or slowly curating a collection, let yourself be inspired. Commission a piece that speaks to your soul. Support a local artist whose work reflects the land you love. Frame it beautifully. And most importantly—enjoy it every day.

Final Thoughts from Jan

As someone who’s helped hundreds of clients find their dream homes on the Big Island, I can tell you—this part of the journey is just as important as the sale. Making your space your own is how you begin to truly live here. Don’t rush it. Savor it.

If you’re looking for a home or ready to bring new life to the one you’ve just moved into, I’d love to help. Whether it’s finding that perfect space or connecting you with resources like Christian Enns or Colette’s Framing, I’m always just a call away.

Let’s make your island home everything you dreamed it would be—beautiful, personal, and completely uniquely yours.

Ta Da!

Aloha,

Jan