If you recently bought a house on Big Island - Congratulations! You have made the right choice. However, when it comes to adding some personal finishing touches to your new home, you may find that quality home improvement or home decor items are not that easy to find here. But do not despair, you do not have to bring everything from the mainland. I put together this blog to help homeowners like you on a quest to make their new dwellings feel like home. Here are the top 7 sources that I recommend.
1. Tile Warehouse
Established in 1991, Tile Warehouse, Inc. is a locally owned family business that specializes in a variety of tile, quartz, stone, and installation products. Tile Warehouse is an importer, dealer, and distributor of a wide variety of specialty products sourced from around the world.
They have an extensive collection of granite, quartz, and marble slabs, which I think is the best on the island. I bought my gorgeous white quartz for our remodel there! Very helpful and knowledgeable staff! My salesperson is Kathy Powel. Ask for her when you are there.
2. Gather Hawaii
Browse and you will find something that makes your day!! Located in sweet little Honokaa, this is a great place to shop and find your treasures! Gina, the owner, is incredibly creative and has a special sense of curating! You will find tasteful home decor items, furnishings, antiques, wood-carved items, and even some vintage clothes. If you want something unique for your home, that is not necessarily Hawaiiana style, this is the place to visit.
Check out their Facebook page for more details.
3. Jeanne Marie Imports
Located in Kona's industrial area, Jeanne Marie Imports is the most fun place to see unique antique and architectural pieces, fine Indonesian and Asian artifacts! I guarantee you will get creative!
Their unique Showroom collection is a representation of over 18 Islands of the Indonesian Archipelago. Each piece offered in the showroom has been hand-selected by the owner, Jeanne Marie. Many of her special pieces are considered “authentic antiques” …meaning over 100 years of age…and each of these carries a story with them of their original use. One of Jeanne’s passions has been to collect the rarest pieces and collectibles. Many of these “special collections” are sold as a set in the showroom and now available online at www.jeannemarieimports.com.
4. KnickKnackery
The KnickKnackery Hawaii is an antique and furniture store located on the East side of the island, in Hilo. They have great antiques, collectibles, furniture, and many other interesting items. If you are a fan of Hawaiiana (Hawaiian-inspired art and decor), you will find a great selection there. Check out their Facebook page for more details.
5. Waimea General Store
Located at Parker Square in Waimea, Waimea General Store is one of Hawaii's truly unique island stores. They offer a great selection of local and imported gifts, a specialty kitchen section with great household and kitchen items, Hawaiiana, Hawaiian children's books, soaps, lotions, Hawaiian taste treats, gift cards, postcards, and much, much more! Browse the old-style, wooded floors, and find an array of fun cards, gifts, elegant paper goods, candles, cotton kimonos, local jams, chocolates, and more! You will not be bored for sure!
For more detail, please visit their website www.waimeageneralstore.com.
6. Christian Enns Fine Art
When it is time to put the finishing touches, check out his original oil paintings for your new castle! An incredibly talented artist, Christian lives and creates right here, on the Big Island, getting his inspiration from the island's life and beyond. His art is not only an expression of beautiful Hawaiian nature but also mesmerizing psychedelic paintings, abstracts, sculptures, and more. To see Christian Enns's artwork, please visit his website www.christianenns.com.
7. Paradise Plants
Paradise Plants Home and Garden store is located in Hilo and has a great selection of plants, indoor and outdoor furniture, and accessories. They offer healthy plants for Hawaii's unique climate for your home, yard, or garden. Select from landscape trees, palms, native plants, water plants, herbs, vegetables, potting soil, fertilizers, and more!
They also specialize in tropical hardwood furniture, both beautiful and long-lasting. The furniture is made to last for generations, even in Hawaii’s climate! Check out their website for more details.
Need more ideas? Contact me!
Ta Da!
Aloha,
Jan
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Pictures are courtesy of Tile Warehouse, Gather Hawaii, Jeanne Marie Imports, KnickKnackery, Waimea General Store, Christian Enns Fine Art, Paradise Plants