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Island Treasures Art Gallery
Category: Arts & Entertainment Art Galleries Shopping Art Galleries Art Galleries [Edit]
629 Kailua RdSte 103
Kailua, HI 96734
(808) 261-8131
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
7 reviews for Island Treasures Art Gallery
7 reviews in English
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Review from Ed H.
Honolulu, HI
2/21/2012
Good art is always expensive. It seems, bad art is too. Once I strike it rich I will be back to this art gallery. I am thankful that it exist as it provides a venue for local artists to sell their art and meet up. The gallery which looks more like a traditional store is in the heart of Kailua and I am sure gets its fair share of regulars. It's Island art as advertised so don't come here looking for splashes of paint on recycled canvas. Expect turtles and stained wood; and maybe, a coconut or too. Parking can be difficult at times. Not sure if they deliver or expect you to hand carry it out. For the prices they charge I would expect some good packaging. It's worth a look even if you aren't buying.
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Review from Amina M.
Philadelphia, PA
2/21/2012
I won't lie, there are MANY items in this shop I would've loved to buy. But it is SO expensive, and after seeing several items in this shop marked up 500% more than I'd seen elsewhere made me not want to trust that I would get my money's worth here.
They do have some very unique items however, including original works of art that can't be found anywhere else. However, you can expect to pay several hundreds of dollars if not thousands for them. I'm not saying it's not necessarily worth it, but it's not the place to go if you don't want to break the bank.
The staff here were friendly and offered help a couple of times during my visit, though I was just browsing. I would probably come back if I was looking to buy a showcase piece for the home here, but it's not where I would go for all my decorating.
After reading other reviewers' notes about the hidden kama'aina discount, I'm a little angered too. When you're charging as much as you are for your items, you don't really need to hide the 10% off discount from your customers! -
Review from Malia E.
Kailua, HI
12/18/2011
Island Treasures has beautiful art by many local artists. I love local art.
I actually purchased a very unique photo frame today. Just as I was finishing up, another person walked up and inquired if they had Kamaaina rates. To my surprise, they did. 10% off. But it seems one must know about it to receive it.
I was immediately angered. I felt very deceived. If you're going to have a Kaamaina discount policy, which is a good thing, why are you going to keep it secret so that it is only applied by customers arbitrarily.
I was tempted to walk out, but the frame really was beautiful. I asked the person re-ring it. She then produced the new price. I repeated it to her. She then realized she had again made an error in what she charged me. That was it. I was pau.
It was a really nice frame. -
Review from Sarah B.
Malibu, CA
6/8/2011
We visited Island Treasures on a quest for unusual, native Hawaiian art and jewelry. The bottom line: overpriced art; horrible customer service.
We ultimately ended up across the street at Nohea Gallery, which has equally beautiful art, at better prices -- in a true gallery atmosphere. Nohea's salespeople were attentive and knowledgeable, and took time to educate us about the artists and inspirations behind the art. As a result, we purchased several special pieces there.
Island Treasures, on the other hand, seemed mainly interested in making a buck. On our first visit, no one could be bothered to help us, so we left. But we saw a high-end bowl that caught our eye, and returned the following week. This time a cranky saleswoman named Joan greeted us. She told us they represent hundreds of artists, but didn't seem to know any artist particularly well. She also didn't seem to think we were serious buyers, perhaps because we were dressed casually, but there was no excuse for her rude demeanor, which resulted in us taking our business to Nohea.
Tonight, as I read other reviews of Island Treasures, I saw posts from artists who say they were treated poorly by the store's owner. They say the store operates on consignment, doesn't pay artists on time, and takes a heavy mark up on the artwork.
This is not the type of store that deserves our business. We will not be back, but are very happy to have found beautiful Nohea Gallery in the process.Listed in: Oahu trip
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Review from Monica M.
Kailua, HI
11/9/2011
I visited Island Treasures yesterday and was overwhelmed by so many beautiful things to look at. They have a great selection of items, but unfortunately, most are too expensive for my budget. The staff was really friendly and welcoming. I probably spent at least an hour browsing here before making a small purchase and the whole time I was there the staff interacted with all the customers in a positive way. If I had more money, I would definitely shop here a lot!
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Review from Laura T.
San Francisco, CA
12/1/2006
This is a beautiful place to buy gifts or a souvenir for yourself of your trip to Hawaii. They have beautiful Hawaiian-style quilts, wooden boxes and bowls, prints, photos, pottery, and jewelry. I got a nice set of lauhala placemats for my inlaws with pretty aloha-print cloth napkins. I picked up a ceramic trivet with 'ulu quilt pattern for my sis, and scored some citrine & pearl earrings for myself. Years ago, hubby sneaked a purchase by me of a little heart shaped koa box, in which he placed my engagement ring when he proposed. Check it out, even to browse - if you're in Kailua. I only wish the price points were a little lower for some of their stuff, but with good craftsmanship and a nice gallery for browsing, I think you get what you pay for.
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Review from T C.
2/17/2007
I stopped by looking for a photographic print of Lanikai Beach. There was a wide selection of prints from a number of photographers. The walls had oils. The quality of art work is high. There was also a small selection of preserves.
