Big Island · HAWAIIAN CRAFT & CULTURE WORKSHOPS
11 reviewed
The good hawaiian craft & culture workshops fill up fast on the Big Island. Here are the 11 best, with current prices and what sets each one apart, so you can lock in a spot before the calendar closes.
Kona jungle ATV meets Polynesian culture on a small-group ride with village-style stops, hands-on activities, and plenty of fun.
“I have ATV’d multiple times this was by far my favorite experience. I’ll definitely be returned. 10 out of 10”
Learn stained glass in Kailua Kona in 3.5 hours. You’ll cut, foil, and solder, then take home a sun catcher.
“Sherrie and Doug were gracious hosts and patient teachers. They have a lovely, well-equipped studio and a beautiful home. There are several projects to choose from that are accessible to beginners but satisfying to complete.”
ATV through Holualoa coffee farms and jungle, then learn Polynesian culture across Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, and Hawaii with Kona views.
“Amazing time, we sped through the Aloha Farms property, learning about different cultures along the way. The ATV was so easy operate and our guides had an Aloha way about them”
Hands-on imu cooking in Pāhoa: build an underground oven, uncover, and enjoy kalua pork, chicken, and kulolo.
“This is a highlight of our trip! Our family loved this experience and loved the food. It’s a gift to be given the opportunity to be apart of Hawaii culture and learn from the Men of Pa’a”
Make your own Polynesian tiki carving in Kona with Mani, a 4th-gen master carver from Tonga, at Aloha Adventure Farms.
“Mani was absolutely amazing! My wife and I had the best time and would recommend this to anyone coming to the island. It was so much fun learning to carve and about his background.”
Carve your own personalized tiki in Kona with a Tonga master carver, using local wood and tools, plus ocean views from a carving hut.
“Amazing I would definitely recommend it to everyone Mani is such a lovely guy and passionate about tikis Mahalo Mani”
A 2-hour WhatsApp scavenger hunt in Kona with interactive host Tara, creative clues at Hulihe’e Palace and downtown Kailua-Kona for $35.
“I can only give this 2 stars for flexibility of date/time change, fast communication. Notes, DO NOT go on other activities of the day if you book this game. I booked this game for a wrong date accidentally; texted Tara the host at 2 AM Hawaii time due to my California time jet lag. She seemed upset that she had to respond to my message when she just woke up at 6am her time…that’s nice of her but I didn’t think she’d respond right away, then said she isn’t open to answering calls, emphasizing most business opens at 9am :/ I mean my bad. However, my mistake for booking a…”
Paddle a traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe in calm, clear Kamakahonu Bay, learn wa‘a culture, and look for turtles and dolphins.
“My family and I had an absolutely fabulous time! Grant was a phenomenal guide—his depth of historic knowledge and insight into the area made the experience truly enriching. Not only was he informative, but also incredibly friendly and helpful throughout the tour. One of the highlights was spotting spinner dolphins dancing through the waves—it felt like something out of a nature documentary! The views along the coastline were absolutely breathtaking, with crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and the kind of natural beauty you never forget. It was an unforgettable adventure from start to finish!Read more”
Paint living orchid plants with acrylic on wood in Holualoa. Small group, guided by Star, plus Kona coffee, tea, and snacks.
“super fun and peaceful! Star is a talented artist! and her little castle where she lives is very unique!”
Learn stained glass in Kailua-Kona with Sheri & Doug Reynolds, using all supplies and taking home your own sun catcher.
“This was fantastic! The hosts were so friendly and made us feel at home. It was a lot of fun and even my disabled brother ended up with a beautiful pineapple. They were so supportive of him and are honestly the best people and very talented. We had such a great time that we are going to do it again when we come back in September. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn and create with stained glass and make some new friends.”
Weaving a Hawaiian lei po’o in Hilo. Learn the wili technique, pick fresh greenery, and leave with a crown made by you in about 2 hours.
“We are crafty people and love to learn about local traditions when traveling. Poerava is an excellent teacher and we really enjoyed our time with her and her family. We wore our beautiful leis to the Volcano park after the visit and received so many compliments. This was a favorite experience on our trip and we hope to take weaving classes from Poerava on our next trip to the Big Island!”
