Colorful glass magic in Kona is surprisingly doable. This stained glass workshop in Kailua Kona turns a big-deal craft into a clear, step-by-step session with accomplished artists, Sheri & Doug Reynolds. If you like hands-on activities you can actually finish, this one is built for that.

I love the personal attention you get while you learn the core skills—cutting, grinding, foiling, and soldering. I also like that you get a satisfying takeaway the same day, not a vague promise of future delivery. The biggest thing to consider: the sun catcher stand is sold separately, so you may want to plan on adding it later.

Key highlights at a glance

• Learn the full stained-glass basics: cutting, grinding, foiling, and soldering
• Sheri & Doug Reynolds teach one-on-one and in small groups, with a patient style
• Studio setup feels safe and organized, so beginners don’t feel rushed
• Pick your piece and your glass choices, then see it become a finished souvenir
• Materials are included, and you take home a finished sun catcher the same day
• Private activity format means it’s just your group

Kailua Kona Studio Session: What You’re Really Signing Up For

This class is a true workshop, not a sit-and-watch demo. You’re coming to a studio setting in Kailua Kona (75-672 Waiau Pl), where Sheri & Doug Reynolds guide you through stained glass from the first cut to the final piece you carry home.

What makes it interesting is the mix of structure and creativity. You’re taught the fundamentals—how glass gets cut, shaped, and assembled—but you’re also choosing from a wide range of colors and textures. That combo matters because it keeps the day fun while still giving you an outcome you can feel proud of.

This is also a nice change of pace on the Big Island. Instead of another scenic drive or another beach stretch, you get a skill-based experience with a clear finish line: a small stained glass sun catcher you take home the same day.

Price and What Comes Included for $125

At $125 per person for about 3 hours 30 minutes, this is priced like a hands-on craft class where instruction and materials are the product. The key value piece here is that materials are included, and you take home a finished souvenir at the end of the session.

That is exactly why the price makes sense for most people. If you’ve ever bought a craft kit before, you know the difference between having supplies and having someone help you through the steps. Here, you’re paying for both the materials and the guidance—so your glass work has a real chance of turning out well, even if you’ve never tried stained glass before.

One small cost consideration: the stand is not included. The class gives you the finished sun catcher, but if you want it displayed right away, you’ll likely want to purchase the stand separately.

The 3.5-Hour Flow: From Cutting to Soldering

The workshop is long enough to feel like progress, but not so long that it drags. Plan on roughly three and a half hours, ending back at the meeting point.

While the exact minute-by-minute schedule isn’t spelled out, the structure is clear and matches the skills taught:

• Start with basics: you learn the fundamentals you’ll use all day.
• Cutting and grinding: you shape glass to fit your chosen design.
• Foiling: you prepare the edges so pieces can be joined cleanly.
• Soldering: you assemble and connect everything into one stable piece.
• Finish and take-home: you leave with your completed sun catcher.

What you should expect from this kind of class is a guided rhythm. The hosts walk you through each step rather than tossing you into tools with a quick instruction. That matters because stained glass can feel intimidating until someone explains what to do and why, and then watches while you try it yourself.

Choosing Your Piece and Glass Colors (Yes, You Get Choices)

A big part of the fun is making decisions during the workshop, not just following a set template. You’ll pick your piece and choose the glass you want to work with. That choice is more important than it sounds.

Stained glass isn’t only about color. Texture and how light moves through different glass types can completely change the vibe of your final piece. The workshop focuses on the wide variety of colors and textures available, and that’s a real draw. People tend to get stuck thinking about which look they want more than worrying about getting it wrong.

If you’re the type who likes customization—like making aesthetic choices without feeling like a design expert—you’ll probably enjoy this part of the day most. The class is built so beginners can make strong visual decisions fast and then execute them with support.

Sheri & Doug Reynolds: Teaching Style That Keeps It Calm

This is a husband-and-wife team: Sheri & Doug Reynolds, and they teach with a welcome, patient approach. The feedback is consistent: they’re friendly hosts, and they take time to explain how things work.

A few things about their teaching style stand out:

• You’re not rushed. The pace gives you time to ask questions and slow down when you need to.
• They help you through each step. Stained glass has multiple stages, and guidance reduces the common beginner frustration points.
• The studio is set up for safety and clarity. People mention that the space feels clean, organized, and well-managed.

If you worry about being a beginner, this is where the workshop earns its reputation. Many crafts look simple on video, but real execution has learning curves. Here, the instruction method is designed to shorten that curve.

Also, because the class can run as one-on-one and group instruction, you may find yourself in a setting where you can get extra attention if you need it, while still sharing the experience with others if your session includes more than just your group.

Studio Atmosphere in Kailua Kona: A Quieter Kind of Activity

This isn’t an event hall. It’s a studio environment that feels quaint and relaxed, which makes a difference on a trip where you’re often moving fast from place to place.

You’re going to spend hours standing and working at a bench, not walking around. That means it’s a good fit when you want something different than sightseeing, while still staying active and doing something memorable.

The best part of the atmosphere is that it helps beginners feel comfortable. Clean organization and a patient pace reduce the awkwardness that can come with learning a hands-on craft for the first time.

Taking Home Your Sun Catcher (and the Stand Factor)

You take home a small finished sun catcher the same day. That’s one of the clearest benefits of the workshop because you don’t leave with a project that needs assembly at home or a souvenir that arrives later.

Important detail: the stand is sold separately. So if you like your finished piece displayed immediately, plan for a follow-up purchase, or set expectations that you’ll need an extra item to hang or prop it.

Also note what you’re actually getting. The class delivers a completed stained-glass souvenir, and the whole day is built toward that outcome. That’s why the workshop works for so many people—your time turns into something tangible you can bring home and enjoy.

Who This Workshop Fits Best on the Big Island

This workshop is built for most travelers and works for different comfort levels, from first-timers to people who want a hands-on creative project. Service animals are allowed, which is helpful to know if that applies to your group.

It’s also a strong option if you’re traveling with family. The class has been described as a great family experience, including for people with older children. If your kid or teen is interested in crafts and doesn’t mind staying focused for a few hours, this is the kind of activity that feels like it belongs to them too.

Consider it especially if:

• you want a break from constant driving and checklists
• you like making choices (your design and glass)
• you want a real skill experience, not just a craft you assemble from a kit

If you’re only looking for quick photo opportunities, this might feel slower than some activities. But if you like purposeful time—learning, making, and finishing—this hits the mark.

Practical Tips Before You Go (Without Overthinking It)

A few practical things will help your day go smoothly:

• Plan for a full 3.5 hours. This is not a drop-in two-song experience.
• Use your confirmation window in your planning. You’ll receive confirmation within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
• Expect a hands-on pace. You’ll be using the basic tools and processes involved in stained glass, including cutting, grinding, foiling, and soldering.
• Think about display. Since the stand is sold separately, decide whether you want to buy it right away for easy hanging.

Also, the class is in English, and your ticket is mobile, which is convenient if you’re traveling with limited paper.

If you’re sensitive to the idea of learning new tools, remember: the workshop is designed for beginners, and the instruction style focuses on getting you to a finished product with support.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the stained glass workshop?

It lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

How much does it cost?

It costs $125.00 per person.

Is the workshop in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What will I take home at the end?

You take home a small finished stained glass sun catcher on the same day.

Are materials included in the price?

Yes. Materials are included.

Do I get a stand for the sun catcher?

No. The stand is sold separately.

Who teaches the class?

The class is taught by Sheri & Doug Reynolds.

Where does the workshop meet?

The meeting point is 75-672 Waiau Pl, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA.

Is this activity private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Should You Book This Stained Glass Class in Kona?

If you want a creative activity that’s structured enough to keep you confident, but open enough to feel personal, I think this is worth booking. The biggest reasons are the combination of patient instruction from Sheri & Doug Reynolds and the fact that you take home a finished sun catcher the same day, with materials included.

The main reason to pause is the stand situation. You’ll likely need to buy it separately if you want instant display. If that detail doesn’t bother you, this workshop is a smart use of time on the Big Island—especially when you’d rather make something with your own hands than just look at more views.

If you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or even solo, this setup is built to keep you comfortable while you learn real stained glass steps and end the day with a small piece you can actually keep.