Island Treasures: Puna Gallery and Gift Emporium
Puna Gallery and Gift Emporium is a family-run art gallery and gift shop located in the heart of Old Pāhoa Town. They feature fine art, including paintings, prints, wooden bowls, sculpture, and furniture handcrafted by local Puna artists. A large part of their inventory consists of photography and lava art. They also offer a variety of locally made gifts including clothing, jewelry, soaps, lotions, as well as delicious Puna coffee and macadamia nuts. The gallery features the work of more than 100 local artists, and hosts art groups, fashion shows, student expositions, and classes. Every product is created, designed, and/or manufactured in Puna so you know you’re getting a local product directly from the source.
Co-owner Amedeo Markoff had been a part-time resident on Hawai‘i Island since he was two, and has lived full-time in Puna since 1991. His wife and co-owner, Althea, was born and raised in Honomū.
Amedeo is a board member of the Mainstreet Pāhoa Association and the chairman of the promotions committee. Althea is also an MPA member and has worked in and around Pāhoa for many years. Amedeo and Althea run the gallery with the help of their two children: Jacob, 14, and Sarah, 11.
Amedeo explains, “We opened this shop with the intention of supporting the talented local artists, because we have so many here in Puna that go unseen. We wanted to provide an outlet for them. Many of the artists are family, and the rest have become part of our extended ‘ohana. I also own a sawmill business and wanted a place to market our own unique locally made Hawaiian hardwood products.”
Though times have been tough due to the 2018 lava flow, they continue to persevere and be actively involved in the community. Amedeo continues, “With the recent loss of many of our special places and so many homes, plus the massive decrease in visitors to this area, just like other businesses in Pāhoa, our artists and our store have suffered. We encourage people to come back and check out the gem that is Pāhoa. We are passionate about art and our community and are thankful for the opportunity to live and work in this amazing, eclectic, and strong community. The best way to support Pāhoa and the surrounding communities is to come shop at the stores and eat at the restaurants. You will fall in love with Pāhoa, so come on down. E Komo Mai! [Welcome!]”
Puna Gallery and Gift Emporium is located next to the Island Naturals driveway entrance, and is open every day from 10am to 7pm.
Puna Gallery and Gift Emporium
15-2901 Pahoa Village Rd., Pahoa
808.965.5480
Punagallery.com
Facebook and Instagram: Puna Gallery
