The Enchanted Gardens of Ira Ono
By Devany Vickery-Davidson
In the fern forest of Volcano Village is a magical place, full of art, music, wonderful food and enchanting gardens. The spot is Volcano Garden Arts (VGA), and Ira Ono is the maestro who orchestrated this virtual symphony of gardens, cafe and gallery.
Built in 1908, the property was part of the Hopper estate. The original farmhouse was built with redwood brought in to Hawai‘i Island from California by ship, rail and horse-drawn wagon. Ira Ono has lovingly restored it with a critical eye for detail and craftsmanship. When Ira decided to turn the building and grounds into a gallery and studio many years ago, he knew he had a huge challenge, but he also saw the possibilities. He took on the transformation with the diligence and purpose of a man with a mission.
The gardens, original structure and greenhouses abound with interesting creations made by more than 80 artists, mixed in with some structural antiquities and carefully placed garden art. There are substantial and costly pieces of art, as well as pocket-sized, affordable items and everything in between. It has become a destination for many visitors traveling to nearby Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
So who is Ira Ono, the man behind the art? Ira Kaufman (now Ono) attended the High School of Performing Arts in New York City and graduated from Tyler School of Art at Temple University in Philadelphia with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. He has dedicated his life to art and design, which gives the Hawaiian odyssey he began in 1968 a unique character. Stop in at Volcano Garden Arts and ask him to tell you the story of how and why he changed his last name to Ono. Ono means “good to eat or delicious” in Hawaiian. In pidgin it takes on a more general translation of simply “good.”
When you arrive at the gallery and gardens, the first impression is one of an art-filled space not contained by walls, but by a forest. To one side is a 70-year-old tree sanctuary, which was part of the original estate. The trees tower above, forming nearly solid walls and opening into a magical place of peace. Once you are inside the woodland, you understand why it is called a sanctuary. Only a patch of blue sky and occasional sunshine penetrate the space. The quiet you experience in the sanctuary is much like being in a church or temple. It is a refuge for reflection and meditation, or just to breathe in the essence.
Outside the tree sanctuary are meandering paths and plantings that lead to an enclosure for Ernest, the resident pygmy goat. Ernest will eat from your hand if you offer him the right flowers. He is quite a character, but this is a place where interesting characters seem to flourish.
The grounds encompass 2.7 acres and most of it is mindfully planted, opening up to a great lawn space where outdoor events are held. There are greenhouses filled with art, which are also used for catered events. In the main greenhouse is a large, hand-hewn table covered with objets d’art, and art also hangs from above. On the sides are ceramics, wood work and an assortment of masks, trinkets, mosaics, paintings and weavings, all hand-made by local Hawaiian artists.
It is a short stroll up to the back of the old farm house where a light-filled café has an eclectic menu of interesting local, organic and fresh, vegetarian offerings. Ono has made it his practice to create food that is both beautiful and delicious without overstepping his vegetarian lifestyle. He has succeeded in that. Most customers are happily surprised with the bright flavors and seasonings on the menu. Dishes are served on ceramic plates and bowls made by local artists.
Some of the food is grown on the property, where they have been experimenting with growing a variety of edible flowers. Nasturtiums of many colors dance upon salads and soups, while herbs and sprouts enhance sandwiches and salads. While the menu is brief, there are sufficient offerings, including house-made desserts. Most everything is made on the premises from scratch, with the exception of the bread, which is made by a cottage baker down the road. Much of what is on the menu comes from the Volcano Farmers Market and thus the menu is quite seasonal and extremely local.
Lunch is served from 11am–3pm. Desserts, coffees and teas are served at The Café daily from 10am–4pm, Tuesday through Sunday, which are also the hours of the Gallery and Gardens. Special dinners, luncheons, teas and viewing hours can be made by appointment in a variety of venues on the property. Catering is also available for special events. Prices at the Café range from $6.50 for starters, $10-12 for entrées and desserts at $1–$3.50. Beverages available include teas, juices and coffee. Picnic lunches are also available to go. Visitors to Volcano Garden Arts are also welcome to bring their own picnics to the gardens.
From The Café, you can wander around the gallery spaces and view the diverse collection of art. Many artists from Hawai‘i are represented, and many of the items available are made onsite by Ira Ono. He has a studio next to the gallery where he creates art ranging from ceramic masks, to recycled paper projects, to collages made from recycled items and paintings. He says of his mask art, “Like clouds floating in a calm sky, their creation comes to me in visions, each unique, each bringing its own gift of power. Having no eyes they see, saying no words, they speak.”
Every year Volcano Garden Arts participates in a 22-year tradition in Volcano—the Thanksgiving-weekend Volcano Village Art Studio Tour and Sale. Local artists open their studios to the public. It has become a huge event, drawing visitors from around the islands and some from around the world to purchase art and visit with the artists who make it.
A variety of classes are offered at VGA. Recent offerings were Basket Making with Recycled Materials, Block Printing, Garden Seminars and Spiritual Retreats.
Contact Volcano Garden Arts
On the property is also The Artist Cottage at Volcano Garden Arts. This is a one-bedroom, redwood cottage with a fully-equipped kitchenette, Zen bathroom and a sky-lit living space.
