Tiki Masks

Question

I'm an avid collector of handcrafted masks which I've collected from many countries and regions around the world. As I'm planning to visit Honolulu in the spring, I'd like to acquire a Tiki Mask. As there any shops which sell handcrafted Tiki Masks in Honolulu? A quick google search has not provided very much.

Answer

It's great to hear that you're an avid collector of handcrafted masks, and Honolulu offers some fantastic opportunities to pick up a Tiki mask as a unique souvenir. While there may not be an overwhelming number of specialty shops specifically focused on Tiki masks, there are a few places in Honolulu where you can find high-quality handcrafted masks, including Tiki-inspired designs.

Here are some shops you might want to explore when you're in Honolulu for authentic or locally-inspired Tiki masks:

Hawaiian Trading Post: Located in Waikiki, this store specializes in a variety of Hawaiian souvenirs, including handcrafted masks and traditional art. They often have wood and Tiki-style masks that would be perfect for your collection.
Tommy Bahama Store: While known for clothing, Tommy Bahama's stores often carry Hawaiian-themed home décor, including wooden Tiki masks, carvings, and other cultural artifacts. It might not be a dedicated mask shop, but you can often find some nice items here.
Island Inspirations: Located in the Ala Moana Center, this store features a wide range of Hawaiian-themed art, gifts, and collectibles. They offer masks that reflect local traditions and artistic styles, including Tiki-style pieces.
The Contemporary Museum Shop: Located at the Honolulu Museum of Art, the gift shop here often carries locally-made arts and crafts, and you might find unique handcrafted items, including Tiki masks.

If you're looking for truly one-of-a-kind Tiki masks, you might also want to explore some of the local artist markets or craft fairs that are sometimes held in Honolulu. These events often feature handmade goods directly from local artisans, so you may come across some beautifully crafted Tiki masks that aren't widely available in stores.

Since your search didn't return many results, I’d recommend reaching out to a few of these shops ahead of time to ask if they specifically carry Tiki masks or can point you to other local sources. It could be worth asking around at some art galleries as well, as many Hawaiian artists incorporate Polynesian influences in their work.

Good luck with your search, and I hope you find a stunning Tiki mask to add to your collection!