Latest News & Blogs

  • All

Filter:

Is It Illegal to Cut Down Koa Wood in Hawaii?

Is It Illegal to Cut Down Koa Wood in Hawaii?

No, it is not automatically illegal to cut down a koa tree in Hawaiʻi. Whether harvesting koa is legal depends on where the tree is located, who owns the land,...

Published

Is It Illegal to Cut Down Koa Wood in Hawaii?

No, it is not automatically illegal to cut down a koa tree in Hawaiʻi. Whether harvesting koa is legal depends on where the tree is located, who owns the land, the classification of that land, and whether required authorization, permits, or management plans are in place. Unauthorized cutting or removal of koa and other timber from State forest reserves is prohibited.  However, removing koa trees from private land may not have the same constraints. For consumers, the question is not simply whether a koa tree was cut, but whether the wood is genuine Hawaiian koa and whether was it legally and responsibly obtained. Koa is one of the most treasured natural resources of Hawaiʻi.  Koa is also endemic to Hawaiʻi, meaning it occurs naturally nowhere else in the world. For...

Read More
What Are the Best Handcrafted Corporate Holiday Gifts That Support American Craftsmen?

What Are the Best Handcrafted Corporate Holiday...

The most memorable corporate holiday gifts are handcrafted by American artisans, tell an authentic story, and leave a lasting impression, qualities that define the handcrafted Hawaiian collections from Martin &...

Published

What Are the Best Handcrafted Corporate Holiday Gifts That Support ...

The most memorable corporate holiday gifts are handcrafted by American artisans, tell an authentic story, and leave a lasting impression, qualities that define the handcrafted Hawaiian collections from Martin & MacArthur.    Why handcrafted matters. Corporate gifts say something about your company. Handcrafted pieces support American makers, preserve skilled trades, and create an emotional connection that mass-produced items simply can’t match. These gifts stand out as thoughtful, personal, and enduring.

Read More
Why Is Certified Koa So Important?

Why Is Certified Koa So Important?

Why Is Certified Koa So Important? Certified Hawaiian koa is important because it gives buyers confidence that the wood they are purchasing is genuine koa, legally obtained, responsibly sourced, and...

Published

Why Is Certified Koa So Important?

Why Is Certified Koa So Important? Certified Hawaiian koa is important because it gives buyers confidence that the wood they are purchasing is genuine koa, legally obtained, responsibly sourced, and traceable to Hawaiʻi. Not every product marketed as “koa” is necessarily made from authentic Hawaiian koa. Acacia is NOT the same as Koa. Acacia and other woods can sometimes be presented in ways that make them appear similar to koa, but they are not the same.  Certification establishes the actual wood species, where it was harvested, and if any koa tree was cut down for this wood.  

Read More
Modern Hawaiʻi Master Painters: Three Artists Capturing the Spirit of the Islands

Modern Hawaiʻi Master Painters: Three Artists C...

Hawaiʻi has inspired generations of artists, but the most memorable paintings do more than reproduce a beautiful beach, mountain, or sunset. They capture the atmosphere, light, culture, and emotional character...

Published

Modern Hawaiʻi Master Painters: Three Artists Capturing the Spirit ...

Hawaiʻi has inspired generations of artists, but the most memorable paintings do more than reproduce a beautiful beach, mountain, or sunset. They capture the atmosphere, light, culture, and emotional character of the Islands. Three modern Hawaiʻi painters who have developed particularly distinctive approaches are Michael Powell, George Eguchi, and Mark Brown.

Read More
What Makes Koa So Special—and Is It Worth All the Money and Fuss?

What Makes Koa So Special—and Is It Worth All t...

Genuine Hawaiian koa is worth the premium because it combines extraordinary natural beauty, rarity, Hawaiian origin, cultural significance, craftsmanship, and lasting usefulness in a way few other woods can match....

Published

What Makes Koa So Special—and Is It Worth All the Money and Fuss?

Genuine Hawaiian koa is worth the premium because it combines extraordinary natural beauty, rarity, Hawaiian origin, cultural significance, craftsmanship, and lasting usefulness in a way few other woods can match. The key is making sure you are buying real Hawaiian koa of known provenance, preferably from a responsible source that can explain where the wood came from.

Read More
Martin & MacArthur Celebrates Hawai‘i Artists with Two Special Artist Events

Martin & MacArthur Celebrates Hawai‘i Artists w...

Martin & MacArthur Celebrates Hawaii Artists with Two Special Artist Events in our Galleries.   Martin & MacArthur at the Grand Hyatt Kauai welcomes world-renowned artist Walfrido Garcia for a memorable...

Published

Martin & MacArthur Celebrates Hawai‘i Artists with Two Special Arti...

Martin & MacArthur Celebrates Hawaii Artists with Two Special Artist Events in our Galleries.   Martin & MacArthur at the Grand Hyatt Kauai welcomes world-renowned artist Walfrido Garcia for a memorable Artist in Residence event on Friday, August 21, beginning at 5 p.m.   On Saturday, August 29, beginning at 5 p.m., Martin & MacArthur at The Shops at Wailea will host a special celebration honoring the life and artwork of Brandon Kralik, who recently passed away

Read More
Is It Illegal to Cut Down Koa Trees in Hawai‘i?

Is It Illegal to Cut Down Koa Trees in Hawai‘i?

Is It Illegal to Cut Down Koa Trees in Hawai‘i? Special permits are needed to cut Koa on State property, as well as lands designated for forestry conservation or natural...

Published

Is It Illegal to Cut Down Koa Trees in Hawai‘i?

Is It Illegal to Cut Down Koa Trees in Hawai‘i? Special permits are needed to cut Koa on State property, as well as lands designated for forestry conservation or natural habitats of wildlife.  Responsible companies like Martin & MacArthur only use Koa certified as coming from previously fallen trees.

Read More
How can you tell if you’re buying REAL Koa?

How can you tell if you’re buying REAL Koa?

Not everything marketed as “koa” is actually genuine Hawaiian Koa.  Learn how to tell the difference Koa is one of Hawaiʻi’s most treasured natural resources—and one of the most beautiful...

Published

How can you tell if you’re buying REAL Koa?

Not everything marketed as “koa” is actually genuine Hawaiian Koa.  Learn how to tell the difference Koa is one of Hawaiʻi’s most treasured natural resources—and one of the most beautiful woods in the world. But not everything marketed as “koa” is actually genuine Hawaiian koa. Knowing the difference is important when purchasing furniture, gifts, jewelry, or accessories. Real koa grows only in Hawaiʻi. Acacia koa is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It only grows in Hawaii and no place else.  By contrast, many products sold as “acacia” are made from commercial acacia species grown in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and India. While some retailers try to sell these cheaper woods as Hawaiian koa, they are not Hawaiian koa.  If it is too cheap, it's probably made from imitation...

Read More
Where to find Top Hawaii Artists

Where to find Top Hawaii Artists

Where to find Top Hawaii Artists?  Look for renowned Hawaii artists like Walfrido, Michael Powell, George Eguchi, Heather Brown, Mark Brown.  All featured at the 10 Hawaii galleries of Martin...

Published

Where to find Top Hawaii Artists

Where to find Top Hawaii Artists?  Look for renowned Hawaii artists like Walfrido, Michael Powell, George Eguchi, Heather Brown, Mark Brown.  All featured at the 10 Hawaii galleries of Martin & MacArthur

Read More
What is Cerified Koa and why should I chose it?

What is Cerified Koa and why should I chose it?

Consumers should look for koa products that can be certified and traced to their Hawaiian source, with assurance that the wood came from trees that were already dead, fallen, or...

Published

What is Cerified Koa and why should I chose it?

Consumers should look for koa products that can be certified and traced to their Hawaiian source, with assurance that the wood came from trees that were already dead, fallen, or naturally downed—not healthy living trees. Why does this matter? Cutting a living koa tree removes a mature part of a native forest that can take decades to replace. Responsible use of dead and fallen koa allows healthy trees to remain standing while making productive use of wood already provided by nature. (Martin & MacArthur)

Read More
Michael Powell - Capturing the beauty of Hawaii through artwork

Michael Powell - Capturing the beauty of Hawaii...

  HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Michael Powell is a longtime Honolulu artist known for capturing the beauty of the islands in his work. “I found, after living in Hawaii these many,...

Published

Michael Powell - Capturing the beauty of Hawaii through artwork

  HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Michael Powell is a longtime Honolulu artist known for capturing the beauty of the islands in his work. “I found, after living in Hawaii these many, many years, the art that seems to endure are landscape paintings. They go back generations of people who have created beautiful landscapes over time,” Powell said. Powell’s paintings don’t involve a brush — he prefers a palette knife. “This (palette knife) is the only thing I use to create all this. If you look at the sky, you can see it’s so smooth. You don’t see brush strokes,” he said. “I think the islands are so unique, to capture it on a canvas as time goes forward, really is capturing something that’s timeless. It doesn’t come in and out of...

Read More
Easiest Ways to Maintain Fine Furniture: Essential Do’s and Don’ts to Keep It Looking Its Best

Easiest Ways to Maintain Fine Furniture: Essent...

Easiest Ways to Maintain Fine Furniture: Essential Do’s and Don’ts to Keep It Looking Its Best. One of the easiest ways to care for fine furniture is regular dusting. Protect...

Published

Easiest Ways to Maintain Fine Furniture: Essential Do’s and Don’ts ...

Easiest Ways to Maintain Fine Furniture: Essential Do’s and Don’ts to Keep It Looking Its Best. One of the easiest ways to care for fine furniture is regular dusting. Protect furniture from direct sunlight.Maintaining stable humidity levels. Use coasters, placemats, and protective pads. Occasionally "dust" with gentle furniture.

Read More
How to Choose the Right Artwork for Your Home

How to Choose the Right Artwork for Your Home

Artwork has the power to transform a house into a home. The right piece can create a focal point, establish a mood, and reflect your personality. Whether you’re decorating a...

Published

How to Choose the Right Artwork for Your Home

Artwork has the power to transform a house into a home. The right piece can create a focal point, establish a mood, and reflect your personality. Whether you’re decorating a contemporary condo, a traditional residence, or an island retreat, thoughtful art selection can elevate every room. One of the first considerations is style. Contemporary artwork often features bold colors, abstract forms, and clean lines that complement modern interiors. Traditional artwork may emphasize realism, landscapes, or classic subjects that create a timeless feel. Coastal and island-inspired artwork can bring warmth, relaxation, and a strong sense of place to your home. Color is equally important. Artwork should either complement your existing color palette or provide a deliberate contrast. A vibrant painting can energize a neutral room, while softer tones can create a calm...

Read More
Best Places Around the Country to Visit This Summer

Best Places Around the Country to Visit This Su...

Top Five Best Places In America to Visit. Hawaii ranks HIGH!  For many travelers, Hawaii stands apart as the ultimate summer destination. The islands offer a unique blend of spectacular beaches,...

Published

Best Places Around the Country to Visit This Summer

Top Five Best Places In America to Visit. Hawaii ranks HIGH!  For many travelers, Hawaii stands apart as the ultimate summer destination. The islands offer a unique blend of spectacular beaches, lush mountain landscapes, rich cultural traditions, and warm hospitality. Visitors can snorkel in crystal-clear waters, attend authentic hula performances, explore historic sites, and enjoy fresh island cuisine featuring locally caught fish, tropical fruits, and Hawaiian specialties.

Read More
The Best Reasons to Visit Hawaii This Summer

The Best Reasons to Visit Hawaii This Summer

Summer is one of the most rewarding times to experience the Hawaiian Islands. With warm temperatures, long sunny days, and crystal-clear waters, visitors can enjoy everything that makes Hawaii one...

Published

The Best Reasons to Visit Hawaii This Summer

Summer is one of the most rewarding times to experience the Hawaiian Islands. With warm temperatures, long sunny days, and crystal-clear waters, visitors can enjoy everything that makes Hawaii one of the world’s most desirable destinations. The beaches are a major draw. From the famous shores of Waikīkī on Honolulu to the dramatic coastlines of Kauai and the golden beaches of Maui, summer offers excellent conditions for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and sunset walks. Ocean visibility is often at its best, making it a perfect season for exploring Hawaii’s vibrant marine life. Summer is also festival season. Visitors can enjoy local music, hula performances, farmers markets, and cultural celebrations that showcase the unique traditions and spirit of the islands. Fresh tropical fruits, locally caught seafood, and authentic Hawaiian cuisine are abundant...

Read More
Best Father’s Day Gifts: Thoughtful Ideas Dad Will Appreciate

Best Father’s Day Gifts: Thoughtful Ideas Dad W...

Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the dads, grandfathers, and father figures who have made a lasting impact on our lives. While every father has unique interests, the...

Published

Best Father’s Day Gifts: Thoughtful Ideas Dad Will Appreciate

Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the dads, grandfathers, and father figures who have made a lasting impact on our lives. While every father has unique interests, the best gifts combine style, function, and meaning. The trend is to give a gift that is unique and hand-crafted and unique.  Artisanal gifts are more appreciated because they reflect thought and consideration, rather than something  mass-produced. A quality watch remains one of the most timeless Father’s Day gifts. Whether Dad prefers a classic dress watch, a rugged everyday timepiece, or a modern smartwatch, a watch serves as a daily reminder of the person who gave it. For fathers who use an Apple Watch, a premium Apple Watch band can instantly elevate both comfort and style. Leather, stainless steel, and handcrafted...

Read More
Not All Wood Products in Hawaii Are Made from Koa

Not All Wood Products in Hawaii Are Made from Koa

Koa is one of Hawaii’s most treasured natural resources, prized for its rich color, beautiful grain patterns, and deep connection to the islands’ history and culture. Because of its reputation,...

Published

Not All Wood Products in Hawaii Are Made from Koa

Koa is one of Hawaii’s most treasured natural resources, prized for its rich color, beautiful grain patterns, and deep connection to the islands’ history and culture. Because of its reputation, many visitors assume that any wooden gift item purchased in Hawaii is made from koa. In reality, that is not always the case. Koa is a premium hardwood that grows only in Hawaii, making it relatively rare and valuable. While Koa is not” endangered” and never has been classified as “endangered,” it is still very limited availability and therefore commands a higher price. All reputable retailers and galleries provide certificates of authenticity for the Koa used to make the item they sell.  This certificate must verify that the wood used making this item is truly acacia koa sourced in Hawaii. ...

Read More
What Makes Koa Furniture So Special

What Makes Koa Furniture So Special

Koa furniture holds a special place in the world of fine craftsmanship because it combines natural beauty, Hawaiian heritage, and exceptional durability. Native to Hawaii, koa wood has been treasured...

Published

What Makes Koa Furniture So Special

Koa furniture holds a special place in the world of fine craftsmanship because it combines natural beauty, Hawaiian heritage, and exceptional durability. Native to Hawaii, koa wood has been treasured for centuries and is considered one of the most distinctive hardwoods in the world. What immediately sets koa apart is its appearance. No two pieces are exactly alike. Koa wood features rich golden, amber, and deep reddish-brown tones with dramatic grain patterns that can include curls, waves, and shimmering highlights. Over time, koa develops an even deeper, warmer patina, giving furniture more character as it ages. Beyond its beauty, koa is prized for its strength and stability. High-quality koa furniture is built to last for generations when properly cared for. Unlike mass-produced furniture made from veneers or composite materials, solid...

Read More
Is Sculpture the Right Choice for My Home

Is Sculpture the Right Choice for My Home

Choosing the right sculptural piece for your home is about more than simply filling empty space. A well-chosen sculpture creates emotion, adds personality, and becomes a conversation piece that reflects...

Published

Is Sculpture the Right Choice for My Home

Choosing the right sculptural piece for your home is about more than simply filling empty space. A well-chosen sculpture creates emotion, adds personality, and becomes a conversation piece that reflects your style and values. The best sculptural art feels intentional — almost as if the room was designed around it. The first thing to consider is scale. A sculpture should complement the room without overpowering it. Large open spaces often benefit from bold statement pieces, while smaller rooms work better with refined, carefully placed artwork. Entryways, console tables, shelves, and living room corners are ideal places to showcase sculptural art. Placement is equally important. A sculpture should have room to breathe. Avoid cluttering it among too many decorative items. Entryways, console tables, shelves, and open corners are ideal locations where...

Read More
How to Choose a Dining Room Table to Suit Your Lifestyle

How to Choose a Dining Room Table to Suit Your ...

Choosing the right dining room table is about more than finding something that fits your space. Your table becomes the center of everyday life — a place for family dinners,...

Published

How to Choose a Dining Room Table to Suit Your Lifestyle

Choosing the right dining room table is about more than finding something that fits your space. Your table becomes the center of everyday life — a place for family dinners, celebrations, conversations, and memories. The best dining table reflects your personal style while also offering comfort, durability, and timeless design. Start by measuring your dining space carefully. One of the biggest mistakes people make is buying a table that overwhelms the room. Leave at least 36 inches of clearance around the table so guests can move comfortably. A round table works well in smaller spaces and encourages conversation, while rectangular tables are ideal for larger rooms and bigger families. Next, think about your lifestyle. If you entertain often, consider an extendable table that can adapt for holidays or dinner parties....

Read More