Located in Hanalei, Kaua‘i, ‘Ohanalei is a unique art gallery and retail space created by co-owners Ryan Hakman and Ke‘ale Chang who share a common ethos in highlighting the history and stories that make Kaua‘i a special place. They deftly translate their appreciation of Hanalei’s past through storytelling and art, making the past relevant in a tangible and engaging way.
At first glance, the gallery’s logo—a cast iron wok draped with a tī leaf lei—may seem a bit mysterious to those unfamiliar with local lore. A video created by Ryan and Kea‘le, ‘Ohanalei Stories – Black Pot, shares the beautiful story behind its symbolism. The video features Bobo Hamyoung and his cousin, Wendell Goo, talking story about huki-ing – friends and family gathering at Hanalei Pier to help cast fishing nets and haul in the catch. The hard work was easier with many hands. Most of the catch would be taken to a grocery store and traded for food and drink. The rest would be shared with everyone who had helped fish and all were welcome to enjoy the meals that followed. Local-style dishes were cooked on open fire in a wok, a “black pot,” on the beach. Bobo’s grandfather, Henry Tai Hook, was the original leader of the hukilaus; both men were beloved for their generous spirit and larger than life personality that brought people together. The name Black Pot Beach pays homage to Tai Hook’s legacy.
“Nobody had money. And money wasn’t the purpose…It was like a gathering place. Even though not fishing, no anything, people used to go down there together…We cook anything we want…and I still have that wok.”
– Bobo Hamyoung, ‘Ohanalei Stories – Black Pot
This is just one of many stories that fill the gallery space. Photographs and memorabilia highlighting the career of Ryan’s father, the legendary Jeff “Mr. Sunset” Hakman who started surfing Sunset Beach at age 12 and won the Duke Kahanamoku contest at 17, offer another perspective on Hanalei history.
The work of local artists–landscape artist Nick Arnold, surfer and artist Bryce Baker, Brelin Sugahara of Sew Aloha–are featured collaborations, along with Ryan’s own work. Each artist offers a distinctive point of view and one can feel the passion they share for creating.
In addition to the art inspired by his experiences on the ocean, Ryan also creates a line of hand-screened t-shirts. Many of his designs focus on the landmarks of Hanalei that are special to him–the pier, Pinetrees, and Black Pot. Ryan and Ke‘ale reopened ‘Ohanalei at its present location along Kūhiō Highway, aka Route 560. Earlier this summer while thinking about a new design featuring Route 560, he found Jonny Wichman’s editorial on HHF’s website, “Why Preserving Route 560 on Kaua‘i is Worth Fighting For,” and immediately connected with it.
After finishing the new design, he reached out to Historic Hawai‘i Foundation. In appreciation of HHF’s mission and preservation efforts in Kaua‘i, ‘Ohanalei will donate 10% of sales of the shirt to Historic Hawai‘i Foundation. We deeply appreciate their aloha and sense of purpose.
Please check out the exclusive Route 560 t-shirt here. Please support ‘Ohanalei and Historic Hawai‘i Foundation while treating yourself or a loved one to a new t-shirt!
‘Ohanalei is located at 5-5088 Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei, HI 96714 and online at: https://www.ohanalei.com.
“I’m trying to really showcase art and history, that’s what I am interested in. That’s what I live for every day. People enjoy the original story. Something that’s real. I do, anyway.”
– Ryan Hakman, co-creator of ‘Ohanalei
Further reading:
Why Preserving Route 560 on Kaua‘i is Worth Fighting For, Jonny Wichman, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation’s blog, July 14, 2022.
Gallery adds aloha spirit to Hanalei, Monique Rowan, The Garden Island, May 7, 2021.
Hanalei Pier Canopy – Most Endangered Place 2012 – Saved in 2013.