Nestled in the heart of Kahaluʻu on Oʻahu’s windward side, this sprawling estate of lush botanicals houses several Japanese-inspired galleries filled with art. The property was originally an empty plot of land purchased by celebrated oil painter Hiroshi Tagami (1928-2014), who grew up in Wahiawa and was recognized at a young age by an auctioneer who appreciated the oil paintings he displayed on the Honolulu Zoo fence. In the 1960s, together with his then-life partner, ceramicist Dick Hart, Tagami opened a zoological shelter for plants and animals and the property became his canvas.  Over the next 30 years, with his second life partner and fellow artist Michael Powell, Tagami transformed it into an expansive manicured garden and tropical forest where they mentored young artists and nurtured a vibrant creative community. Today, Kahalu’u Gallery and Gardens maintains a beautiful memorial gallery documenting the highlights of Hiroshi Tagami’s life and art.

The Kahalu’u Gallery and Gardens is open weekends and Mondays 10AM-4PM. Visits are by appointment only, t: 808-239-8146, e: info@kahaluugalleryandgardens.com

For public exhibitions and event dates: kahaluugalleryandgardens.com

Address for map: 47-754 Lamaula Rd, Kaneohe, HI 96744