KAILUA-KONA — The only Hawaiian quilt museum in the state opened with a blessing Saturday morning at Hanama Place in Kailua-Kona.
Founder Karen Barry started with the concept of a museum in 2016, obtaining nonprofit status and opening the Kona Hawaiian Quilt Museum and Gallery. The facility displays nearly 60 Hawaiian quilts, some more than 100 years old.
“People were extremely generous,” Barry said of the quilts displayed. “They were bringing in quilts that had been stored in their attic for years.”
Barry added that even though Hawaiian quilts have been displayed in museums throughout the state, this is the first museum dedicated to Hawaiian quilts.
In addition to historical quilts on display, there are pieces available for sale. Barry promises an ever-changing exhibit as well as a home for traveling quilt shows, popular on the mainland.
There also are activities and scavenger hunts for keiki, making the museum a family-friendly destination.
The museum will offer an outreach program for schools, teaching the art and historical significance of Hawaiian quilting. Volunteers are needed to teach these programs, as well as staff the museum.
“Our main mission is to tell the story of Hawaiian quilting,” Barry said.
The museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays.
For more information, visit www.konahqm.org or call 331-2958.
Email Laura Ruminski at lruminski@westhawaiitoday.com.