Crafty Raccoon Art House

Story & Photos by Joshua Dimand

Tucked into the creative heart of Pāhoa, Crafty Raccoon Art House blends art, community, and what many regulars describe as some of the best coffee in town. Located just past Kaleo’s as you drive into Pāhoa Town from the high school, Crafty Raccoon Art House offers a welcoming creative space right at the gateway to town.

Kazi (“Mr. Racoon”) officially launched in January after a soft opening during the Christmas season. Crafty Raccoon Art House has now been fully operating for nearly four months and is already building momentum throughout the Puna community. The shop aims to make creativity accessible regardless of skill level or income.

Kazi hopes the shop can help foster what many already consider Puna to be: the creative capital of Hawaiʻi, or, as some affectionately call it, the “Punaverse.”

“We’re hoping to get the word out and share with the community what we have here,” Kazi says. “Not only for the youth, but for the kapuna and everyone in between.” And while the art may draw people in, many locals say the coffee keeps them coming back.

The vision behind Crafty Raccoon Art House is ambitious and deeply community-oriented. The space gives people access to art supplies, workshops, machines, tools, and equipment that many individuals may not otherwise have available to them. The studio also offers access to specialized equipment including a pottery wheel, sewing and serger machines, and a weaving loom – tools that can often be financially out of reach for many community members to purchase on their own.

Crafty Raccoon Art House is able to keep prices affordable while still offering high-quality materials for both beginners and professional artists alike by purchasing many of their art supplies in bulk.

One unique aspect of the business is its flexibility. Community members can work on projects at their own pace, including clay pieces that can remain at the studio until completed and fired.

The space itself features two cozy rooms dedicated to creativity and workshops. Demonstrations and classes are regularly offered, helping encourage both new artists and experienced artists alike. 

Their four primary areas of focus are visual arts, textiles, ceramics, and crafts, while also incorporating digital art elements. Guests can explore watercolor painting, acrylic markers, graphite drawing, oil pastels, sewing, felting, leatherwork, weaving, clay sculpting, wheel throwing, and kiln-fired ceramics.

The art house offers professional-grade, environmentally friendly, and kid-friendly supplies designed to make creativity accessible to artists of all ages and experience levels.

Crafty Raccoon Art House also supports local artists by showcasing and selling locally made artwork.

Community events are becoming a core part of the shop’s identity. The space offers a wide range of ongoing classes and workshops for all ages. These include pottery handbuilding sessions on Sundays and Tuesdays, keiki art camps for ages 5–14 during the summer, Intro to Block Printing on Sundays, Keiki Quest: Intro to Dungeons & Dragons on Mondays, and guided watercolor sessions on Tuesdays. On the third Sunday of every month at 3 p.m., Joy Aloha hosts a rotating creative project designed to be fun and welcoming for all ages. These events turn the Art House into a center for hands-on creativity, learning, and community connection throughout the week.

Whether someone is a professional artist, curious beginner, or simply looking for a place to relax and create, Crafty Raccoon Art House is working to become a welcoming gathering place for Puna.

Hours of Operation

• Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Monday–Friday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

For more information, check out their events calendar at www.craftyraccoon.com and for questions contact [email protected].