Grand Hyatt Kauai: Annual Tree Lighting ceremony 2025

Liliane Avalos
2 days ago
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

For the past two years, I’ve been slowly building my life as an artist here on Kaua‘i. This island has held me, challenged me, inspired me, and in so many ways shaped the direction of my work. This December marks one full year of tattooing at Blue Wave Tattoo Studio, a milestone that still feels surreal. What began as a leap of faith has become a home for my craft, my clients, and my growth.

As 2026 approaches, I’ve decided to stay on Kaua‘i a little longer. Something about the timing, the love in the air, the opportunities, and the energy here feels right. With that decision came another one: to step deeper into the art community and start showing up at more art walks, pop-up markets, and local events across the island.

My first step toward this new chapter was being a vendor at the Grand Hyatt on the South Side in Poʻipū for their annual tree lighting ceremony. It was my first time setting up a full booth, prints, greeting cards, original linocuts, and space for henna. The turnout was beautiful. Families, travelers, and locals stopped by to browse, talk story, and support. Parents trusted me to create henna for their children, and I’m so grateful for that. Seeing people walk away smiling with a piece of my artwork in their hands meant everything.

Art display with vibrant fruit and floral paintings on easels. Background features lush greenery. A cash payment sign is visible on a patterned tablecloth. — Art vendor display at Grand Hyatt Kaua'i showcasing ARTxLA original watercolor painting, art prints, and org linocut prints

These events are more than sales for me. They’re a way to connect, to bring moments of joy, beauty, and inspiration that both visitors and locals can take home. Each print, each carving, each design is created with intention, and to see them resonate with people in real time is something I’ll never take for granted.

Mahalo to the Grand Hyatt for welcoming me into such an iconic and stunning space. I truly can’t wait to do more. This is only the beginning.

I’m excited to continue growing as an artist, creating new original paintings, murals, and designs, and turning them into small goods and keepsakes that can travel far beyond the island. Mahalo to every person who stopped by, supported, shared kind words, or even paused to admire my booth. It all matters.