50 Years of Lahaina Galleries

A Legacy of Art, People and Aloha

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Fifty years ago, Jim and Nancy Killett took a leap of faith that would change their lives forever. While teaching at an American military base in West Germany, they found themselves watching Hawaii Five-O and dreaming about the islands. They eventually left their careers, packed up their lives, and headed for Maui with no experience in the art business and no real idea what they were getting into. They simply knew they wanted to build a new life in Hawai‘i with their two young children.

In 1976, they arrived in Lahaina and set their sights on buying a business with their life savings. When one deal fell through, they purchased a small business on a side street, selling paintings for a few hundred dollars alongside puka shell necklaces and other gifts. Their family back in Arkansas thought they were crazy. As it turned out, it was the beginning of something extraordinary.

Jim and Nancy learned the art business one day at a time, surrounding themselves with talented artists and building relationships with collectors who shared their passion. One of the most important early relationships was with a young artist named Robert Lyn Nelson. Jim suggested that Nelson explore Lahaina’s history as a whaling port, and Nelson returned with paintings of whales beneath the surface of the ocean. Those works led to his now iconic “Two Worlds” imagery, combining life above and below the sea on a single canvas.

Nelson began working with Lahaina Galleries at just 22 years old in 1977. He went on to become a nationally acclaimed artist, including an exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution. His extraordinary vision grew alongside the gallery, helping shape its identity and inspiring generations of collectors. Today, we proudly honor not only his artistic achievements, but a partnership that has been woven into the fabric of Lahaina Galleries since its earliest days.

Over the decades, Lahaina Galleries grew from that little Lahaina shop into a nationally recognized gallery, representing an extraordinary roster of artists. At one point, the gallery operated eight locations across Hawai‘i, California and Oregon, while also conducting exhibitions for collectors in Italy, Russia, Israel, Paris, Canada and cities across the United States.

Artists such as Ronaldo Macedo, Dario Campanile, Hisashi Otsuka and Steve Turnbull have each played an important role in the gallery’s story.

Ronaldo Macedo’s deep connection to the islands, dedication to his craft and appreciation for natural beauty are reflected in every painting he creates. We have watched him grow not only as an artist, but as a husband and father raising his family on Maui while building an extraordinary career.

Dario Campanile, originally from Rome, brought remarkable artistic depth to Lahaina Galleries when he joined in the 1980s. A child prodigy, Dario eventually met Salvador Dalí, who famously called him the “Roman Master.” His career includes major commissions such as the 75th anniversary logo for Paramount Pictures, and his work remains an important part of the gallery’s legacy.

Hisashi Otsuka joined Lahaina Galleries in the early 1980s as an already celebrated artist in Japan. Drawing from the highly disciplined tradition of kimono artistry, he chose a more expressive path, creating original works on fabric that became a defining hallmark of his art.

Steve Turnbull has been a cherished part of the Lahaina Galleries ‘ohana for decades. His journey with the gallery began when we sold his very first sculpture at just 19 years old. His work continues to captivate collectors with its movement, emotion and celebration of the natural world.

Darrell Hill and his wife, Pat, were beloved members of the Lahaina Galleries ‘ohana. Darrell’s bold, expressive paintings were created with energy and joy, and his use of color and movement inspired collectors and fellow artists alike. His talent, work ethic and friendship left a lasting mark on the gallery, and his art continues to be cherished today.

And then there was Guy Buffet. The instant Jim Killett and Guy met, a bond formed that would become one of the most joyful chapters in the gallery’s history. Guy’s whimsical, humorous and deeply human work brought warmth and playfulness to Lahaina Galleries, making him one of its most beloved and successful artists. His many honors included serving as the official artist for the French Revolution’s 200th anniversary celebration in 1989 and participating in a fundraising project that brought him and artist Dario Campanile to a private audience with the Dalai Lama.

Over the years, the Killetts welcomed collectors from all walks of life, including many well-known names. George Harrison of The Beatles visited the Lahaina gallery with race car legend Jackie Stewart and purchased a Robert Lyn Nelson Beatles painting. Oprah Winfrey, Julie Andrews, Queen Latifah, Toby Keith, Dave Mason, Melinda Gates and Steven Tyler are among the many other notable collectors who have collected from Lahaina Galleries.

But the story of Lahaina Galleries has never really been about how many galleries there were, how much art was sold or how many famous people became collectors. At its heart, it has always been about relationships. Jim and Nancy have always viewed their artists, staff, collectors and community as one big ‘ohana. Their philosophy has remained simple: art should create an emotional connection. As Jim has said, “We like to sell love affairs for people to enjoy for a lifetime.”

Lahaina itself has always been at the heart of that story. For 46 years, Lahaina Galleries was a fixture on Front Street, with several locations over the years, becoming a leader in the town’s vibrant art community and helping establish the tradition of Friday Night is Art Night in Lahaina. In 2023, the gallery’s Front Street chapter came to an end when the devastating fire destroyed much of the town.

But the story did not end.

While the name remains Lahaina Galleries, the Killetts have continued the legacy from their gallery at The Shops at Wailea, where they have been part of the Maui community for 30 years.

Today, as Lahaina Galleries celebrates 50 years, we look back with enormous gratitude. Gratitude for the artists who trusted us with their work, the collectors who welcomed that art into their homes and lives, the staff who helped make the gallery what it is, and the countless friends and members of our Maui community who have supported us along the way.

Fifty years later, we are still doing what Jim and Nancy set out to do in 1976: bringing great art and great people together. The gallery may look different, the world may have changed, and our journey has taken us many places, but the heart of Lahaina Galleries remains the same.

We are, and always will be, in the people business.

Here’s to 50 years of art, friendship, family and aloha and to the next chapter of Lahaina Galleries.