The Story Of Maui Hands ~ Since 1992

Maui Hands began a tradition of representing Hawaii’s fine artists and artisans in the spring of 1992, first opening to the public in August 1992 at The Courtyard, Makawao, with just 25 artisans. The second gallery began operation in November 1994 at the Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, Kahului, where for seven years in a row the gallery won the center’s award for “Highest Sales Per Square Foot” in its category. Maui Hands opened its third location in April 2000 in Paia on the picturesque North Shore, where much-needed space allowed for more art displays, as well as increased foot traffic. In December 2002, Maui Hands was invited to open at the prestigious Hyatt Regency, Ka’anapali, which allowed those artists remaining on the wait list to be represented.

Maui Hands opened in September 2004 on Front Street in popular Lahaina Town, and quickly became the second busiest of the four galleries after Paia. In July 2011, the Makawao location moved to a larger space on Makawao Avenue to accommodate larger pieces for the home, including fine furnishings, sculptures, and vessels crafted in wood, ceramics, plant fibers, and more.

Meet The Owner

Panna Speas Cappelli was born in the summer of 1960 on Lake Michigan. Her first home was a 52-foot sailboat she shared with her parents, grandmother, three sisters, a brother, and a monkey. She spent blissful years of childhood on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands before moving to Florida to attend college. After four years in a commune, a year traveling the world and two years in the Florida Keys, Panna then found a home in Maui. Her family and an interesting and eventful life taught her the value of courage, stamina, and honesty. Business school provided her the bookkeeping, secretarial, and management skills needed to start an enterprise, while working in the service industry taught her how to value and respect the customer. Maui Hands was born of a desire to work with good people while being surrounded by beauty. Dreams do come true!