The Bead Gallery

Came here looking for beads and thread/​cord to bind small books. Great selection! Spent some time browsing. There are a lot of beads and beading supplies on display. There’s even more items in drawers under the main displays. Person behind the counter was very helpful. She helped me select some alternatives to the Nymo thread I was originally planning to buy. I ended up buying some micro cord and Chinese knotting cord. Nice selection of colors. I saw some cool skull beads but did not buy. Will need to come back.

Amazing selections and helpful owners and staff. A+++ expensive. Great ambiance and classes offered that are fairly priced. Too much to chose from so be prepared to spend time browsing all the drawers and compartments.

The Bead Gallery posted a picture and a «Make and Take» announcement of a bunch of pastel colored Easter bracelets on their Facebook page today. My friends and I got really excited but since we live on the Leeward side, I thought I’d call and see how much the make and take bracelets cost before we drove down there on this busy Saturday.
This woman answered and she didn’t know what I was talking about so I patiently waited for her to see the post on their facebook.
Then she proceeds to tell me that those aren’t the «make and take» bracelets for today. The ad CLEARLY says, Come on down, we’re here till 6pm, referring to the picture.
Then she proceeds to tell me that the rose quartz bracelet with the pink shell is a coworker’s own design and is $ 500.
Um, what?
So you advertise this picture and it’s not even the make and take for today? And it’s $ 500?
My mom is a GIA certified diamond cutter and gemologist and there are NO rose quartz round cut beads that cost that much.
Those are NOT the bracelets you are making for the make and takes. then why was it posted? Check out their Facebook, here, and you will see, unless they delete it
The quote is, «Easter bracelets of the day! Come by and play til 6pm today at the bead gallery! Join in our make and take! Bunny Hugs!#thebeadgallery #braceletsoftheday»
Then the picture below.
Then I just told her how the post is misleading.
She rudely said, «okay okay thanks» and hung up on me.
Now, I have heard about their «attitudes» at that store, and now I can see it.
I won’t be taking my business there, I was going to bring 5 of my friends to buy and build pieces but I think we’ll go somewhere else instead!
Too bad because other ratings are good here, but then again, it just takes one bad employee to ruin it for everyone else.
No Aloha from that woman on the phone, you know who you are!

Very friendly staff, they treat you like family. Always willing to help you on your new project and give you some pointers. Great variety if tools, charms and beads/​gemstone.

Unilocal 100 Challenge #29/​100
Just went down to the Bead Gallery today. I needed help as my bracelet needed some TLC as it was almost breaking. Jamie went ahead and fixed up my bracelet and now it’s as good as new. Prior to this I stopped by a while ago and Michelle fixed up a bracelet as well. I just let her know that something was wrong and she said, «that’s easy I can fix it for you.» No more than 10 minutes later it is all fixed up. What great service!!!
When I did come down today Jason saw me and said hello from the back area of the store. I love this place. It’s like «Cheers where everyone knows your name.» They treat you like Ohana. Thanks you Jamie, Jason, and Michelle for taking care of me these years! You guys are the best!

When I was in preschool, my classmate dared me to stick a bead up my nose. Of course, I obliged. After a quick trip to the doctor’s office to have the bead removed, my traumatizing experience left me without much interest in beading and jewelry making. Following my wonderful experience at The Bead Gallery, I am more than willing to give beading a second chance… just without putting them up my nose again.
After developing an interest in mala and their meditative and spiritual purpose, I browsed the internet in search of one to purchase when I came across The Bead Gallery’s website featuring an upcoming Mala Make N Take class! I called immediately to make a reservation for my mom, friend, and myself! The Bead Gallery’s classroom has limited seating, so I highly recommend making a reservation for a class you are interested in attending!
Once we arrived, we were immediately helped and instructed to start picking some of our favorite beads and gems that we may like to include in our mala while the previous class wrapped up. With millions and millions of beads, charms, and gemstones, (Seriously. MILLIONS!), I had a fun time just rifling through the hanging strands and drawers and admiring the beautiful assortment of colors and textures!
When the class began, Jamie, one of the owners, briefly explained what mala necklaces were used for and their spiritual significance. Rather than a necklace that we just use to accessorize an outfit, a mala should be created and worn as if it is an extension of our own body — with care and thoughtfulness. Jamie encouraged us to write an intention down to help guide us through the creation of our mala. I continued to circle back to my intention as I mulled over what beads and gemstones to include and in what pattern to arrange them in. I eventually chose 9 gemstones to arrange within my mala. When I asked Jason, a co-​owner, to describe the meaning of each gemstone, I found that I had unintentionally picked a collection that evoked harmony, calm, and peace! I certainly felt at peace as I worked on my mala!
Jamie, Jason, and The Bead Gallery staff were absolutely AMAZING! They were knowledgeable, supportive, and always willing to lend a helping hand in our designing and creating process. They even stayed open an hour after closing to let us finish our mala necklaces! We were too engrossed in our project to realize that we had stayed much longer than we intended! I am already planning to return soon for another project!

Conveniently located in the City Square Annex, just a few doors down from the Police Substation off Kalani Street. There’s parking in front of the business as well as at City Square across the street.
I went in to find leather or silk cording to make puka shell bracelets. The woman who helped me was very knowledgeable and actually showed me how to make a simple nylon cord bracelet and the correct size of cording to use, taking into account all the details I provided her. I bought my nylon cording and was out the door in less than 20 minutes! Now that’s service! I’ll definitely be back to support our local businesses!

The beads are great quality large selection. Much better customer service than other Bead it shops. Fortunately, after hearing the skinny caucasian lady and another who was too busy to even look up I sought out the help of the owner’s husband as he was very laid back. I was about to only buy about $ 10 worth from one salesperson and then he was on a roll introducing many strands and stones i like but dunno how to work with. No matter, he was extremely professional and genuinely cared about his craft and his customers, as i will only buy if i get a good vibe shopping there. Look for him when you shop there. :)

I love bead gallery — such a good selection of beautiful beads and friendly, knowledgable, helpful staff. Amanda was really nice. I like that there is plenty parking too. This is definitely my favorite bead store.

Can you have ridiculously good customer service? If you can, I found it here at the family owned Bead Gallery. If you are interested in basic jewelry making you can come here and make whatever piece you want on the spot. They have private lessons and classes as well, and they are seriously helpful if you’re just there to shop.
That being said, I’m a huge fan. Other pros: they have the best selection on the island from basic beads to beautiful gems. I like to stick with real stones which they have a plethora of in all shapes and sizes. They also get in really interesting, rare but inexpensive gems from dealers so I know they are always looking out for their customers.
I have learned so much just by shopping here, I wouldn’t have been able to make half of the pieces I have without them.
Things to know before you head to B.G.:
— Hours of operation: closed Monday and Tuesday. Open around 12 most weekdays, so check to make sure you don’t make to fruitless trips like I did lol
— Good prices, but a lot of things add up, so look forward to spending a pretty penny if you shop like I do (ohhh gems). Although they do have a customer stamp card! Hurrah!

So helpful and just a fantastic array of pretty much anything you could possibly want/​need to make any type of jewelry. I love the array of stones they have there… I could stay here for hours!

One of the reviews here seems to have a lot of problems with The Bead Gallery, but I’m going to tell you that they are pretty much WRONG.
I have been making jewelry as a business for 12 years, and The Bead Gallery has been there for me every step of the way. You’ll not find a more capable, friendly, imaginative group of people than in this store. They can help you with everything! Supplies, technique, blending colors, and creative suggestions.
The review from 2012 says you must buy the bead gallery tools for a free class. Incorrect. You are welcome to bring tools from home, and if you don’t have them, they have a whole cabinet of loaner tools you can use for class. (I know, I teach there). The 2012 review says you must buy all supplies from them. Also incorrect. Lots of people have special things they bring in to make a gift. I’ve seen Jamie sit down with a customer and help design pieces with these kinds of materials.
The 2012 review says they have problems with children, also 100% incorrect. But don’t bring your child in, let him/​her pick up all the beads, mix them around, knock over displays and not expect one of the staff to ask that they be more careful with the expensive gemstones. The store is full of beautiful color, and children (my own daughter included) will want to grab everything. An extra measure of vigilance is required from all parents accompanied by a child. That being said, your child will LOVE this store, and there are very beginner projects that a child can complete if you just ask the staff!
As for the price, if you make a hundred pieces a month, then you’ll make contacts and find suppliers. You’ll network and find the best quality supplies at the lowest prices. Then you’ll make a trip to Tucson Arizona every year to see those suppliers and hand select the most beautiful materials you can find. Speaking from experience, this takes years. That’s what Jamie and Jason at The Bead Gallery have done for you, the customer.
Now, if you’d like to make a special gift for a family member or friend, you can lay the groundwork like they have done, make those connections, fly to Tucson in February and maybe you can make your piece for a lower price eventually. Or you can make a trip to The Bead Gallery, and take advantage of the best selection on the island, decades of collective experience, and super friendly, positive family atmosphere.
Even as a professional, I still go to The Bead Gallery if I need something quick. If anywhere on the island has what you need to make that special piece of jewelry, it will be The Bead Gallery. Tell them Panda sent you. :)

Wish there was a 6-​star rating option for this awesome, friendly neighborhood bead playground!
Whether it was the Ward location or the current Kalihi storefront that I visited, I have always been blessed with warm staff, patient hands and helpful knowledgeable bead masters!!! Let’s just say I never leave here empty-​handed, as in I always leave with a successful project and ear-​to-​ear smile on my face!
Most recently, I was practically waited on hand and foot by Jamie, Michelle and Anna. They helped me to create a lovely custom bodhi bracelet for my beloved grandmother’s birthday. Did I mention that her birthday dinner was that evening (in a few hours)?!
I also thought it was awesome that they have You Tube video tutorials. Plus, they had an iPad handy so I could watch the video in-​store. How cool is that!!!
I will most definitely be back… Probably next month to make my mom’s birthday present {bracelet}…

I never really knew that jewelry can be empowering! Going to the Cupcake Wellness event totally changed my perception. The owner, Jamie Yoshida, explained that she hand picks each and every item in her shop (maybe that’s why everythings looks so sparkly) and every stone has an unique property. I love my jewelry even more now and dream of new designs that I want to wear. Also, its been the best present for friends to go with them and have them make a special gift for themselves. This is one of Hawaii’s best kept secret spots to shop!!!

I recently took up a new interest and wanted to make my own jewelry so this beading and jewelry is very new for me. Before this, I did not pay any attention to the local bead/​jewelry stores in Hawaii. My friend emailed me one of their newsletters and I wanted to see what it’s all about.
I started to read their newsletter and then the website, then finally their FB page. I discovered that they offer classes. Great! I need to learn some basic techniques. They offer beginner classes as well as advance classes. They have group classes as well as custom classes. Some classes will provide you with all the tools while others; you will have to bring your own or just buy the supplies you need at the shop. Once the class is over, you will have your very own handmade jewelry. Isn’t that awesome?! Just want I was looking for to get started on my new interest.
The Bead Gallery is located in the Ward/​Kakaako area and have been at this site for about 11 years now. Since it was not too far from my work place, I decided to try and find it and check it out before attending any of their classes.
Parking entrance is on both Ward and Auahi. Do read the signage on where you can and can not park. It was a bit tricky. Once you park, the stairs is located towards the middle of the building. The store is on the second floor in suite 200.
As you walk in for the first time, it was a bit intimidating. Although the staff greeted me and offered assistance, I opted to just browse for a bit. After walking around, I could see how organized everything is and felt more comfortable.
After browsing around a bit, I finally asked them about their free tour and class they offered. She said she could give me a tour right now if I wanted to. However, it was during my break, I could not stay long so we scheduled a tour for the following day.
During my tour, I learned so much in that 30 minute. At each area, there was a sample or inspirational piece so you can see what you can make out of them. It was organized by type. I got to learn what things were made out of and how they make certain pieces and what techniques were used. I was so inspired after the tour. I wanted to learn how to make everything! I am definitely signing up for a class or two.
They will see a lot of me in the future…

My daughters just love visiting the store. We live about 45 minutes away and it’s the Bead Gallery that they want to go to on the weekends. Jamie and Jason (and all the other beaders) are very welcoming and helpful and got my girls started on their love of beading. They help teach them techniques that they can do at their ages. They make my daughters feel confident and proud of the beautiful things they can now make on their own.

Whether you are a beginning beader or someone who has beaded for a while, The Bead Gallery is the place for you! When you walk into the store, your eyes are immediately greeted with a delicious rainbow of colors. And their selection of beads, findings, and tools cannot be beat! Jamie Yoshida, along with her husband Jason, makes sure her store carries only the highest quality merchandise. They and their friendly staff provide you with inspiration and whatever help you need to create your masterpieces. From kits to classes, lampwork to luscious gemstones, seed beads to silver, tools to tips and techniques taught on instructional dvds, The Bead Gallery really is the place to find all that you’re looking for — — and more! I love this place, and you will too!