Five Decades of Art, Aloha & Enduring Partnerships

Celebrating the people, partnerships, and passion that have shaped one of Hawaiʻi’s most respected fine art galleries for five decades.

Since opening its doors in 1976, Lahaina Galleries has spent five decades connecting exceptional artists with collectors through a shared appreciation for creativity, craftsmanship, and the spirit of Hawaiʻi.

As one of Lahaina Galleries’ longest-represented artists, Robert Lyn Nelson is honored to celebrate this milestone and recognize the gallery’s enduring contribution to Hawaiʻi’s art community.

Like many great stories, Lahaina Galleries began with a leap of faith—and an unexpected change of plans.

In the early 1970s, founders Jim and Nancy Killett were living in Germany, where Jim was teaching school after serving four years in the Marine Corps. During the cold winters, they found inspiration while watching Hawaii Five-O. Captivated by the beauty and spirit of the islands, they made a life-changing decision to leave their teaching careers, sell nearly everything they owned, and move to Maui.

Their original plan was to purchase an ice cream parlor. When they arrived and learned it was no longer available, their plans took an unexpected turn. Instead, Jim and Nancy opened a small art gallery in a 1,500-square-foot storefront on Front Street in Lahaina in 1976—and Lahaina Galleries was born.

What began as a small gallery soon earned a reputation for representing exceptional artists, welcoming collectors from around the world, supporting the local community, and helping establish Front Street as one of Hawaiʻi’s premier destinations for fine art.

As the gallery’s reputation grew, so did its reach. Over the years, Lahaina Galleries expanded beyond its original Maui home, opening additional locations in Hawaiʻi, California, Oregon, and Florida. While those locations eventually closed as the business evolved, the gallery’s commitment to artists, collectors, and exceptional fine art has remained at the heart of its legacy.

Over the years, countless artists have become part of the gallery’s story, including Robert Lyn Nelson, who began exhibiting with Lahaina Galleries in 1977 at just 22 years old.

Reflecting on how that partnership began, Lahaina Galleries founder Jim Killett recalls:

“Robert and I got started together in 1977 when his brother, Gary, walked into our little gallery in Lahaina and said he had a brother who paints. I had no idea what was headed our way but next year will be a 50 year association!”

Nearly five decades later, Robert’s artwork continues to be represented by Lahaina Galleries, making it his longest gallery partnership. This year’s celebration is especially meaningful as Robert’s daughter, Sienna Nelson, is now also a Lahaina Galleries artist, continuing a relationship that now spans two generations.

Although Lahaina Galleries said farewell to its iconic Front Street home in 2020 after 44 memorable years, the gallery’s story continues today at The Shops at Wailea. Still family-owned and operated by the Killett family, Lahaina Galleries continues the vision Jim and Nancy began five decades ago while welcoming both longtime collectors and new generations of art enthusiasts.

On Saturday, August 15, Lahaina Galleries will celebrate this remarkable milestone with a special anniversary exhibition featuring seven local artists, including Robert and Sienna Nelson. Guests are invited to enjoy an afternoon of art, light refreshments, pupus, and the opportunity to be among the first to view several new original works making their debut during the celebration.

For generations of collectors, a visit to Lahaina Galleries has meant far more than discovering beautiful artwork. It has been a place to meet artists, build lasting friendships, celebrate special moments, and take home pieces that become part of their family’s story. Those enduring relationships are a meaningful part of Lahaina Galleries’ legacy and one of the reasons this milestone is so special.

Congratulations to founders Jim and Nancy Killett, their sons Lee and Beau Killett, their families, and the entire Lahaina Galleries family on reaching this incredible milestone. Congratulations on fifty years of supporting artists, inspiring collectors, and enriching Hawaiʻi’s vibrant art community.

Here’s to celebrating a remarkable legacy—and to many more years of art, aloha, and enduring partnerships. Robert and Sienna Nelson look forward to celebrating this special milestone with Lahaina Galleries and hope to see many friends and collectors at the anniversary celebration on August 15, 2026.

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