Hawaiian paintings and prints that reflect the true essence of the Kohala environs portrayed by Hawaiian artist, Reuben Luke Bumanglag (aka Reuben b). Hawaiian paintings of this nature are sought after because they express the life experiences of those who were born and raised in Hawai`i. If you are an admirer of authentic Hawaiian paintings and art, consider the work of this gifted Kohala artist. His Mauna Kea Beach Hawaiian art is a treasure.

"His art captures what some day may never be."

As the growing numbers of luxury hotels urbanize and rearrange the environment of the Kohala Coast, this Hawaiian artist's work is known to dramatically capture the backdrop and vistas that are rapidly vanishing from the Kama`aina homeland. With diminishing access and undoing of one of Hawai`i's ancient and remote coast lines, the art of Reuben Luke Bumanglag (aka Reuben b) will one day be looked at as a priceless snapshot of the places and times where we lived, worked, and raised families prior to its immolation by the fires of "progress." Many Kama`aina who live here understand that being a Big Islander is to be a steward of our land--a land that welcomes newcomers, offers fascinating places, grand vistas, and fragile ecosystems. Reuben's art captures the authenticity, beauty, spirit, and "noho ana" (way of life) of the people of the Big Island who call Kohala their home.

Hawaiian Artist Introduction...

Introduction - Any artist from anywhere can paint Hawai`i's beauty. However, only a handful of artists are able to capture the essence, consciousness, and beauty of Hawai`i's Big Island through experience. In other words, to be “local” to the Big Island is to have lived the Hawaiian experience first hand since childhood. Reuben b is such a person.

His Work - For those who seek local Big Island art will find his work to be historical, relevant, and special. His depiction of coastal life reflects relationships with nature, people, and time. His art is engaging, colorful, and in many ways prophetic. It restores to consciousness a realization that Kohala's beauty and access to open spaces are being challenged like never before. His art captures what some day may never be.

Although he had painted for some time prior, Reuben's first public Hawaiian art show was in 1981 at Waipio Woodworks. Over 30 paintings were purchased by Hawaiian art enthusiasts. Today, collectors continue to seek his work for which the artist says "I am very thankful."

His watercolors are as powerful as his oils and acrylics. His art documents many of the Kohala landmarks, some of which are no longer standing or not accessible due to industrial development, urbanization, or neglect.

His Life - Reuben Bumanglag was born in November 1942 and was christened Reuben Luke Bumanglag. As a youngster, he was raised in the small sugar plantation town of Hakalau. He later moved to the Kohala plantation town of Kapa`au where he raised his family and took up painting. The sugar mills have since closed and passed into time like many of the others that dotted the Big Island. However, the memories and images of growing up in such an environment continue to guide his sense of visual expression. He says he is "still making daily discoveries" and hopes "that it will bring not only pleasure, awareness, and Aloha toward others, but also inspire malama (care) and kuleana (responsibility) to our land."