Hawaiian Art & Vintage Prints by Matt Coffman
Original Watercolors
The Dance celebrates the grace, beauty, and enduring spirit of Hawai‘i through the timeless tradition of hula. Inspired by vintage Hawaiian travel art, the piece features a hula dancer framed by the ocean and familiar island silhouettes, using a warm, mid-century color palette of turquoise, burnt orange, cream, and deep tropical greens.
“Welcome to Beautiful Hawai‘i” recalls the optimism and romance of classic island tourism posters, while the words at the bottom—“The Life of the Land Is Perpetuated in Righteousness”—connect the artwork to Hawai‘i’s state motto and a much deeper sense of place. Together, the imagery and typography are meant to capture more than the beauty of the islands; they reflect the culture, movement, landscape, and spirit that make Hawai‘i unlike anywhere else.
Created in my signature vintage-inspired style, The Dance is a contemporary interpretation of classic Hawaiian poster art—designed to feel nostalgic while still being distinctly modern.
Two Sizes Available in paper print or canvas wrap.
Option 1 — 21” × 12” paper or canvas print w/floating frame
Option 2 — 33” x 19” paper or canvas print w/floating frame
This mixed-media print began with a handmade lei created from materials my daughter and I gathered together in Honolulu’s Chinatown. I painted the finished lei one leaf at a time, capturing its natural shapes, colors, and the beautiful round seeds of the he‘e berry. After scanning the original painting, I paired it with a solid, silkscreen-inspired background that gives the lei a bold, contemporary presence. Small areas of newsprint are subtly incorporated into the leaves, adding texture and visual interest.
Available in four background colors, each piece comes professionally framed with a double acid-free mat and UV-protective glass.
Mixed Media Artwork:
• Finished Size of 34” Wide x 30” Tall
• Professionally Framed and Matted
• UV Protective Glass
• Double Matted with acid-free mat
The Surf Series is a collection of modern, minimalist surfboard illustrations inspired by vintage board shapes and vibrant island color palettes. Designed as a cohesive family of prints, each piece pairs clean lines with layered textures and hand-drawn details. These works are intentionally crafted to be displayed together as a full series or styled in sets of two or three throughout a home for a curated island feel. Whether hung in an entryway, hallway, or living space, they bring a refined sense of aloha and surf culture into any environment.
Three Sizes Available:
Small – 18” x 12” paper print
Medium – 20” × 16” paper print w/mat
Large – 32” x 22” canvas print dry mount w/frame
The lifeguards were closing up for the day as two friends were making the short trek down to Makapu'u Beach Park to catch sunset surf. The light colors and intricate shape of the large Hau tree contrasted beautifully with the towering ridges that surround the bay. The colors in the valley of Makapu'u were naturally radiant. Makapu'u is located on the eastern end of the Island of O'ahu and boasts of a ridge that rises over 600 feet above sea level. The cliff at Makapu'u Point forms the eastern tip of Oahu and is home to the Makapu'u lighthouse.
Original Watercolor Painting:
• Finished Size: 28.5" Wide X 21.25" High
• Professionally Framed and Matted
• UV Protective Glass
• Arches Fine Art Watercolor Paper
• Fine Art Print Available (Contact for details)
Leonard’s Bakery has been a beloved staple on Kapahulu Avenue since 1952, best known for its hot, sugar-coated malasadas and unmistakable roadside sign. In the warm afternoon sun, the historic bakery comes alive with locals and visitors stopping in for one of Hawaiʻi’s favorite treats. This watercolor captures the color, character, and nostalgia of a true Honolulu landmark. This watercolor reflects the charm and everyday warmth of a cherished Honolulu landmark.
Original Watercolor Painting:
• Finished Size: 28.5" Wide X 21.25" High
• Professionally Framed and Matted
• UV Protective Glass
• Arches Fine Art Watercolor Paper
Mokulua Iki and Mokulua Nui, also referred to as the Mokuluas, translate to "the two islands" in Hawaiian. Situated off the windward coast, these two islets provide a tranquil backdrop against the vibrant array of canoes at rest on Lanikai Beach. These colorful ocean vessels are poised for a picturesque excursion.
Original Watercolor Painting:
• Finished Size: 28.5" Wide X 21.25" High
• Professionally Framed and Matted
• UV Protective Glass
• Arches Fine Art Watercolor Paper
Cutting through Chinatown with a minivan full of children, I rounded the crest on North King Street and saw it. Despite the rush of cars trailing me, I slowed down to catch the red light and scrambled to get the phone from my pocket. I quickly snapped a couple of photos of the afternoon light radiating from the green shades and the red brick. The fruit stand was lit up like a bag of Skittles and the brown boxes of imported merchandise added complexity to this composition that was somewhat irresistible. The light turned green, and I was left with but a glimpse of an image I would soon be studying and enjoying for hours. I’d like to say that capturing this moment was more glamorous, but just sometimes, that’s just the way inspiration presents itself.
Original Watercolor Painting:
• Finished Size: 28.5" Wide X 21.25" High
• Professionally Framed and Matted
• UV Protective Glass
• Arches Fine Art Watercolor Paper
As we landed in Hilo, I was looking out the window and captivated by the weathered, rusted red roof of the Suisan Fish Market. After our landing I took my daughter back to this beautiful subject, studying the area and taking in all the activity. The beautiful red roof of Suisan Fish Market at the mouth of the Wailoa River at Hilo Bay stood out against the backdrop of the tranquil blue waters, creating a striking and beautiful color contrast that added to the charm of this waterfront scene.
Original Watercolor Painting:
• Finished Size: 28.5" Wide X 21.25" High
• Professionally Framed and Matted
• UV Protective Glass
• Arches Fine Art Watercolor Paper
There was energy in the ocean as the gentle sea breeze carried the faint scent of salt in the air. The rhythmic sound of crashing waves provided a soothing sound as this resident surfer walked across the hot sand, back to his bright yellow beach cruiser parked nearby. The two twisted trees, firmly anchored at the mouth of Kalama Beach Park, provided a picture-perfect canopy that framed the crystal-clear turquoise water of Kailua Bay. The vibrant greens of the beach Naupaka plants added a splash of color and complimented the beautiful shape of the mountain range off in the horizon.
Original Watercolor Painting:
• Finished Size: 28.5" Wide X 21.25" High
• Professionally Framed and Matted
• UV Protective Glass
• Arches Fine Art Watercolor Paper
• Fine Art Print Available (Contact for details)
Edition Sold Out — 0 Prints Remaining
Four-Man Outrigger captures the excitement of Waikīkī’s early outrigger canoe culture, when adventurous visitors came to Hawai‘i eager to experience the power of the surf. Outrigger canoes offered guests the chance to feel the energy of the waves—often called “rollers”—that arrived each summer in Waikīkī from the Southern Hemisphere. Wide-eyed passengers contributed what paddle power they could while a seasoned, sun-bronzed steersman skillfully guided the 40-foot canoe through the surf. This artwork presents a rare vantage point of an outrigger canoe in Waikīkī, celebrating the contrast between the practiced strength of the steersman and the excitement of visitors experiencing the ocean in an entirely new way. It is a glimpse into a time when Waikīkī’s beaches, canoes, and legendary watermen helped define the spirit of Hawai‘i for generations of travelers.
Limited-Edition Fine Art Print
Finished Size: 44" Wide × 58" High
Professionally Framed
Printed on Hahnemühle 310 gsm fine-art paper
Closed Edition of 7
Hand-signed and numbered
Certificate of Authenticity included
Free shipping within Hawai‘i and the continental United States
6 of 7 Prints Remaining
A‘ala Lani, meaning “Heavenly Fragrance,” captures a quiet moment of island life. Surrounded by lush tropical foliage, a lei maker carefully strings fragrant white blossoms as Diamond Head rests peacefully in the distance. Overhead, an airplane departs the islands—a subtle reminder of Hawai‘i’s enduring draw for people from around the world. The traditions of lei making, the natural beauty of the land, and the warmth of aloha offer a glimpse into why Hawai‘i has long been celebrated as the Paradise of the Pacific. For me, this piece represents that unique intersection of land, culture, people, and hospitality that makes Hawai‘i unlike anywhere else.
Limited-Edition Fine Art Print
Finished Size: 44" Wide × 58" High
Professionally Framed
Printed on Hahnemühle 310 gsm fine-art paper
Closed Edition of 7
Hand-signed and numbered
Certificate of Authenticity included
Free shipping within Hawai‘i and the continental United States
5 of 7 Prints Remaining
Sail On captures the color, movement, and sense of freedom that make Hawai‘i’s waters so unforgettable. Viewed from above, a lone sailboat moves through brilliant turquoise water as it rounds Diamond Head, its bright yellow sail standing in sharp contrast to the deep blues and greens of the Pacific. In the distance, the unmistakable pink silhouette of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel anchors the scene in Waikīkī, adding a nostalgic connection to one of Hawai‘i’s most iconic stretches of coastline.
The piece is inspired by the feeling of being out on the water in the trade winds, where the city begins to fall away and the ocean takes over. A white koa‘e kea, or white-tailed tropicbird, adds another distinctly Hawaiian element to the composition, reinforcing the sense of movement and open air. The layered color, elevated perspective, and vintage-inspired styling are meant to capture more than a specific place—they reflect the experience of Hawai‘i itself: sunlight on the water, wind in the sail, and the pull of the horizon.
For me, Sail On is a reminder of what it feels like to leave the shoreline behind and head toward something beautiful.
Limited-Edition Fine Art Print
Finished Size: 44" Wide × 58" High
Professionally Framed
Printed on Hahnemühle 310 gsm fine-art paper
Closed Edition of 7
Hand-signed and numbered
Certificate of Authenticity included
Free shipping within Hawai‘i and the continental United States
Cutting through Chinatown with a minivan full of children, I rounded the crest on North King Street and saw it. Despite the rush of cars trailing me, I slowed down to catch the red light and scrambled to get the phone from my pocket. I quickly snapped a couple of photos of the afternoon light radiating from the green shades and the red brick. The fruit stand was lit up like a bag of Skittles and the brown boxes of imported merchandise added complexity to this composition that was somewhat irresistible. The light turned green, and I was left with but a glimpse of an image I would soon be studying and enjoying for hours. I’d like to say that capturing this moment was more glamorous, but just sometimes, that’s just the way inspiration presents itself.
Fine Art Print:
• Limited Edition, signed and numbered
• Museum-quality fine art Giclée print
• Archival inks on acid-free fine art paper
• Matted to fit standard 20" X 16" frame
The five metal soldiers standing proudly on Monsarrat Avenue near Diamond Head have weathered many years, dutifully watching over the neighborhood. Their surfaces show the passage of time through contrasting layers of tenant paint, hand-painted numbers, and vibrant spots of deep red and turquoise rust. Each mailbox possesses its distinct character, yet together they form a harmonious symphony of captivating shapes, colors, and textures that add character to this gem-of-a-neighborhood on the base of Diamond Head.
Fine Art Print:
• Limited Edition, signed and numbered
• Museum-quality fine art Giclée print
• Archival inks on acid-free fine art paper
• Matted to fit standard 20" X 16" frame
The lifeguards were closing up for the day as two friends were making the short trek down to Makapu'u Beach Park to catch sunset surf. The light colors and intricate shape of the large Hau tree contrasted beautifully with the towering ridges that surround the bay. The colors in the valley of Makapu'u were naturally radiant. Makapu'u is located on the eastern end of the Island of O'ahu and boasts of a ridge that rises over 600 feet above sea level. The cliff at Makapu'u Point forms the eastern tip of Oahu and is home to the Makapu'u lighthouse.
Fine Art Print:
• Limited Edition, signed and numbered
• Museum-quality fine art Giclée print
• Archival inks on acid-free fine art paper
• Matted to fit standard 20" X 16" frame
There was energy in the ocean as the gentle sea breeze carried the faint scent of salt in the air. The rhythmic sound of crashing waves provided a soothing sound as this resident surfer walked across the hot sand, back to his bright yellow beach cruiser parked nearby. The two twisted trees, firmly anchored at the mouth of Kalama Beach Park, provided a picture-perfect canopy that framed the crystal-clear turquoise water of Kailua Bay. The vibrant greens of the beach Naupaka plants added a splash of color and complimented the beautiful shape of the mountain range off in the horizon.
Fine Art Print:
• Limited Edition, signed and numbered
• Museum-quality fine art Giclée print
• Archival inks on acid-free fine art paper
• Matted to fit standard 20" X 16" frame
Kealakekua Bay on the South Shore of the Big Island had the most gorgeous black rock formations that reflected deep within the crystal-clear water of the bay. The glow from the plastic ocean vessels and set in front of the veridian water was a sight to behold.
Fine Art Print:
• Limited Edition, signed and numbered
• Museum-quality fine art Giclée print
• Archival inks on acid-free fine art paper
• Matted to fit standard 20" X 16" frame
Mokulua Iki and Mokulua Nui, also referred to as the Mokuluas, translate to "the two islands" in Hawaiian. Situated off the windward coast, these two islets provide a tranquil backdrop against the vibrant array of canoes at rest on Lanikai Beach. These colorful ocean vessels are poised for a picturesque excursion.
Fine Art Print:
• Limited Edition, signed and numbered
• Museum-quality fine art Giclée print
• Archival inks on acid-free fine art paper
• Matted to fit standard 20" X 16" frame
Waikiki Beach Boys was painted from a black and white photograph taken in the early 1920’s near Moana Surf Rider Hotel. It shows a handful of boys with long, solid wood surfboards, standing behind several hand-carved wooden canoes and evokes a sense of a simpler, more intentional time in Hawaiian history.
Waikiki Beach Boys is one of my largest original hand‑painted watercolors. It is professionally framed and measures 37.5″ high by 41.5″ long.
Four Boys and a Canoe, also known as Still Waters, is inspired by a photograph from the early 1920s. The image drew me in with its pure simplicity, perfectly capturing the essence of island life for these young boys. This artwork is painted on 300 lb Arches paper and is presented with a floating mount and shadow box frame, highlighting the deckled edge.
Original Watercolor Painting:
• Finished Size: 28.5" Wide X 21.25" High
• Professionally Framed and Matted
• UV Protective Glass
• 300lb Arches Fine Art Watercolor Paper
Approximate Size: 29” tall x 36.5” wide
Waikiki Splash is a large, original, hand‑painted watercolor capturing the energy of five paddlers riding a swell in a bold red and yellow canoe through the turquoise waves of Waikiki. Framed by the iconic silhouette of Diamond Head, this piece was inspired by vintage photographs from the 1950s and brings to life a moment that was once an everyday scene yet rarely witnessed beyond the islands. The masterful steersman guides the canoe as a splash of ocean mist partially obscures its colorful hull, creating a scene that is both dynamic and serene. At 33.25” x 50” framed, this luminous, light‑filled watercolor is a beautiful statement piece that celebrates the classic era of riding the waves at Canoes in Waikiki and the timeless beauty of the Hawaiian Islands.