An Island Tradition...

Dolphin Galleries

Dolphin Galleries began as a small shop in Lahaina, Maui in March 1976.  From the very beginning, Dolphin Galleries was envisioned by its founder, Stephen W. Schlag, as a place where people could come in and get lost in the wonderful space filled with fine and unique treasures. Steve had a keen eye for finding unusual jewelry and fine art glass and many items reflecting the love he had for sailing and diving in Hawaii's beautiful waters. 

Year after year Dolphin Gallery gained a following of repeat clientele, those sent by friends and relatives, and new clients who walked away with treasures from "that wonderful little gift shop" in Lahaina.  Encouraged by the response to his gallery, Steve set out to find even finer merchandise.  Word filtered through the community and artists began approaching Steve. By 1993, the little gallery on Front Street had become well known for its unique collection of marine art, unique gifts, collectable glass and fine jewelry.

Steve’s vision grew and in 1985 he opened a location at Whaler's Village in Ka'anapali and formally entered the growing and competitive art market of Maui.  To Dolphin Galleries great fortune, Dutch artist, Loet Vanderveen joined forces, introducing his beautiful, sleek and stylized sculptures of African animals to Hawaii.   

In 1996 Steve opened a gallery in the beautiful Kings Shops at Waikoloa on the Big Island. This was followed in December 2000 with the opening of a Jewelry Gallery and an Art Gallery in the spectacular “Shops at Wailea”, winning the Building Industry Association’s Grand Award. The focus of all of our galleries is to show the best of what we represent with new emphasis on the most sought-after island artists including artwork by Alexei Butirskiy, Betty Hay Freeland, Jia Lu and Frogman as well as jewelry designers, Mikel, Teufel, Matt Bezak. 

Today, with the majority of retail switching to online stores, Steve sees this as the next big opportunity to bring unique treasures directly to your home. Now with the ability to easily shop online and the same quality customer services, Dolphin Galleries is joining in the paradigm shift in the Art Industry.