REVIEW · BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII
Fun and Creative Stained Glass Class and Workshop
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A stained glass class in Hawaii sounds fancy, but this one is simple. In Kailua Kona, Sheri & Doug Reynolds guide you through hands-on stained glass so you make something real, with materials handled for you. I love the friendly pace and the fact that you work right in the studio, not in a lecture hall. The only drawback to watch is the time: you’ll be learning and creating for about 3.5 hours, so don’t book it when you’re exhausted or running on a tight schedule.
What I liked most is the focus on your finished project—especially because you get to take it home the same day. The take-home sun catcher is the payoff, and you also get plenty of personal attention as you go from rough shapes to a clean, finished piece.
In This Review
- Key Things to Know Before You Go
- Stained Glass in Kailua Kona: The Most Hands-On Thing You’ll Do
- Your Project: A Sun Catcher You Can Bring Home Today
- How the Class Works in Practice (What You Do During Those 3.5 Hours)
- Learning With Sheri and Doug Reynolds: Friendly Teachers, Real Guidance
- Studio Comfort and Safety: Why It Feels Easier Than You’d Think
- Price and Value: What $125 Really Covers
- Who This Workshop Is Best For (And Who Might Hesitate)
- Logistics You’ll Actually Care About
- Should You Book Big Island Stained Glass?
- FAQ
- Where is the stained glass class meeting point?
- How long does the workshop take?
- How much does it cost?
- Does the price include materials?
- What will I take home?
- What skills will the class teach?
- Is it one-on-one or in a group?
- What language is the class offered in?
- Can I get a refund if my plans change?
Key Things to Know Before You Go
- You’ll make a small sun catcher and take it home the same day (stand sold separately)
- Instruction covers the full basics: cutting, grinding, foiling, and soldering
- You work with Sheri & Doug Reynolds in a well-run studio setting
- One-on-one and group formats both exist, depending on your booking and group
- $125 includes materials, so you’re not hit with surprise add-ons for supplies
- Your class ends back at the meeting point, making it easy to plan the rest of your Kona day
Stained Glass in Kailua Kona: The Most Hands-On Thing You’ll Do
This workshop is a great change of pace on the Big Island. Instead of another scenic stop where you mostly look, you’ll create something with your hands. It’s also a smart match for Kona, because the day is short enough to fit between beach time and dinner plans.
The setting matters. Sheri and Doug run the class in a studio that feels clean, organized, and safe, with an atmosphere that helps beginners relax quickly. Even if stained glass feels intimidating, you’re not expected to already know the process.
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Your Project: A Sun Catcher You Can Bring Home Today
The best part is also the clearest: you take home your finished souvenir the same day. You’ll create a small stained glass sun catcher, which gives you a tangible memory you can actually use and display.
One small detail to plan for: the stand isn’t included. If you want the full setup for hanging or showing it, you may need to buy the stand separately. Still, getting the finished piece in hand at the end of class is a big value win, since you don’t have to worry about shipping or later pickups.
How the Class Works in Practice (What You Do During Those 3.5 Hours)
You’re not just watching someone else work. You’ll learn the basics and apply them step by step. The class covers cutting, grinding, foiling, and soldering, which is the core stained glass workflow.
Here’s the practical way to think about your time:
First, you’ll choose the design and get set up with your glass and tools. Then you’ll move through the hands-on steps that build the piece, one skill at a time. The instructors guide you through each stage so you’re not left to guess. This is especially helpful if you’re trying stained glass for the first time and you want quick clarity rather than trial-and-error.
Grinding and foiling are the part newcomers often worry about, because they determine how well pieces fit and how clean the edges look. This workshop treats those steps as learnable tasks. You’ll get help while you build confidence, not after you’ve already made a costly mistake.
Finally, soldering is where the piece comes together. By the end, you’ll have a finished sun catcher ready to take home. In a class like this, that matters: you get a complete outcome, not just a partially assembled project.
Learning With Sheri and Doug Reynolds: Friendly Teachers, Real Guidance
Sheri and Doug Reynolds teach with a mix of structure and warmth. From the way they explain materials and steps, you get the sense that they want you to succeed, fast. A big theme in the class is personalized attention, so if you want more help on a particular step, you can get it.
If you’re going with family, this is also a good sign. The workshop is described as relaxed and un-rushed, which can make a difference when you have someone who’s excited but new to the craft. The studio setup helps too—everything is prepared ahead of time, so you spend your energy on learning the process rather than sorting tools.
Studio Comfort and Safety: Why It Feels Easier Than You’d Think
Stained glass includes sharp tools, heat, and messy bits, so it’s fair to wonder if a beginner workshop feels chaotic. The studio here is set up to avoid that. Reviews highlight a clean, organized space and a safe teaching approach, which is exactly what you want when you’re learning.
You also shouldn’t feel rushed. This matters because stained glass rewards careful work. If you’re pushed through the steps, corners get cut and results look rough. The pacing gives you room to get your bearings and do the work properly.
Price and Value: What $125 Really Covers
At $125 per person for about 3 hours 30 minutes, the price is fair because materials are included. That’s not a small detail. Some art classes look cheap at checkout, then quietly add charges for tools, glass, or finishing supplies. Here, the class includes what you need to make the souvenir.
You’re also paying for expert guidance. Sheri and Doug are teaching you the steps—cutting, grinding, foiling, and soldering—so you’re not just buying a craft kit. You’re learning a real technique with hands-on help, then leaving with a finished stained glass item you can use.
The only add-on to consider is the stand, since it’s sold separately. If you care about display right away, you may want to factor that into your budget.
Who This Workshop Is Best For (And Who Might Hesitate)
This is ideal if you want a hands-on activity that feels creative but isn’t overwhelming. You don’t need prior experience, and the instruction is built to help beginners catch on quickly. If you’ve got a creative streak, you’ll likely have a lot of fun choosing glass colors and building your design.
It also works well for families with older kids. The class is described as friendly and comfortable, with good organization and instructions. You’ll still be doing real craft work, so younger children might need extra patience, but the environment is set up to support learning.
You might hesitate if you dislike concentrating for a solid chunk of time with your hands on tools. This isn’t a casual stroll activity. It’s a workshop, and you’ll be focused on steps and results for the duration.
Logistics You’ll Actually Care About
The class starts at 75-672 Waiau Pl, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA, and it ends back at the meeting point. That round-trip simplicity helps a lot on a travel day, since you don’t have to plan a separate transfer back.
You’ll receive confirmation within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed.
The workshop is listed as private for your group, so you’re not stuck sharing the same experience with strangers beyond what your booking setup includes. That can make it feel calmer and more personalized, especially if you want more guidance.
Should You Book Big Island Stained Glass?
Yes—if you want a memorable, hands-on craft day in Kailua Kona. The value is strong because materials are included, you learn the key stained glass steps, and you leave with a finished sun catcher the same day. It’s also one of those rare activities where the outcome feels personal, not like a souvenir you didn’t really make.
If you’re coming to the Big Island for beaches and big views only, this may feel like a detour. But if you want something you can hold onto—something you can hang in your home—this class is a solid pick.
If you’re short on time, make room for the full 3.5 hours so you can enjoy the process instead of rushing the learning.
FAQ
Where is the stained glass class meeting point?
It starts at 75-672 Waiau Pl, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.
How long does the workshop take?
The duration is about 3 hours 30 minutes.
How much does it cost?
The price is $125.00 per person.
Does the price include materials?
Yes. Materials are included in the class.
What will I take home?
You’ll take home a small finished stained glass sun catcher the same day. The stand is sold separately.
What skills will the class teach?
You’ll learn the basics of stained glass, including cutting, grinding, foiling, and soldering.
Is it one-on-one or in a group?
It offers both one-on-one and group stained glass classes, depending on the setup for your booking.
What language is the class offered in?
The class is offered in English.
Can I get a refund if my plans change?
Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
