Original John L. De Ponce "Kalapana Kaimu Black Sands" Signed Velvet Painting with COA (10" x 8"

Own a verified piece of Hawaiian art history. "Kalapana Kaimu Black Sands" is an original black velvet painting by celebrated Big Island artist John L. De Ponce, capturing a hauntingly beautiful, moonlit view of Hawaii's legendary black sand coastline. Painted in 1998, this work is both a stunning example of mid-century tropical art and a rare cultural time capsule — the very shoreline it depicts was forever altered by volcanic lava flows. It comes with its original, handwritten Certificate of Authenticity (dated August 1998), signed by the artist, making it a highly collectible treasure for any Hawaiiana or vintage Tiki enthusiast.

Key Details

• Title: Kalapana Kaimu Black Sands
• Artist: John L. De Ponce — signed on the front canvas and hand-signed on the COA
• Provenance: Original Certificate of Authenticity included (dated 8/1998)
• Medium: Oil/Acrylic on authentic black velvet fabric
• Dimensions: 10" (W) × 8" (H) — ideal for a cabinet display or gallery wall
• Style: Retro Americana / Tropical Lowbrow / Tiki Oasis Décor

About the Artist — John L. De Ponce

John L. De Ponce is a self-taught artist rooted in the tradition of Hawaiian velvet painting — a folk art form that flourished across the islands from the 1950s through the 1990s. Based on the Big Island of Hawaii, De Ponce became known for his evocative coastal and volcanic landscapes, rendered in rich, luminous pigments against the deep black of velvet fabric. His work captures the raw, spiritual energy of the Hawaiian landscape with a warmth and intimacy that photography cannot replicate. Each piece is signed by hand, and De Ponce issued personal Certificates of Authenticity to accompany his originals — a testament to his pride in his craft and the collectible nature of his work.

About Kaimu Beach & the Kalapana Region

Kaimu Beach — once known as "Black Sand Beach" — was one of the most iconic and beloved stretches of coastline on Hawaii's Big Island. Located in the Kalapana area of the Puna District, the beach was famous for its dramatic jet-black volcanic sand, formed by ancient lava flows meeting the sea. Lush coconut palms lined the shore, and the beach drew visitors from around the world for its otherworldly beauty.

In 1990, Kilauea's ongoing eruption sent lava flows directly through the Kalapana community, burying the beach and surrounding neighborhood under dozens of feet of hardened lava. The original Kaimu Beach was lost forever. In the years that followed, a new black sand beach gradually formed nearby — but the original shoreline, the palms, and the community that once thrived there exist now only in memory, photographs, and works of art like this one.

This painting, created in 1998, stands as a poignant tribute to a place that can no longer be visited — making it not just a work of art, but a piece of living Hawaiian history.

Condition Note

This original 1998 artwork is in excellent vintage condition. The paint layers are vibrant, contrasting beautifully against the dark velvet canvas. The accompanying Certificate of Authenticity shows minor age-related toning, faint spotting, and handling wear consistent with a 25+ year old document — all of which affirm its authentic vintage provenance. Please review all photos for complete condition detail.