Our Journey to Honolulu‑B: How We Fell in Love With the Markers You See All Over YouTube

By Minerva’s Touch

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I get yelled at for this a lot by my faithful followers, but let’s get this out of the way: I am not a “real” artist.
I didn’t go to art school. I don’t have formal training. Unless you count endless hours of tutorials, livestreams, and artist vlogs, my education is basically YouTube University. What follows is simply the story of how we ended up falling head‑over‑heels for Ohuhu’s Honolulu‑B alcohol markers. Not sponsored — just opinionated.

Where It All Started

I’ve always loved watercolor, even if my patience and technical skills don’t always love me back. I’ve doodled and sketched for years. PrismaColor pencils once drained my bank account. I flirted with Staedtler brush pens but never achieved the magic my more skilled friends could, so I abandoned that ship.

And yet… every trip to the craft store, I’d find myself staring longingly at Copics and their PrismaColor cousins. I just couldn’t justify the price.

Fast‑forward through a few kids and a few major life changes, and I found myself trying to let my inner artist out again — with mixed results and clearance‑rack supplies. Eventually, I started wondering if the problem wasn’t me, but the materials. Was I struggling because of lack of practice? Sure. But was it only that? Absolutely not. That is the hill I will die on.

The First Leap: Artist’s Loft

After months of watching my favorite YouTube artists create magic with alcohol markers, we finally caved and bought the smallest boxed set of Artist’s Loft alcohol markers. And acrylic markers. Because why not.

In fairness, part of my early disappointment was my fault: I used cheap watercolor paper. Of course the markers bled. That thirsty paper sucked ink like a vampire, which meant:

1. I had to avoid coloring all the way to the line.

2. The markers dried out faster than my motivation on a Monday morning.

Still, I experimented. I blended. I layered. And I got hungry for more — just not more Artist’s Loft.

Enter: Ohuhu Honolulu‑B

All the artists I admired kept reviewing Ohuhu markers. I’d seen them in stores but never gave them much thought. My super‑supportive husband hopped on Amazon and ordered the 48‑color Honolulu‑B set, plus some acrylic paint pens with finer nibs.

The difference was instant.

They include a swatch card and a page protector (use it — trust me). As I filled in each little rectangle with glorious pigment, the clouds parted, trumpets sounded, and a choir of muses sang. It was a whole moment.

These markers didn’t just work better — they made art fun again. Even when I messed up. I’m a notorious rage‑quitter when I’m not instantly good at something, but these markers made me want to keep going.

The WhatNot Community Effect

Some of the credit goes to my amazing WhatNot followers. We laugh, we cry, we “aww.” When I want to give up, they hype me up. That community is ridiculously supportive, and I hope to be worthy of them someday.

I started making art cards during my livestreams — and they sold. People came back for more. They wanted to be part of the journey. I made friends with my viewers… and with my markers.

The Eeveelution Arc (and the Glaceon Incident)

Being a bit of a masochist, I decided to do a series of Eeveelutions. It was glorious — until Glaceon ruined my parade. My humble grasp of color theory and the limited palette of the 48‑set just weren’t enough.

The results were still well‑received, but it was clear:
We needed more colors.

So back to Amazon we went. And soon, the delivery driver placed 320 shades of awesome on our doorstep.

I felt unstoppable.

Why Honolulu‑B Specifically?

Remember that Artist’s Loft set? Dual tip: brush and chisel. I wasn’t a fan. On a 2.5" × 3.5" art card, the chisel tip is basically useless. And the brush tip wore out fast — too flexible, too soon, and not in a good way.

The Honolulu‑B markers, on the other hand:

• Have a brush tip + fine tip, which is perfect for small pieces.

• Hold up for months without fraying.

• Feel comfortable and balanced in the hand.

• Deliver consistent, vibrant color.

If you’re someone who fills large areas, the chisel‑tip Honolulus might be more your speed. But for me? The Bs are perfect. And yes, large pieces still intimidate me. Don’t ask why.

Will I Ever Switch Brands?

Maybe. Probably. I don’t know.

Right now, these markers are the right price for my skill level. They’re not “cheap,” but they’re a solid mid‑range option. When I hold some of the pricier markers, it feels like cheating. I can practically hear my Ohuhus crying at home.

Unless another brand delivers a life‑altering, spiritual awakening that transforms my art overnight, I don’t see the value in switching.

For me.

If you’re further along in your art journey, your needs may differ. But if you’re planning to actually use your markers and can take a small hit to the wallet, skip the store brand and grab whichever Ohuhu set feels right.

Not sponsored — just really freaking love these markers.

And if you want a side‑by‑side comparison?
Buy me another set. I’m not cheating on my Honolulu‑Bs.

Thanks for Coming Along

This journey has been wild, colorful, and unexpectedly meaningful. We’re excited to keep learning, experimenting, and sharing everything along the way.