paradisus kapa collection

ka pilina earrings + niho cuff

it's been far too long since i last checked in with paradisus and i was happy to discover the mother and daughter design team have begun to collaborate with sonny ching to create a collection named after the renowned kumu hula. the kapa series is the first to make its debut and traces its roots to hawaiian kakau (tattoo) and 'ohe kapala (the bamboo stamps used to print kapa).

anyone who appreciates the beauty of traditional hawaiian design is sure to fancy the sterling silver pieces marked with distinctive designs celebrating hawaiian culture. the 411 on each pattern gives you a fascinating glimpse into the meaning of the geometric designs featured throughout the kapa collection.

ka makaloa pendant + kukulu-o-ka-lani cufflinks

the sonny ching collection is available in the paradisus online shop or take a peek at the stockist list.

click rewind to learn more about paradisus.

kealopiko spring 2008

pua aloalo + wiliwili

the kealopiko 'ohana recently stocked their latest releases in the online shop. i always love reading the descriptions behind kealopiko's designs which are little lessons in botany and hawaiian history . . . artful shorthand for sharing knowledge of the islands' original inhabitants (peeps, plants & animals) one tee at a time.

parents take note: kealopiko's keiki collection has finally arrived and is filled with sweet dresses, playtime tees and adorable onesies rocking many of the same hawaiiana designs that grownup fans have come to love.

opihi dress + pinau tee

moi + hihimanu onesies

in addition to the online shop, you can scoop up kealopiko goods at the bishop museum gift shop and soleil. they will also be at the merrie monarch festival this weekend (details to come) and will be setting up shop in the eco village during next month's kokua festival.

click rewind to learn more.

tattoo lesson

it's been far too long since the last design roundup so enjoy this little show & tell of polynesian tattoo design made for the modern age.

1 - good china gets a maori makeover with this swoon worthy 18-piece porcelain dinnerware set.

2 - since h|h last checked in with manoatoa, the polynesian tee company has continued to release fresh designs inspired by the art and culture of the pacific islands. the newest design is the eye catching mata tee with a cool wraparound graphic.

3 - readers loved the mix of wall sticks featured in 2007 so here's a tribal twist via scribble's tahitian series.

of course, all of these modern interpretations are rooted in the past so click over to youtube to see a fascinating video of the traditional tapping method. the clip is from skin stories, a pbs documentary which aired a few years back that chronicles the history of tattooing throughout polynesia (dvd copies are available at native books in ward warehouse).

days of our lives

missed out on joie studio's lovely letterpress desk calendar? here are a few vintage finds so that you are not resigned to pass the days staring at yet another cheesy tropical calendar compliments of your favorite financial institution.

1 - i spotted found image's vintage hawaii desk calendar during my road trip, alas, i have been unable to track down an online stockist. click over to the shop list for brick & mortar options in your part of the world.

2 - pacifica island art publishes a nice selection of wall calendars using soy based inks. go vintage with their island art calendar or daydream about a bygone era via hawaii bound.

3 - there are two reasons to love the hawaiian time calendar - the rarely seen illustrations from the 1950's and the fact that it is now 50% off!

kealopiko - take two

hanai

since kealopiko was featured this past spring, their fan base has grown beyond the craft fair circuit to become favorites of up and coming island musicians like the girlas and paula fuga. and so, i am happy to report that kealopiko's long awaited online shop has finally opened its doors!

the new shop is stocked with tees emblazoned with kealopiko designs celebrating the many aspects of hawaiian culture from the natural world to reclaiming island history. no worries if, like me, you are not completely up to snuff with the meaning behind the message since each design is accompanied by a description to educate the wearer who can then share it with the rest of the world.

my fella will certainly be down with the message of the big five tee:

"This design challenges us to re-think who The Big Five really are: the first Hawaiian monarchs, not five business entities who managed to gain near total economic control of the islands in the early 1900's. It also reminds us of the phenomenal accomplishments of our kupuna and the legacy they have left for us to malama (care for)."

the big five

koae

readers of the male persuasion will be happy to know that all designs are stocked in both m's and w's sizes in a range of colors and textile choices. kealopiko is also committed to giving back to the community and donates a percentage of sales to island organizations like the kokua hawaii foundation and the paepae o he'eia fishpond.