Come visit aloha land’… a new store called Aloha’Aina.
I went to the official opening of this new boutique on the 2nd level of The Royal Hawaiian shopping Center (in Building C [same as Apple Store] – second level )- Right on the Kalakaua strip in the heart of Waikiki, the RHSC is loaded with popular upscale shops with very familiar mainland names, with few exceptions, but this new store is decidedly Hawaiian, in content and name. Co-owner Gina Fukuda stated she wanted to give artisans and designers who already had a local name, a bigger and more established outlet in which to sell and to continue in develop product. She and her partners set out to find brands from all of the islands to bring together in one place.
This gives these small businesses a chance to have a store front on Oahu – especially one as busy as it is in Waikiki. The store contains a wide berth of different styles and products to appeal to everyone especially folks here on Hawaii vacations looking for something made in Hawaii. It’s not packed to the gills with merchandise, so what they have is displayed nicely and can show itself off well. The store is softly decorated with off white colors and vintage finds, echoing some of the merchandise itself which might be made from recycled, re-constructed, or period materials.
I Love Hawaii merchandise plus THE most delish cake pops by Sweet as Sugar.
Back to variety. The store has something for everyone. Men are covered with vintage style shirts and ball caps with aloha built in. Children have custom clothes and blankets which are no less stylish than those for adults. House wares, nick nacks for quick gifts, jewelry, and wonderful bags round out the selection. Every time I walked around the store, I found something else to check out. This opening was made more fun by seeing dresses, tops and bags modeled by their own designers. I just couldn’t stop going up to these women and ooohhh over the goods and feel the fabrics that were soft and flowy, perfect for either the beach or dinner. I was also so impressed with the designers, themselves, and their youthful enthusiasm towards starting their own businesses – among them a Mother/Daughter duo, and another a regrouping of college friends, each with their own talents. I imagine that new products will show up often, as each item sold in this store seems to be one of a kind.
merchandise for the man, and some of the women behind them.
I have never been on the second floor of that shopping center. Hopping on the escalator up one floor will bring you a whole other selection of stores, including this new one. So check it out, once you’ve already cruised through the standards and you are ready for something different.
bags, jewelry and screen print tees… all soft, light, bright, and chic.
