Made in Hawai‘i Festival: 13 Exclusives on Our Style Editor’s Wish List
Get a sneak peek at some of the cool new releases debuting at the 2024 Made in Hawai‘i Festival, happening Aug. 23–25.
Some have been calling the Made in Hawai‘i Festival the Olympics for local makers. It’s an apt description in that participating designers and artists show up ready to show out with gold-medal-worthy goods. Translation: special event-exclusive products and exciting new releases which they’ll debut at the festival. And the real winners? We the shoppers, of course, who score sweet finds, like the ones below.
SEE ALSO: Your Insider Guide to the 30th Made in Hawai‘i Festival
Photo: Courtesy of Hāna x Swim
Hāna x Swimwear Lois One-Piece
Featuring the native bloom known as the Hawaiian Rose, the poppy guava-inspired hues of this swimsuit from Waimea designer Maui Marks will keep that summer energy going all year long. $125, MIHF special price.
Booth 927, hanaxswimwear.com, @hanaxswim
Photo: Courtesy of Katrina Cordova Designs
Katrina Cordova Designs I‘a Charm Necklace
Charm necklaces are having a moment, and I’m loving O‘ahu designer Katrina Cordova’s spin on the trend. Her I‘a Charm Necklace (above right) comes strung with tiny 14K-gold-filled treasures, including a fish, evil eye, sun and sand dollar, plus a dainty freshwater pearl. $150.
Booth 815, katrinacordovahawaii.etsy.com, @katrinacordovadesigns
Photo: Courtesy of Arlie Pemberton
Arlie Glass Stacking Rainbow Pua Vase Set
This stunning trio of arched glass vases can be used top down to display flowers from your garden or stacked vertically as lovely décor piece. Even the shadows it makes are gorgeous! $160.
Booths 1118/1119, arlie-glass.com, @arlie_glass
Image: Courtesy of Kris Goto
Kris Goto “Paddle” Print
Following one’s own path in life and diving into the unknown were the inspirations behind “Paddle,” one of the new giclée prints artist Kris Goto will be dropping at the festival. I love how it juxtaposes serene hues with a playful sense of adventure, and its bubble-filled waves are absolutely mesmerizing. $150 for a 16-by-20-inch matted print, $450 for 22-by-28-inch matted print.
Booth 2721, krisgoto.com, @kgotoart
Photo: Courtesy of Fighting Eel
Fighting Eel Zohra Romper in Plumeria Lei Apricot
This is the first year that Fighting Eel will be at the MIHF, and to celebrate, designer Lan Chung is releasing a handful of exclusive products, including a clothing collection printed with sweet strands of plumeria. I’m partial to the breezy Zohra Romper (above left)—its combo of a comfy smocked bodice and ultra-flattering squared neckline is chef’s kiss. $164.
Booth I-004, fightingeel.com, @fightingeel
Photo: Courtesy of Aloha de Mele, Serulatta Studios
Aloha de Mele Kiele Bucket Hat
Featuring the dreamy floral design from artist JT Ojerio’s Kieles print, this reversible hat keeps both the sun and your tita bun in check. $40.
Booth I-005, alohademele.com, @alohademele
SEE ALSO: Sneak Peek: See the On-Stage Lineup at the 30th Annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival
Photo: Courtesy of Surf Shack Puzzles
Surf Shack Puzzles Postcard Puzzle
How cute it this? Surf Shack Puzzles will debut new 48-piece postcard-themed puzzles that you can send in the mail as greeting cards. The recipient gets a fun activity and a sweet note all in one. The lei-patterned puzzle is my fave, but there’s also a super-fun version featuring a surfing wahine. $10.
Booth 2606, surfshackpuzzles.com, @surfshackpuzzles
Photo: Courtesy of Ava + Oliver
Ava + Oliver Lunch Bag
Made from recycled water bottles and designed to perfectly fit its popular bento boxes, Ava + Oliver’s new insulated lunch bags will be launching exclusively at the MIHF. Available in fun shaka, floral and checkered patterns, it’ll be hard to pick just one.
Booth 709, shopavaoliver.com, @shopavaoliver
Photo: Courtesy of Misha Hawai‘i Home
Misha Hawai‘i Home Nautilus Pareo
Misha Mendoza’s lovely baubles are already a staple in island jewelry boxes. But did you know that she also designs a homewares line, which showcases her fab illustrations in print and canvas form and on handbags and textiles? I’ve been especially swooning over the colors of her new Nautilus Pareo, which you can snag in person first at the festival. $58.
Booth 921, mishahawaiihome.com, @mishahawaiihome
Photo: Courtesy of Coopmonsters
Coopmonsters Da Tree Quilt Hair Claw
A leveled-up version of Coopmonster’s popular Quilt Hair Claw and Mini Quilt Hair Claw, this special release features two fun quilt patterns in one. $15, MIHF special price (normally $17).
Booth 901, coopmonsters.com, @coopmonsters
Photo: Courtesy of Izzy and Luke
Izzy and Luke x Eternal Summer Hawai‘i Boardshorts
The Izzy and Luke booth is always a MIHF must-stop for me for cool keiki apparel. Along with its latest graphic tees, I’ll be looking to snap up a pair of the Honolulu label’s new rainbow-covered boardshorts (above left) made in collab with Eternal Summer Hawai‘i, which give off total retro Hawai‘i vibes. $42.
Booth 911, izzyandluke.com, @izzyandluke
SEE ALSO: August Shopping: 9 New & Coming Soon Stores on O‘ahu
Photo: Courtesy of Sun Chong Grocery
Sun Chong Grocery Local Kine Snacks Canvas Tote
It may be best known for its grocery items and ‘ono crack seed snacks, but Sun Chong’s always fun, always colorful merch isn’t far behind. Its MIHF release, a tote created in collaboration with local artist Kelsie Dayna, features illustrations of beloved treats from the hanabata days. $30, MIHF special price.
Booths 4112/4113, sunchonghi.com, @sunchonghi
Photos: Courtesy of Alohiwai, Amy Fitzgerald
Alohiwai Regal Top
Regal is right! With its frilled neckline, lehua and ti leaf quilt pattern and bold lychee-inspired hue, this top from Hawai‘i Island designer Yari Tuakalau will have you feeling downright royal. $67.
Booths 1517/1518, alohiwai.com, @alohiwai_xoxo
Made in Hawai‘i Festival, $8, Hawai‘i Convention Center, 1801 Kalākaua Ave., Aug. 23–25, madeinhawaiifestival.com, @madeinhi
