Kona soap makes use of natural oils

A friend recently introduced me to Kona Natural Soap Co. products (konanaturalsoap.com). The soap comes in 29 varieties, all made with olive, coconut, palm kernel and kukui nut oils plus “natural Hawaiian rain water.” Each has a different combination of natural essential oil scents. (The ingredients of my Nalu soap are lemongrass and eucalyptus, with oatmeal as a mild exfoliant). A 3.5-ounce, made-in-Hawaii bar costs $6.50; “orphans,” which are the same size but can contain any combination of scents and colors, are just $4. Shipping from the Big Island is $6 for all orders, large and small. — John Berger

Pet tags go beyond basics and benefit animal welfare

Most pet tags have room for only the animal’s name and owner’s phone number. Tags for Hope’s personalized pet IDs resemble state driver’s licenses, listing the basics plus details such as breed, eye and hair color, height and weight.

There’s also space on the back to list any medical conditions, food allergies, behavior problems and microchip number. (Your pet is microchipped, right?) The color ID cards are encased in a waterproof resin material covered by a lifetime warranty. Order online at tagsforhope.com by uploading a pet photo and filling in the blanks. The tags, available in two sizes, are $23 with free shipping, with some of the proceeds benefiting animal welfare groups. A free lost-and-found program is included. — Christie Wilson

Spiced goat cheese welcomes autumn

Nothing says autumn like Halloween costumes … being sold in July. Or pumpkin spice lattes being rolled out in August. Whole Foods joined the premature“season’s eatings” last month with its pumpkin spice goat cheese. It’s a little pricey at $16.99 a pound but for connoisseurs of this squash cultivar, it is worthevery spreadable bite.

Fall officially arrived Sept. 22. Still, are we really ready to think about Thanksgiving? If the calendar doesn’t matter, give the spiced cranberry goat cheese fromWhole Foods a taste, too. Some things don’t need the reason of a season. — Cindy Luis

Keep beach gear together in easy-to-clean cooler bag

Ban.do’s Super Chill Cooler Bag is a stylish way to keep things cool on hot beach days. Just pack it with a towel, sunscreen and drinks to keep you hydrated andyou’re good to go. The matte leatherette fabric makes it easy to clean. Not a beach person? The cute design could double as a fun, fashionable purse. The bagmeasures 21-1/2 by 10 inches and is available for $42 at Miemiko in Ward Centre. Call 277-6999. — Michelle Ramos

Teach kids about Hawaiian myths with book series

With movie series like “Percy Jackson” and “Thor,” Greek and Norse gods have had their day. Now, with Disney’s “Moana” poised to hit theaters Nov. 23, interest inHawaiian gods and goddesses is bound to rise. BeachHouse Publishing recently released a set of Hawaiian Legends for Little Ones board books ($7.95 each) thattell the stories of moon goddess Hina, fire goddess Pele and Maui, the demigod with a starring role in “Moana” who pulled the Hawaiian islands from the sea.

The collection includes “Naupaka,” a folk tale of doomed lovers who are transformed into the naupaka plant that grows in the mountains and by the sea, bloomingwith half-flowers representing the couple torn apart. The stories are adapted from Hawaiian legends and written by Gabrielle Ahuli‘i. Artist Jing Jing Tsong, aformer Big Island resident, digitally layers printed and painted pieces to create richly textured illustrations for each story. The books are a delightful retelling, idealfor toddlers and early readers, and an excellent introduction to the world of Hawaiian mythology for mainland kids. — Donica Kaneshiro