1. Lovers of Hawaii’s native birds will find it hard to resist these bright and colorful throw pillows by Laurie Sumiye Studio featuring original prints of iiwi (scarlet honeycreeper), puaiohi (Kauai thrush), kiwikiu (Maui parrotbill) and other species.The little, red Hawaiian akepa (also a honeycreeper) perched against yellow is among my favorites.
The 18-by-18-inch pillow covers — hand-sewn of a machine-washable, polyester-cotton blend — are $40 at Fishmarket at South Shore Market at Ward Villages. Sumiye also offers holiday greeting cards featuring an ohia wreath and the manu-o-ku bird for $4.50 each. Visit lauriesumiyestudio.com.
— Nina Wu
2. Finely woven lau hala earrings ($48) and bangles ($32) by Ku+Moe of Hilo are an updated version of a Hawaiian classic that any young woman would be pleased to find under the tree. I know this because my 20-something daughter made a beeline for them during a recent visit to Na Mea Hawai‘i in Ward Warehouse. (This not-so-young woman put them on her wish list. too!)
The supply was limited but there are plenty of other unique jewelry options in a range of prices in lauhala, koa, polished coconut, mother of pearl, Niihau shells, Tahitian pearls and other natural materials from the Pacific. Call 596-8885.
— Christie Wilson
3. Admit it: You love to receive cash for Christmas. I know I do. It always fits, it’s just my style and it allows me a guilt-free, post-holiday shopping spree.
But cash has gotten a bad rap as an impersonal gift. Great Lines Hawaii is out to change that with localized versions of Chinese lai see envelopes. Whether you dress your cash or check in flowers, honu or maneki neko, these 3-1/2-by-6-1/2-inch Lucky Money Envelopes will wrap it up with all your good wishes and love.
Available in packages of 10 envelopes for $2.49 at Walmart, Longs, Don Quijote, Fisher and NEX.
— Donica Kaneshiro
4. On maternity leave from Hawaiian Airlines almost four years ago, Kehaulani Nielson found herself with time on her hands. She started sewing clutches from vintage Hawaiian garments that no longer fit her hapai frame, and Kahulale‘a was born. Her timing was perfect. After debuting at a craft fair, she took on Honolulu Fashion Week and “it snowballed,” she said. “That’s how I met store owners.”
Her collections have grown to include the Hawaiian Luxury Leather line and Tokyo Love Story, clutches sewn from vintage obi fabric she collects on trips to Japan. Her newest collection, Chapter Two, features handmade designs bearing original artwork, some in collaboration with local artists, and printed on denim and vegan leather. Tokyo Love Story crossbody bags are $100, fold-over Chapter Two clutches run $65, and Hawaiian Luxury Leather pieces range from $24 for an Italian leather small pouch to $220 for a combination of cotton canvas and leather with lei hulu, wana or aalii print.
Visit kahulalea.com or drop by Hale Manu at the Disney Aulani Resort, Oasis Lifestyle boutiques at Waikiki Beach Walk and Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort, or Accents shops at the Royal Hawaiian and Moana Surfrider.
— Nadine Kam
5. I’ve always said a gentleman needs three items in their closet: a fitted suit, a good pair of jeans and a genuine Panama hat.
Newt at the Royal, in the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, offers classic Montecristi Panama hats hand-woven in Ecuador. The high-quality straw makes the lightweight topper perfect for Hawaii’s climate. Prices range from $200 to $15,000 depending on the weave. Each one comes with interchangeable colored bands and a specially made box that maintains the shape of the hat.
Not just a gift, it’s also an experience. The Newt sales team insists that the recipient come to the store to ensure a custom fit.
Newt at the Royal is at 2259 Kalakaua Ave.; visit newtattheroyal.com or call 923-4332.
— Lacy Matsumoto, Liliha
“5 Things We Love” is a shortlist of newly discovered stuff you have got to see, hear, wear, use or eat. Please keep in mind that featured products may be in short supply and may not be available at all store locations; prices may vary. Tell us what you are loving by emailing features@staradvertiser.com.
