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They say the pineapple became a symbol of hospitality because of its rarity — sharing the expensive fruit at a party marked a hostess with the mostest. These days pineapple imagery reflects a proud and happy state of mind: “Stand tall, wear a crown and be sweet on the inside,” the popular saying goes. From edible to wearable, here are items that celebrate the tropical crowned beauty.
1. It’s a new year, so it’s time to treat yo’ self to a good pair of slippahs. Your feet will thank you. CoCoNene Hawaii slippers feature gorgeous island-inspired designs by local artists. The eye-catching pineapple patterns over blue and white stripes are designed by Honolulu artist Julius Mangubat. The colorful designs are fused into the polyester footbed, so it’s not supposed to bleed even after multiple washes. Tip: Order a size up for the slim-fit slippers. Island Sole at Ala Moana Center sells them for two pairs for $25.— Diane S. W. Lee, Star-Advertiser
2. There’s something distinctly satisfying about gummy candies — something in the gooey chewiness that’s better than sucking on a hard candy. Maybe because you’re exercising your jaws at the same time. The Pineapple Gummis sold at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf provide a grown-up take on the kiddie candy, with a clean taste of pineapple (although it’s artificially flavored). The real charm in these candies is their look — like tiny glass fruits. They glow when light passes through. Look for them near the cash register at Coffee Bean stores, for $2.89 for a 4-ounce box (about 15 pineapples). — Betty Shimabukuro, Star-Advertiser
3. Recently it dawned on me that the key to hydration is to carry reusable cups and containers. I’m pretty sure I must have been dehydrated for the 10-year stretch prior to owning a Hydro Flask. But why stop at a Hydro Flask when you can get a cute pineapple cup? One with a twist-on lid and a reusable straw, at that. Straws are a hot-button issue these days since the typical straw is a throwaway item. So the idea of having one you use day in and day out has been approved by your environmental conscience. Each cup is $10 at Turquoise Beach, 602 Kailua Road, Kailua; 263-6068. The shop not only has these ombre pineapple cups, but also cute pineapple sweatshirts for this chilly winter and sleek pineapple earrings to go with a little black dress or a beachy look. — Erin Smith, Special to the Star-Advertiser
4. Planning a trip to Vegas? Japan? Or wherever your wanderlust desires? Pack your suitcase and throw on a sturdy plastic luggage tag designed by Matsumoto Studio, a Maui-based design and paper goods company, by sisters Jes and Jen. The pineapple pattern is a crowd favorite and easy to spot on any baggage carousel. Find it at Whole Foods Market Queen, 388 Kamakee St., or online at matsumotostudio.com for $4. — Diane S. W. Lee, Star-Advertiser
5. No matter where you are, with the Starbucks Hawaii Pineapple Tumbler in hand you’ll feel like you’re at a pool party. At 7-inches tall, its cheery yellow insulated base, made of stainless steel, is stylized to mimic the rugged skin of the tropical fruit, and comes with a green cap and plastic straw. From the Starbucks “You Are Here” collection, the 16-ounce cup debuted in 2016 and has been popular with locals and visitors alike, according to Kevin Nakasone, manager of Starbucks at Ala Moana Hotel, so he tries to keep the store stocked. Last seen for about $23 there and at Macy’s Starbucks, Ala Moana Center. Mine is kept within easy reach in the kitchen, in plain sight to prompt smiles. — Ruby Mata-Viti, Star-Advertiser
6. Crying pineapple emoji. Cool pineapple emoji with shades. Heart-eyes pineapple emoji. Aren’t they just darling on a reusable bag? Sure, you probably already own a bunch of shopping bags (thanks to the plastic bag ban), but this emoji pineapple-themed reusable bag is just too kawaii to resist. Think of it as doing your part to reduce plastic waste while adding some cheer to your routine shopping day. Plus, you’ll save on that 15-cent bag fee every time you use it. Find the bags at Holoholo Market inside South Shore Market for $2.49 each. If you’re craving more pineapple-themed items, the market has a shelf dedicated to the fruit: cartoon plushes, mugs and pineapple shortcake. — Diane S. W. Lee, Star-Advertiser
Please keep in mind that featured products may be in short supply and may not be available at all store locations; prices may vary. The information presented represents the authors’ opinions and experiences; your results may vary. Tell us what you are loving this week by emailing creilly@staradvertiser.com.
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