Check it out here at search.hawaiirama.com. Tell us what you think and what can be made better -- or if it totally rocks, tell us that, too. Hint -- this thing is best for detailed searches into Hawaii topics. We…

Amidst a plethora of locally-made (or locally named) beauty products, Pure Hapa is among the standouts. Of course, the brand new pretty package helps quite a bit. Company describes itself as "a skincare line crafted from the purest Hawaiian botanicals…

She knows her Hawaii shopping. Particularly for local, exclusive, made-in-Hawaii and only in Hawaii stuff-o-rama. Of note this week -- Closet Fetish (out of Mililani, of all laces) and bubbleshack.…

My friend Bill Harby pointed out the launch of a new e-mail newsletter to me, Leichic. It's put out by freelance writer Christine Thomas, who has contributed articles to a bunch of in-flight magazines and been a runner-up in the…

A mahalo hat tip to my favorite local girl style maven HapaHale.com for tipping me to the new bridal collection by Hollywood fave Tamara Katz who cuts her rags from a studio on the Hana Highway in Paia (she's married…

I've never been averse to lifestyle porn so when I first heard about Modern Luxury Hawaii, I thought "Cool!". The new mag by Modern Luxury group chronicles the lush life in the 50th state. They don't put their mag online…

Well, it sure did take me a while to get this up and running. But finally, for your fashion pleasure, Hawaiirama is flogging its own branded prods at the Cafe Press store. No, its not as lovely as, say, Sig…

Bonnie Friedman, the publicist for Maui's Ocean Vodka sent me note with the news that this fancy liquor made from organic grains and pure, chemical free water drawn from the deep oceans of the Big Island is now for sale…

Apologies for not blogging more. A lot going on and am trying to get back to it. One of my fave Hawaii blogs Hapa Hale tipped me off to this newish spa line that uses Hawaii products, often purchased from…

What better way to announce a major event in your life than with some classy, personalized stationery? Party + Papier is a local company that specializes in Hawaiian and Asian-themed invitations (for weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, etc.) and…

Great news for mainland fans of Hawaii designer Laurie Momi Chee: You no longer have to send wishlists to your friends and family in the islands! Lily Lotus devotees can now stock up on Chee’s lovely, comfortable, and versatile pieces…

Rell Sunn was one of those rare people that everyone loved, and it’s not hard to see why: not only was she a talented professional surfer, but also a wonderful mother, patient teacher, gifted cultural practitioner, and generous community activist.…

A few weekends ago at a friend’s wedding, I was sitting next to some recent mainland transplants who were lamenting the sad state of the produce at one of the major supermarkets. “Have you tried any of the local open…

Yes, I know there are a lot of crafts fairs, holiday sales, and other great ways to buy nice gifts for loved ones and in-laws. But I don't know where they are, when they are happening and what they are…

If you’ve been to a wedding or other semi-formal event in Hawaii during the past nine years, chances are that you’ve seen a whole season’s worth of Cinnamon Girl dresses, and for good reason. The company’s sweet, feminine designs are…

In 1999 Hawaii confectionery Island Princess unveiled the Mele Kaliki Mac (as in Mele Kalikimaka, which is Merry Christamas in Hawaiian). Take a sinfully rich macadamia nut. Dip it in buttery English toffee. Cover this little nugget with milk chocolate.…

Yet again, our friends at Hapa Hale spot an extremely cool fetish from the islands. Bathys Hawaii designs watches on Kauai and has a custom Swiss watchmaker build them to exacting specs. Kauai resident John Patterson is behind the Bathys…

Eco-chic designer Roberta Oaks turns cast-off clothes into cutting edge couture.It's hippy chic just the way I like it. Bright, beautiful colors and loose lines that still cut enough of silhouette to make a lovely lady look both radiant and…

Continuing with the Hawaiiram t-shirt binge, I wanted to point out this limited edition Hawaii earthquake survival t-shirt on offer from Crazy Shirts. This company has long set the standard for faux local t-shirts and put out some truly memorable…

Lily Lotus is a line of lovely, island-inspired yoga and boutique wear, from local designer Laurie Momi Chee. Chee has created each piece to flatter the female form, using high-quality fabrics with excellent drape, resulting in sleek, comfortable silhouettes. The…

Picture this. Jawz is cracking, the tow-in boys are going off, and the lineup is full of testosterone and serious glory hounds. Quick -- what do you wear to a day like this? Maui Rippers. Made on Maui, these board…

We've mentioned Sig Zane as one of Hawaii's coolest shops. Zane's alohawear has long been a fave among purist and the bicoastal-minded who prefer understated gear with a strong natural Hawaii theme. My wife has long wished that Sig Zane…

Rona Bennett and Lan Chung are two of the superstars on Hawaii's budding high fashion design scene. They grew up in Hawaii and launched their fashion line, Fighting Eel, in the summer 2003. Three years -- and dozens of press…

This home-grown chain launched in 1983 on Maui and now has eight locations around the state. Blue Ginger sundresses are simple with muted colors and light floral patterns. Blue Ginger clothes, above all, are the opposite of garish, unlike…

My wife has long dreamed of a mango or curly koa rocking chair for our living room. And she fantasy shops for them at Nohea Gallery No surprise. Nohea is a small, family-run operation that deals directly with artists…