5 Big Island Designers and Where to Find Their Creations on O‘ahu

These designers capture the beauty of the island around them in everything they create.

Influenced by the beauty of nature around them, Big Island designers capture the spirit of the Islands in everything they create. Lucky for O‘ahuans, some of their pieces have traveled our way. Here are five reasons to love thy neighbor (island). 

Simply Sisters

Photo: Courtesy of Simply Sisters

Simply Sisters is the brainchild of Big Islander Regina “Lola” Miller. Passionate about the Hawaiian culture, Miller, with the help of her hula sisters, hand-paints designs inspired by tropical flowers and plants onto asymmetrical dresses, maxi skirts and relaxed tops. 

Kalo Maxi Dresses, $89 Each, Hula Lehua, Ala Moana Center, 941-8881

Ira Ono

Photos: Odeelo Dayondon

World-renowned artist Ira Ono is highly accomplished and respected in the visual and performing arts arenas. Through his dancing, paintings, collages, mask sculptures and ribbon lei (featured), he paints a beautiful perspective of the many forms of nature that exist in his backyard. 

Ira Ono Ribbon Necklace, $32, Riches Kāhala, Kāhala Mall, 737-3303

Kimi and Li

There are few things in the world more adorable than itsy, bitsy baby bikinis. Case in point, Kimi and Li, the aww-inducing line of girls’ swimwear from Lisa Dorian, for newborns to 10-year-olds, which features one-pieces and bikini sets, adorned with playful ruffles, spunky cutouts and cute-as-a-button prints. 

 Kimi and Li Rash Guard Set, $62, Splash Hawai‘i, Hale‘iwa Store Lots, 637-8080 

Kahili Creations

Refreshing in its restrained elegance, Kahili Creations offers up delicate gold pendant necklaces and stunning pearl and crystal pieces from designer Marcia Asuncion Ricchiuti that showcase the beauty of Hawai‘i’s land and sea. 

Kahili Creations gold-plated Makau fish hook necklace, $108, Keishi pearl necklace, $68, Tommy Bahama, Ala Moana Center, 955-8869  

Salt Liko 

Photo: Courtesy of Salt Liko

Combine the aesthetics of Honolulu’s Matt Bruening and Hilo-based Brandy Serikaku, the design director of Sig Zane Designs, and you’ve got Salt Liko, a modern women’s clothing brand that pairs clean-lined knitwear with striking, graphic prints inspired by local nature elements. 

Salt Liko, Haukea pocket tee, $83, Kainalu leggings, $88 Happy Hale‘iwa, 66-145 Kamehameha Highway, 637-9713