Best of Honolulu 2014: Shopping

The 23 editorial and reader picks for chic-est shopping, plus one readers’ pick from our Best of Honolulu 2014 issue.

July 8, 2014

Martha Cheng, Stacey Makiya, Loren Moreno, Natalie Schack, David Thompson, Brie Thalmann, Katrina Valcourt,

Best Place to Find Locally Designed Swimsuits

Photo: Odelo Dayondon, Model: Lindsey Higa
On Lindsey: Tori Praver Kenny bikini top, $120, Granada bottom, $115, Erika Ray-Ban sunglasses, $145. Known for its well-rounded collection of swimsuits and bikinis, Rebecca Beach tightly focuses on stocking local designers. Browse through its tropical-color-coded racks and find every shape imaginable from sexy Letarte monokinis to Acacia’s wildly tribal-printed cutout bikinis and bottoms. Bonus: The extremely friendly and helpful staff gives the best recommendations for suits that stay within your comfort zone and still make you feel irresistible. Royal Hawaiian Hotel, 931-7722.

Photo: Odelo Dayondon, Model: Lindsey Higa
On Lindsey: Tori Praver Kenny bikini top, $120, Granada bottom, $115, Erika Ray-Ban sunglasses, $145. Known for its well-rounded collection of swimsuits and bikinis, Rebecca Beach tightly focuses on stocking local designers. Browse through its tropical-color-coded racks and find every shape imaginable from sexy Letarte monokinis to Acacia’s wildly tribal-printed cutout bikinis and bottoms. Bonus: The extremely friendly and helpful staff gives the best recommendations for suits that stay within your comfort zone and still make you feel irresistible. Royal Hawaiian Hotel, 931-7722.

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Best Modern-Style Boardshorts

Photo: Odeelo Dayondon, Model: Desmond Centro
On Desmond: aloha sunday supply co. Matsumoto shave ice boardshorts, $150. Toms Windward polarized sunglasses, $166, Fighting Eel, 1133 Bethel St., 738-9300. Aloha Sunday Supply Co.’s lineup of vintage-inspired boardshorts is crushing the surf-wear competition. The San Diego-based company, helmed by Kamehameha alum Kahana Kalama, is known to cut its surf trunks right above the knee, slim down leg openings and add fun details that include a secret credit-card pocket. Out this season is a new ingenious style that can be worn cruising the city and hitting the surf. Made from ripstop, a nylon fabric that is durable and fast-drying due to a special weaving process, the two-in-one shorts cut down on changing time and are available in a variety of Hawaii-inspired prints. Matsumoto shave ice, anyone? Available at Oliver Men’s Shop, 49 Kihapai St., 261-6587.

Photo: Odeelo Dayondon, Model: Desmond Centro
On Desmond: aloha sunday supply co. Matsumoto shave ice boardshorts, $150. Toms Windward polarized sunglasses, $166, Fighting Eel, 1133 Bethel St., 738-9300. Aloha Sunday Supply Co.’s lineup of vintage-inspired boardshorts is crushing the surf-wear competition. The San Diego-based company, helmed by Kamehameha alum Kahana Kalama, is known to cut its surf trunks right above the knee, slim down leg openings and add fun details that include a secret credit-card pocket. Out this season is a new ingenious style that can be worn cruising the city and hitting the surf. Made from ripstop, a nylon fabric that is durable and fast-drying due to a special weaving process, the two-in-one shorts cut down on changing time and are available in a variety of Hawaii-inspired prints. Matsumoto shave ice, anyone? Available at Oliver Men’s Shop, 49 Kihapai St., 261-6587.

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Best Boutique for Hard-to-Find Brands

Photo: David Croxford
If you’re not much of a people person, then We Are Iconic may not be the clothing boutique for you. Because, without fail, once you start shopping there, strangers will start approaching to ask, “Where did you get that?” Owners Shie and Nate Clark are mindful to bring in smaller, under-the-radar brands that are directional but still within the sweet-spot, mid-range price point. In the current lineup are flirty peplum numbers from Australian- designed Cameo The Label, Eugenia Kim fedoras and Italian-made Anniel oxfords. 1236 Waimanu St., Suite B, 462-4575. Cameo The Label peplum top, $155.

Photo: David Croxford
If you’re not much of a people person, then We Are Iconic may not be the clothing boutique for you. Because, without fail, once you start shopping there, strangers will start approaching to ask, “Where did you get that?” Owners Shie and Nate Clark are mindful to bring in smaller, under-the-radar brands that are directional but still within the sweet-spot, mid-range price point. In the current lineup are flirty peplum numbers from Australian- designed Cameo The Label, Eugenia Kim fedoras and Italian-made Anniel oxfords. 1236 Waimanu St., Suite B, 462-4575. Cameo The Label peplum top, $155.

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Best Consignment Shoe Store

Photo: David Croxford
Sneakerhead Heaven might be a more accurate name for shoe store Truest, evidenced in the gleefully glazed-eye look that comes over aficionados when taking in its walls of ultra-rare, limited-edition deadstock, which makes up around 65 percent of the store’s supply (the other 35—new styles that are sprinkled throughout). A mix of pre-owned and mint, all are inspected for condition and authenticity by owners John and Elise Ohm, who count Nike Dunk SB Tiffany, Air Jordan 1 and Nike Air Yeezy 1 styles among their more unusual items. The rarest to come through? A never-released, sample Air Jordan 4. 2011 S. King St., 946-4202. Sneakers, top to bottom: Air Jordan 1, $1,200, Nike Dunk SB Diamond Lows, $1,200, Nike Air Yeezy 1, $3,800.

Photo: David Croxford
Sneakerhead Heaven might be a more accurate name for shoe store Truest, evidenced in the gleefully glazed-eye look that comes over aficionados when taking in its walls of ultra-rare, limited-edition deadstock, which makes up around 65 percent of the store’s supply (the other 35—new styles that are sprinkled throughout). A mix of pre-owned and mint, all are inspected for condition and authenticity by owners John and Elise Ohm, who count Nike Dunk SB Tiffany, Air Jordan 1 and Nike Air Yeezy 1 styles among their more unusual items. The rarest to come through? A never-released, sample Air Jordan 4. 2011 S. King St., 946-4202. Sneakers, top to bottom: Air Jordan 1, $1,200, Nike Dunk SB Diamond Lows, $1,200, Nike Air Yeezy 1, $3,800.

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Best House-warming Gifts

Photo: David Croxford
We don’t want you to be that friend who always gives gift cards. Borrring. For your next housewarming gift, head to Quince, a home-décor-slash-gift shop. Imagine having all the best homeware items and knickknacks from bona fide cool cities, including Honolulu, in one room. That’s Quince. Richly patterned deer heads and birdhouses from Italian-based company Miho Unexpected hang out alongside mid-century-inspired paper mobiles by Artecnica of Los Angeles, and stylish tabletop picnic games from Working Class Studios rub shoulders with colorblocked throw pillows handmade by local gal and owner Marissa Selders. Need help finding an extra-special something? Ask Selders. Her interior design background and educated eye for style have you covered. 687 Auahi St., 371-4413.

Photo: David Croxford
We don’t want you to be that friend who always gives gift cards. Borrring. For your next housewarming gift, head to Quince, a home-décor-slash-gift shop. Imagine having all the best homeware items and knickknacks from bona fide cool cities, including Honolulu, in one room. That’s Quince. Richly patterned deer heads and birdhouses from Italian-based company Miho Unexpected hang out alongside mid-century-inspired paper mobiles by Artecnica of Los Angeles, and stylish tabletop picnic games from Working Class Studios rub shoulders with colorblocked throw pillows handmade by local gal and owner Marissa Selders. Need help finding an extra-special something? Ask Selders. Her interior design background and educated eye for style have you covered. 687 Auahi St., 371-4413.

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Best Insta-Shopping

Photo: Courtesy Dara Fujio
For townies, getting to the Mikinola boutique, tucked away in Koko Marina Center, may be a bit of a trek. But to fans of the popular clothing shop, the drive is well worth it. At the end of that asphalt rainbow is a pot brimming with fantastic fashion finds hard to come by anywhere else on the island. Owner Dara Fujio thoughtfully curates the mix, which has recently included breezy, tribal-print maxis from Indah, flirty frocks and jumpsuits from Australian labels Style Stalker and Mink Pink, and Mara Hoffman swimwear. Fujio also handles all of Mikinola’s social media. Its Instagram account specifically has developed a cult following among shoppers, thanks to frequent posts showcasing new merchandise, photographed by Fujio on sale people turned impromptu models. New images go up daily, sometimes every few hours, offering enticing sneak peeks, styling ideas and just enough incentive to hit the road. Mikinola, Koko Marina Center, 394-6666, instagram.com/mikinola

Photo: Courtesy Dara Fujio
For townies, getting to the Mikinola boutique, tucked away in Koko Marina Center, may be a bit of a trek. But to fans of the popular clothing shop, the drive is well worth it. At the end of that asphalt rainbow is a pot brimming with fantastic fashion finds hard to come by anywhere else on the island. Owner Dara Fujio thoughtfully curates the mix, which has recently included breezy, tribal-print maxis from Indah, flirty frocks and jumpsuits from Australian labels Style Stalker and Mink Pink, and Mara Hoffman swimwear. Fujio also handles all of Mikinola’s social media. Its Instagram account specifically has developed a cult following among shoppers, thanks to frequent posts showcasing new merchandise, photographed by Fujio on sale people turned impromptu models. New images go up daily, sometimes every few hours, offering enticing sneak peeks, styling ideas and just enough incentive to hit the road. Mikinola, Koko Marina Center, 394-6666, instagram.com/mikinola

Show Caption Hide Caption
Best Kids Apparel

Photo: David Croxford
While it may be a little trickier to get to than its big-box counterparts, Petit at the Royal makes up for its stealthy location in spades with a whimsical assortment that delights at every turn. The locally owned children’s clothing boutique eschews the same-old for the chic, skipping the standard onesie packs for handmade star necklaces, gingham bunny-ear headbands and artsy, graphic-print tees. Royal Hawaiian Hotel, 921-2125. Bang Bang T-shirt, $62.

Photo: David Croxford
While it may be a little trickier to get to than its big-box counterparts, Petit at the Royal makes up for its stealthy location in spades with a whimsical assortment that delights at every turn. The locally owned children’s clothing boutique eschews the same-old for the chic, skipping the standard onesie packs for handmade star necklaces, gingham bunny-ear headbands and artsy, graphic-print tees. Royal Hawaiian Hotel, 921-2125. Bang Bang T-shirt, $62.

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Best Local Jewelry Line for Layering

Photo: David Croxford
We don’t layer clothes here, unless we’re going to a birthday party at Ice Palace. What we layer is jewelry. So, it’s no surprise that our jewelry boxes have become cornucopias of Jewelry by Justine necklaces. Designer Justine Jones offers a long—and short—list of necklaces that she creates from a mix of precious metals. Her simple Hawaii-inspired charm styles lay right on the neckline, while chains with dangling gold bars drop right below. Sleek longer styles with cascading semi-precious stones and pearls fall even lower and nicely frame higher pieces. To create a really deep V, slip on Jones’ longest strands, which combine African beads, Tahitian pearls and fun-hued tassels. Available at Owens and Co., 1152 Nu‘uanu Ave., 531-4300. Left to right: Mala necklace with tears seeds, Tahitian pearl, Swarovski pearls and nylon tassel, $175, 18K gold-plated brass bar necklace, $60, coral bead and Tahitian pearl necklace, $125, 18K gold-plated brass pendant necklace, $45, abalone shell necklace, $75, fossilized shark tooth necklace, $60.

Photo: David Croxford
We don’t layer clothes here, unless we’re going to a birthday party at Ice Palace. What we layer is jewelry. So, it’s no surprise that our jewelry boxes have become cornucopias of Jewelry by Justine necklaces. Designer Justine Jones offers a long—and short—list of necklaces that she creates from a mix of precious metals. Her simple Hawaii-inspired charm styles lay right on the neckline, while chains with dangling gold bars drop right below. Sleek longer styles with cascading semi-precious stones and pearls fall even lower and nicely frame higher pieces. To create a really deep V, slip on Jones’ longest strands, which combine African beads, Tahitian pearls and fun-hued tassels. Available at Owens and Co., 1152 Nu‘uanu Ave., 531-4300. Left to right: Mala necklace with tears seeds, Tahitian pearl, Swarovski pearls and nylon tassel, $175, 18K gold-plated brass bar necklace, $60, coral bead and Tahitian pearl necklace, $125, 18K gold-plated brass pendant necklace, $45, abalone shell necklace, $75, fossilized shark tooth necklace, $60.

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Best New Thing in Honolulu (Readers’ Pick)

Photo: David Croxford
Counterclockwise from top left: Men’s denim shirt, $29.95, nylon swim trunks, $12.95, men’s espadrilles, $12.95, bandeau bikini top, $12.95, bottom, $9.95, pleated flare dress, $39.95, jewel-embellished metal cuff, $9.95, multi-strand tasseled necklace, $12.95. If you build it, they will come. Duh, it’s H&M. When the Swedish fashion retailer announced it would be making a home in Honolulu word spread fast and countdowns began. The March 27 opening drew more than 3,500 eager shoppers ready to expand their wardrobes. We have to admit, our own office was a ghost town (we hold investigative reporting to a very high standard). Here—and only here—will you find unbeatable deals and style steals for men and women starting at $4.95. Although half of the store’s rack space is filled with trendy playfuls, of-the-moment accessories and denim in every style and color, there’s also a wealth of tailored workwear pieces, sleek, feminine dresses perfect for upscale events, and super-hip suits for men, which go for half, or even less, than the price of an average suit. No wonder our readers picked it as Best New Thing! And, in case you don’t know, H&M does collaborations with some of the top names in the industry, including Karl Lagerfeld, Isabel Marant, Lanvin and Marni. And, rumor has it, this year’s designer is Alexander Wang. Drool. Waikiki Business Plaza 2270 Kalakaua Ave., (855) 466-7467, hm.com.

Photo: David Croxford
Counterclockwise from top left: Men’s denim shirt, $29.95, nylon swim trunks, $12.95, men’s espadrilles, $12.95, bandeau bikini top, $12.95, bottom, $9.95, pleated flare dress, $39.95, jewel-embellished metal cuff, $9.95, multi-strand tasseled necklace, $12.95. If you build it, they will come. Duh, it’s H&M. When the Swedish fashion retailer announced it would be making a home in Honolulu word spread fast and countdowns began. The March 27 opening drew more than 3,500 eager shoppers ready to expand their wardrobes. We have to admit, our own office was a ghost town (we hold investigative reporting to a very high standard). Here—and only here—will you find unbeatable deals and style steals for men and women starting at $4.95. Although half of the store’s rack space is filled with trendy playfuls, of-the-moment accessories and denim in every style and color, there’s also a wealth of tailored workwear pieces, sleek, feminine dresses perfect for upscale events, and super-hip suits for men, which go for half, or even less, than the price of an average suit. No wonder our readers picked it as Best New Thing! And, in case you don’t know, H&M does collaborations with some of the top names in the industry, including Karl Lagerfeld, Isabel Marant, Lanvin and Marni. And, rumor has it, this year’s designer is Alexander Wang. Drool. Waikiki Business Plaza 2270 Kalakaua Ave., (855) 466-7467, hm.com.

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Best Place to Find a Coffee-Table Book

Photo: David Croxford
Is your coffee table feeling a little bare? The naked truth is that bookstores are becoming a thing of the past. So we’re extra happy that the Honolulu Museum of Art Shop remains a great resource for conversation-starter books. An impressive wall of multileveled shelves supports eye-catching covers that belong to art-inspired literary works. Popular page-turners include books that reflect the museum’s current and permanent exhibitions as well as manga, graffiti and street art, most for less than $50. Out-of-town visitors tend to gravitate to the house stash of locally influenced reads including Gardens of Hawaii by Stephen Haus and Doris Duke’s Shangri La, A House in Paradise.900 S. Beretania St., 532-8703.

Photo: David Croxford
Is your coffee table feeling a little bare? The naked truth is that bookstores are becoming a thing of the past. So we’re extra happy that the Honolulu Museum of Art Shop remains a great resource for conversation-starter books. An impressive wall of multileveled shelves supports eye-catching covers that belong to art-inspired literary works. Popular page-turners include books that reflect the museum’s current and permanent exhibitions as well as manga, graffiti and street art, most for less than $50. Out-of-town visitors tend to gravitate to the house stash of locally influenced reads including Gardens of Hawaii by Stephen Haus and Doris Duke’s Shangri La, A House in Paradise.900 S. Beretania St., 532-8703.

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Best Place to Start a Succulent Garden

Photo: Odeelo Dayondon
With the succulent craze growing, many newbies are heading to the know-it-alls at Paiko. Here’s why: Owner and plant junkie Tamara Rigney has turned her years of landscaping experience and deep-rooted passion for floral designs into a dream storefront. Inside, find an array that includes common cacti, hardy hens and chicks, and sansevieria plants for those with a black thumb. Selecting a home for your succulent is easy, since the shop carries a wealth of ceramic pots made by local artists. We die for the animal-shaped pots from Dee Olivia. And, for a really hands-on experience, in July, the shop will open a fully supplied DIY succulent bar, which will help limit the amount of pricks in your budding new adventure. Paiko, 675 Auahi St., 988-2165

Photo: Odeelo Dayondon
With the succulent craze growing, many newbies are heading to the know-it-alls at Paiko. Here’s why: Owner and plant junkie Tamara Rigney has turned her years of landscaping experience and deep-rooted passion for floral designs into a dream storefront. Inside, find an array that includes common cacti, hardy hens and chicks, and sansevieria plants for those with a black thumb. Selecting a home for your succulent is easy, since the shop carries a wealth of ceramic pots made by local artists. We die for the animal-shaped pots from Dee Olivia. And, for a really hands-on experience, in July, the shop will open a fully supplied DIY succulent bar, which will help limit the amount of pricks in your budding new adventure. Paiko, 675 Auahi St., 988-2165

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Best Tropical Fragrance

Photo: David Croxford
Along with gorgeous fragrances, the Saffron James line comes complete with stories—grand tales of Hawaiian princesses and castle-seizing warriors that explain how popular flowers made their way to the Islands. Its literary nature makes perfect scents when you consider the résumé of its designer, Katherine Growney. The Big Island native has written for Lucky and Harper’s Bazaar, and was a beauty editor at Elle. Ranging from bright to sultry, her exotic perfumes channel the ever-changing moods of the Islands through intoxicating blends of plumeria, orange blossom, hibiscus, pineapple leaf and more. saffronjames.com. ‘Ume Eau de Parfum, $85 for 30 ml.

Photo: David Croxford
Along with gorgeous fragrances, the Saffron James line comes complete with stories—grand tales of Hawaiian princesses and castle-seizing warriors that explain how popular flowers made their way to the Islands. Its literary nature makes perfect scents when you consider the résumé of its designer, Katherine Growney. The Big Island native has written for Lucky and Harper’s Bazaar, and was a beauty editor at Elle. Ranging from bright to sultry, her exotic perfumes channel the ever-changing moods of the Islands through intoxicating blends of plumeria, orange blossom, hibiscus, pineapple leaf and more. saffronjames.com. ‘Ume Eau de Parfum, $85 for 30 ml.

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EDITORS’ PICKS

Best Place To Find Locally Designed Swimsuits

Known for its well-rounded collection of swimsuits and bikinis, Rebecca Beach tightly focuses on stocking local designers. Browse through its tropical-color-coded racks and find every shape imaginable from sexy Letarte monokinis to Acacia’s wildly tribal-printed cutout bikinis and bottoms. Bonus: The extremely friendly and helpful staff gives the best recommendations for suits that stay within your comfort zone and still make you feel irresistible.
Rebecca Beach, Multiple locations, rebeccabeach.com

Best Modern-Style Boardshorts

Aloha Sunday Supply Co.’s lineup of vintage-inspired boardshorts is crushing the surf-wear competition. The San Diego-based company, helmed by Kamehameha alum Kahana Kalama, is known to cut its surf trunks right above the knee, slim down leg openings and add fun details that include a secret credit-card pocket. Out this season is a new ingenious style that can be worn cruising the city and hitting the surf. Made from ripstop, a nylon fabric that is durable and fast-drying due to a special weaving process, the two-in-one shorts cut down on changing time and are available in a variety of Hawaii-inspired prints. Matsumoto shave ice, anyone?
Aloha Sunday Supply Co., Available at Oliver Men’s Shop, 49 Kihapai St., 261-6587

Best Insta-Shopping

For townies, getting to the Mikinola boutique, tucked away in Koko Marina Center, may be a bit of a trek. But to fans of the popular clothing shop, the drive is well worth it. At the end of that asphalt rainbow is a pot brimming with fantastic fashion finds hard to come by anywhere else on the island. Owner Dara Fujio thoughtfully curates the mix, which has recently included breezy, tribal-print maxis from Indah, flirty frocks and jumpsuits from Australian labels Style Stalker and Mink Pink, and Mara Hoffman swimwear. Fujio also handles all of Mikinola’s social media. Its Instagram account specifically has developed a cult following among shoppers, thanks to frequent posts showcasing new merchandise, photographed by Fujio on sale people turned impromptu models. New images go up daily, sometimes every few hours, offering enticing sneak peeks, styling ideas and just enough incentive to hit the road.
Mikinola, Koko Marina Center, 394-6666, instagram: @mikinola

Best Place to Start a Succulent Garden

With the succulent craze growing, many newbies are heading to the know-it-alls at Paiko. Here’s why: Owner and plant junkie Tamara Rigney has turned her years of landscaping experience and deep-rooted passion for floral designs into a dream storefront. Inside, find an array that includes common cacti, hardy hens and chicks, and sansevieria plants for those with a black thumb. Selecting a home for your succulent is easy, since the shop carries a wealth of ceramic pots made by local artists. We die for the animal-shaped pots from Dee Olivia. And, for a really hands-on experience, in July, the shop will open a fully supplied DIY succulent bar, which will help limit the amount of pricks in your budding new adventure.
Paiko, 675 Auahi St., 988-2165, paikohawaii.com

Best Housewarming Gifts

We don’t want you to be that friend who always gives gift cards. Borrring. For your next housewarming gift, head to Quince, a home-decor-slash-gift shop. Imagine having all the best homeware items and knickknacks from bona fide cool cities, including Honolulu, in one room. That’s Quince. Richly patterned deer heads and birdhouses from Italian-based company Miho Unexpected hang out alongside mid-century-inspired paper mobiles by Artecnica of Los Angeles, and stylish tabletop picnic games from Working Class Studios rub shoulders with colorblocked throw pillows handmade by local gal and owner Marissa Selders. Need help finding an extra-special something? Ask Selders. Her interior design background and educated eye for style have you covered.
Quince, 687 Auahi St., 371-4413, quinceathome.com

Best Place to Find a Coffee-Table Book

Is your coffee table feeling a little bare? The naked truth is that bookstores are becoming a thing of the past. So we’re extra happy that the Honolulu Museum of Art Shop remains a great resource for conversation-starter books. An impressive wall of multileveled shelves supports eye-catching covers that belong to art-inspired literary works. Popular page-turners include books that reflect the museum’s current and permanent exhibitions as well as manga, graffiti and street art, most for less than $50. Out-of-town visitors tend to gravitate to the house stash of locally influenced reads including Gardens of Hawai‘i by Stephen Haus and Doris Duke’s Shangri La, A House in Paradise.
Honolulu Museum of Art Gift Shop, 900 S. Beretania St., 532-8703, honolulumuseum.org/shop

Best Consignment Shoe Store

Sneakerhead Heaven might be a more accurate name for shoe store Truest, evidenced in the gleefully glazed-eye look that comes over aficionados when taking in its walls of ultra-rare, limited-edition deadstock, which makes up around 65 percent of the store’s supply (the other 35—new styles that are sprinkled throughout). A mix of pre-owned and mint, all are inspected for condition and authenticity by owners John and Elise Ohm, who count Nike Dunk SB Tiffany, Air Jordan 1 and Nike Air Yeezy 1 styles among their more unusual items. The rarest to come through? A never-released, sample Air Jordan 4.
Truest, 2011 S. King St., 946-4202

Best Kids’ Apparel

While it may be a little trickier to get to than its big-box counterparts, Petit at the Royal makes up for its stealthy location in spades with a whimsical assortment that delights at every turn. The locally owned children’s clothing boutique eschews the same-old for the chic, skipping the standard onesie packs for handmade star necklaces, gingham bunny-ear headbands and artsy, graphic-print tees.
Petit at the Royal, Royal Hawaiian Hotel, 921-2125

Best Minimal Gear

We’ve developed a bit of a Mono habit, an addiction, really, to the shop’s clean-lined finds. After all, what’s one Japanese notebook when you can have five? Owners Cassy and Dean Song fill the shelves with items that perfectly balance simplicity with thoughtful design, from minimal staplers and utilitarian pouches to rustic bottle openers. Keep an eye out for the shop’s next delivery, which will include alarm clocks that flip over to snooze and sleek leather wallets from Tokyo label Porter.
Mono, 2013 S. King St., 955-1595, monohawaii.com

Best Boutique for Hard-to-Find Brands

If you’re not much of a people person, then We Are Iconic may not be the clothing boutique for you. Because, without fail, once you start shopping there, strangers will start approaching to ask, “Where did you get that?” Owners Shie and Nate Clark are mindful to bring in smaller, under-the-radar brands that are directional but still within the sweet-spot, mid-range price point. In the current lineup are flirty peplum numbers from Australian-designed Cameo The Label, Eugenia Kim fedoras and Italian-made Anniel oxfords.
We Are Iconic, 1236 Waimanu St., Suite B, 462-4575, shopweareiconic.com

Best Tropical Fragrance

Along with gorgeous fragrances, the Saffron James line comes complete with stories—grand tales of Hawaiian princesses and castle-seizing warriors that explain how popular flowers made their way to the Islands. Its literary nature makes perfect scents when you consider the resume of its designer, Katherine Growney. The Big Island native has written for Lucky and Harper’s Bazaar, and was a beauty editor at Elle. Ranging from bright to sultry, her exotic perfumes channel the ever-changing moods of the Islands through intoxicating blends of plumeria, orange blossom, hibiscus, pineapple leaf and more.
Saffron James, saffronjames.com

Best Local Jewelry Line for Layering

We don’t layer clothes here, unless we’re going to a birthday party at Ice Palace. What we layer is jewelry. So, it’s no surprise that our jewelry boxes have become cornucopias of Jewelry by Justine necklaces. Designer Justine Jones offers a long—and short—list of necklaces that she creates from a mix of precious metals. Her simple Hawaii-inspired charm styles lay right on the neckline, while chains with dangling gold bars drop right below. Sleek longer styles with cascading semi-precious stones and pearls fall even lower and nicely frame higher pieces. To create a really deep V, slip on Jones’ longest strands, which combine African beads, Tahitian pearls and fun-hued tassels.
Jewelry By Justine, Available at Owens & Co., 1152 Nuuanu Ave., 531-4300, jewelrybyjustine.com