Editor’s Picks: New Keiki Items From Hawai‘i-Based Brands
Sharing some adorable items—including two cute collabs—from Fighting Eel, Salty Littles and more.
The creative community here in Hawai‘i is truly something special—often inspired by all of the unique natural beauty that surrounds us. And perhaps now, more than ever, most people are aware of the importance of shopping small and supporting local. That said, as a mom of two littles (a 3-year-old and 4-month-old), I get especially thrilled when I come across products for my kiddos that are from a local company and one that is helmed by another mama.
Therefore, I’m sharing some newly released, adorable items for keiki from some of my favorite mom-owned Hawai‘i-based businesses.
Coco Moon Hawai‘i x Jana Lam’s Shark Tooth Collection
Photo: Courtesy of Melly Joy Media
Two beloved local brands, Jana Lam and Coco Moon Hawai‘i, worked together again to release a new print that’s perfect for ocean-loving families. “The Shark Tooth design was one of her [Jana’s] old school designs that I always loved personally, so we worked with her to release it out of her archives and give it new life on our buttery soft baby clothing, blankets and accessories,” shared Coco Moon’s Amber Thibaut. “She was the first local artist that we collaborated with over 5 years ago and our collabs with her continue to be fan favorites.”
Lucky for us, the two aren’t done collaborating, as they’ve worked on a new custom design for matching family pajamas for the holidays.
Shop the collection here. cocomoonhawaii.com, @coco_moon_hawaii
SEE ALSO: 💕 Jana Lam Releases New Plates to Dress Up Your Meals
Keiki Kaukau’s Pink Pineapple Stacker
Photo: Courtesy of Mariah Zane
One of Hawai‘i’s favorite toy brands has introduced a new color for its already sweet-as-can-be twist on a classic stacking toy. The Pink Pineapple Stacker, like the brand’s OG Pineapple Stacking Toy, aids in the development of toddlers’ motor skills (and brings some tropical flair into your nursery or play room).
“It was inspired by real pink dwarf pineapples, as well as my own keiki’s love for all things pink and purple!” said owner April Hail.
This, like all of Keiki Kaukau products, is made with FSC-grade wood (aka the highest standard for ethical production) from responsibly managed forests.
Shop the Pink Pineapple Stacker here. keikikaukau.com, @keikikaukau
SEE ALSO: 🎉 Best of Honolulu Family 2022
Salty Littles’ Shaka Patch Tank Rompers
Photo: Courtesy of Salty Littles
Maker and mama Nicole Haitsuka channeled her love for the ocean, surfing and her penchant for retro styles from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s into an oh-so-cute clothing line. What started out as a hobby while her son napped, became a full-blown brand. I, too, have a fondness for vintage or vintage-looking pieces, so I squealed in delight when I saw the latest terry cloth rompers (in fact, I had just bought myself a terry cloth set a few weeks ago).
“At the time and still currently, my son has been constantly taking off his diaper during his naps and bedtime, so I realized I needed more button rompers and because it’s summer, I wanted something cooler. Thus, the tank romper with the cool terry cloth fabric was created. I added the shaka patch because summer, shakas and surf go perfectly together,” she explained. I couldn’t agree more.
In true small business form, Nicole is a one-woman show. She cuts, sews, and tags everything herself. Therefore, items are available in small batches, and she’s recently put her online shop on pause in favor of selling at local pop up markets.
Shop Salty Littles at the upcoming Aloha Home Market in Kailua on Aug. 21, and at a pop-up for Anthropologie at Ala Moana Center on Sept. 24. @saltylittles
SEE ALSO: ☀️ Seven Super Cute Summer Finds at SoHa Keiki
Fighting Eel’s Coconut Homegrown Tees
Photo: Courtesy of Renee Schaefer
Even though I’m a #momofboys, I love a good matchy moment, and Fighting Eel’s latest collection of graphic tees is no exception. This pua print gives me just the right amount of retro vibes. The T-shirts are made of 100% cotton and oh so comfy. Fellow moms, ours come in a variety of fits, and the keiki shirts come in sizes XS (2-3 years) to XL (10-11 years).
This longtime favorite brand is known for its fun prints that are perfect for island life. Current collections include lei, bird of paradise and bougainvillea prints, to name just a few. The home and keiki collections were welcomed additions to the brand’s already uber popular clothing designs.
Shop the collection here. fightingeel.com, @fightingeel
Izzy and Luke x Eternal Summer Hawai‘i Waffle Beach Towel
Photo: Courtesy of Izzy and Luke
Full disclosure: the owner and designer behind Izzy and Luke is none other than HONOLULU and HONOLULU Family’s Marketing Director, Christy Davis, but I didn’t know that until I reached out to get more info on this recent collaboration! Christy started Izzy and Luke when her littlest (Luke) was born, and she was in the market for fun local designs for keiki. Today, most of the designs, colors, cuts, fits and fabric are chosen and/or approved by her kids.
I already have a few items from Izzy and Luke and Eternal Summer Hawai‘i that are in regular rotation, so I was thrilled to see the two come together to create a fun and functional beach towel. The towels are quick-drying and lightweight, which is crucial for me since no matter what I do I end up having a million things in my beach bag and bulky towels take up precious space. These retro-print (notice a trend?) towels fold down to the size of a folder!
Shop the Izzy and Luke x Eternal Summer Hawaii Waffle Beach Towel here. izzyandluke.com, @izzyandluke
