Jewelry Store Spotlight: ‘Awa and ‘Ōlena

Jewelry designer Amanda Watkins’ new Kaimukī boutique has got you covered inside and out.

Photo: David Croxford

Amanda Watkins has always been a woman of dualities. Just take her A.Wattz Dezigns line for example, equal portions boho-cool styles strung with shells and vibrant tassels, and minimalist pieces built around sleek metals and chains. So, it makes perfect sense that there be a whole other side to her professional life outside of jewelry. “I’ve also been a massage therapist for the past 19 years,” she says. “And I have a bachelor of science degree in nutrition.”

Her passions for style and well-being come together perfectly in ‘Awa and ‘Ōlena, the new lifestyle boutique Watkins and husband Jason will be opening Sept. 1 in Kaimukī. Perched two stories above Koko Head Avenue in the former Yoga Hawai‘i space, the shop will stock Watkins’ covetable jewelry plus a slew of fab self-care finds. “There are so many amazing wellness products here because we’re so connected to the land,” she says. Think reef-safe sunscreen made with naupaka; organic CBD tinctures; and tea powders made with healing herbs that reduce stress.

Chic home goods from local makers round out the mix. “We’ll have a lot of exclusives and collabs,” says Amanda. “The shop is an opportunity for us to create products that aren’t part of our regular lines.” Virginia Paresa will be whipping up placemats, napkins and wall hangings, and Plant Sax and Notted Nest will be creating special fabric planters and macramé pieces dyed a gorgeous yellow using the shop’s namesake, ‘ōlena (turmeric). Talk about the best of all worlds.

1152 Koko Head Ave.

This article appears in the August 2018 issue of HONOLULU Magazine.