February Finds: Honolulu’s Newest Stores and Releases

Photo: Courtesy of Bikini Bird, Brooke Berry

Just Add Water

Bikini Bird opens a new Honolulu location.

Townie Bikini Bird fans will now have an easier time getting their hands on the Kailua shop’s coveted beachwear. Its new third location soft-opened at South Shore Market in Kaka‘ako just last week. Scoop up the latest swimwear from popular brands such as Maaji and Sanlier, tropical graphic tees from Bikini Birds’ in-house line, plus a ton of sunny accessories to boot.

1170 Auahi St., bikinibird.com, @bikinibird

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Artfully Noted

Leighton Lam debuts painterly cards that give back.

Much like his striking jewelry, designer Leighton Lam’s artistry is multifaceted—he also counts resin art, sculpture and lighting among his creations. Now, Lam’s adding stationery to the mix with the Hawai‘i Artistry Collection, the first notecards featuring his acrylic and watercolor paintings of cresting waves, lush landscapes and more. Best yet, 20% of proceeds will be donated to local nonprofit organizations.

$25 for a five-card set, leightonlam.com, @leightonlam

Photos: Courtesy of Marni

Ciao Marni!

The Italian fashion house sets up shop on O‘ahu.

Fans of the luxury label’s quirky, playful aesthetic can get their fill at its 10th outpost, now open at Ala Moana Center. Find Marni’s full range of women’s and men’s apparel, including its signature fuzzy sweaters and mended shirts, plus cult accessories such as its raffia bags and furry footwear.

1450 Ala Moana Blvd., (808) 458-1101, marni.com, @marni

Photo: Courtesy of IJfke Ridgley

Mountain Respite

Interior designer Ginger Lunt and photographer-writer IJfke Ridgley discuss their gorgeous book chronicling the enigmatic homes and denizens of Tantalus.

The mountain began working its charms on Ginger Lunt long before she perched her office high up on Tantalus’ tree-lined slope. “My family moved to Tantalus when I was about 12 years old,” she says. “I always loved being surrounded by the forest—its sounds, layers of green, and scents of flowers and eucalyptus. It was a very calming place, a respite from the crowded concrete jungle of Honolulu.”

Today, Lunt, founder of local design firm Tantalus Studio, and Honolulu-based IJfke Ridgley hope to capture some of that magic in the pages of their new book (currently untitled), due out this year. More than 25 properties are featured, ranging from humble historical dwellings that began as summer cottages in the late 19th century to grand abodes dreamt up by iconic Hawai‘i architects. The area’s topography, which includes a forest reserve, sets the stage for unique architectural styles, incredible garden tableaus and remarkable views. “Every home is like a hidden gem,” Lunt says, often tucked “down nondescript driveways snaking into the jungle.”

Equally intriguing are Tantalus’ residents. “They’re very down to earth, often quite artistic and interesting,” Ridgley notes. And the book aims to record their stories. “There are many old-timers who have wonderful memories of this place, and of their homes,” Lunt says—and those memories could be lost forever if their oral histories are not preserved.

tantalusstudio.com, @tantalus_studio, ijfke.com, @ijfkephoto

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Photo: Courtesy of Selfmade Something

Kid ’n Play

Selfmade Something offers fun, design-focused keiki finds.

Meet Honolulu’s newest keiki boutique, Selfmade Something, a self-described family concept store built around the idea that the quality and types of play experienced during a little one’s hanabata days can have a profound effect on their future. Owner and mom Krystal Abucayan has stocked the shelves with toys, books, accessories and décor meant to delight, inspire and motivate.

1200 Ala Moana Blvd., selfmadesomething.com, @selfmadesomething