Tasi Boutique offers island style in Waialua

Haute Water

Travel Rule #1: Never go on a trip without bringing back a souvenir. Even if that trip is a road trip. Especially if that trip is a road trip. Hey, no airlines restrictions, no excuses.

Which is why we're adding one more stop to your Waialua itinerary: Tasi Boutique, a new women's apparel and accessories store nestled in a little shopping area between the gas station and the library, just around the corner from the sugar mill. (Don't worry, you'll find it.)

Your guide here is owner Olivia Turner, who worked at DKNY and Mahina before venturing out on her own with a bubble-gum pink clothing boutique that focuses heavily on local designs. She'll be more than happy to lead you through racks of Collectible Designs Kauai's two-toned tube dresses and flowy Khush tunics, or point out Gaya's flirty embroidered shorts and Keala Hana Noeau's hand-painted caps. Ask and she'll show you how to belt one of her colorful vintage men's aloha shirts into a dress, or explain how part of the proceeds from Kealopiko's screenprinted pareos go to local non-profits.

When it comes to island style, the bubbly 29-year-old is an expert. She grew up in Guam ("Tasi" means ocean in Chamorro) and several of the products in her shop are things her mom taught her how to make as a child, like hand-dyed pareos, body salves with beeswax, cocoa and shea butters, and beach wave sprays with sea salt, coconut oil, and vitamin E. She also offers her own line of Tasi Boutique jewelry – delicate necklaces, earrings, and beach bangles made with shells she and her boyfriend collect while free diving around the North Shore.

Your parting gift? Mention Lei Chic and she'll knock off 10 percent off your entire purchase all month long.

It's a good thing your car allows unlimited carry-ons.

Tasi Boutique is open Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. For the latest updates, follow Tasi Boutique on Facebook and Instagram @tasiboutique.