today’s city guide is actually a portion of a state- hawaii! shaunna keough is an editor at pacific weddings magazine and is based in maui. after growing up in new england she decided to move west to hawaii and pursue a career in publishing. shauna has focused this design guide on two of the main islands (more to come soon) and will be tackling the big island and kauai in the coming weeks. but for now she’s focusing on maui and oahu. you can click here for the full guide or just click “read more” below. and as always, if you have a favorite that we’ve missed please feel free to add it in the comment section below. (please bear in mind that the big island and kauai are coming next, in their own guide) thanks, shaunna! (click here for more hawaii style blogging from shaunna)

Aloha from Hawaii! People tend to have an impression of Hawaii that embodies a “Paradise on Earth” with endless sun and surf being the main attractions. But like many intriguing tropical destinations, there is much greater appeal to the Aloha State than just the weather report. Try to move past any commercialized remnants of the Old Hawaii depicted on the big screen (Elvis’ iconic Blue Hawaii comes to mind) and in glossy travel guides. While there are still traces of this retro charm and character, there is a major cultural void in this imagery. It’s really the melding of past and present that makes Hawaii unique, especially in a design sense. Hawaii fashion and design are a fusion of cultures and backgrounds, an unexpected mix of traditional, native art paired with a modern approach and sensibility. Our geographical locale, halfway between Asia and the Continental U.S., can partly account for this interesting combo, and as the origin of surfing, Hawaii has always been a mecca for water lovers and young tastemakers seeking and promoting the good life. Tourists, “born and raised” locals, and assimilated transplants each have their own distinctive style and story to tell. I could go on and on about each island and its unique design offerings, but instead I’ll jump straight to my short list for you to enjoy! xo Shaunna

OAHU - the best of both worlds with unreal beaches and a bustling urban center.

SHOP

FASHION+JEWELRY

-Aloha Rag Honolulu: The original Aloha Rag sold strictly vintage clothes when it opened in ‘95 and has since come a long (pricey) way. Owner Tatsugo Yoda slowly introduced luxury brands into the mix and now Aloha Rag on Kapiolani Blvd. is the go-to spot for big designer names like Chloe, Comme des Garcons, and Lanvin. Check out island jewelry designer, Moea! Aloha Rag just opened a NYC store at Spring and Greenwich.

-Ma Honolulu is a cool little shop located on Kapahulu that keeps it local, stocking a new-breed of Hawaii designers. Akane Clothing is one to watch, taking a cue from the Victorian era with her line of feminine minibloomers, so cute! (449 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815)

Visit Fighting Eel’s sleek Chinatown warehouse for amazing sales. Their bright and fun cotton dresses can easily go from day to night, making them my favorite indie designers around.

-Half of the Fighting Eel design duo opened The Butik on Kapiolani Blvd. to every fashionista’s delight! You’ll find more cute dresses, jeans, and exclusive jewelry designers like SugarGems.

-Bamboo Sky is a quiet boutique at the Ward Center that celebrates new designers and original fashion. Roberta Oaks and Ginger 13 are local favorites. Also in the Ward Center, MisFortune is unabashedly hip. (1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814)

-Four times a year, bargain hunters descend upon the Fashionista’s Market, a closet swap and designer sample sale under one really big roof.

THRIFT+CONSIGNMENT+VINTAGE

-Your best bet for thrift finds that won’t break the bank are Savers (my personal favorite), Goodwill and Salvation Army. No surprises here, just good old classics!

-Mid-century modern finally hit Hawaii when [Area] opened its doors downtown. What began as a yard sale of retro 70’s kitchen wares, furniture, and unique finds turned into a pretty cool storefront in Chinatown, by appointment only or visit these guys on the first Friday of the month for Chinatown’s Art Walk.

-Catherine’s Closet in Manoa is a little bit 80’s Madonna and a lotta 40’s glam, just like owner/ songstress Catherine Fong. Expect an awesome selection of vintage hats from mod 60’s helmet hats to feather hair pieces and romantic brocade styles. (2733 East Manoa Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822)

-Stylus Honolulu is half vintage/consignment boutique and half record shop— a small, hip gem in town, located just across the street from Puck’s Ally where the college kids roam.

-Blue Geisha Vintage Boutique offers a wild array of haute-hippie clothes, European labels and a modern update on an old Hawaiian item, the muumuu. Blue Geisha owner/designer reworks the frumpy dress into stylish minis. Strange, yes, but the retro prints are super bold and fun! (1860 Ala Moana Blvd)

-Located on the windward side of Oahu, Mu’umu’u Heaven in Kailua is full of summery, tropical wares. Owner Deb Mascia has an unbelievable collection of vintage Aloha shirts and dresses from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s that she refashions into skirts, wraps, bags and decorative pillows.

STREET LEVEL FASHION

-Split Obsession brings urban streetwear, art, and collectibles into one ultra-creative space. Try to resist their limited edition art toys.

-Definitely visit the guys at A’ala Park Boardshop (APB) on the corner of N. King Street in Chinatown for graphic tees, cool kicks and a decent collection of magazines and videos.

-Queens Candy Store is part old school hip hop, part modish, carrying homegrown names like Bliss Lau (gorgeous bags+jewelry) and Dan Weaver (lots of plaid!): a go-to spot for the indie set.

-HE>i is a group of artist friends that recently opened a storefront on the North Shore. These kids don’t take themselves, or their designs, too seriously. You’ll find playful displays of neon tees, shades, and jewelry.

BIKINI+SURF

-Barnfields Raging Isle Surf & Cycle on the North Shore is a must for all-things-outdoors (surf, hike, bike). Owner and surfboard shaper, Bill, has legendary status and knows how to stock the freshest RVCA, Volcom, Lucy Love and Paul Frank to name a few.

-Hawaiian Island Creations, now an international surf brand, still remains an iconic North Shore stop for surfers and lazy sunbathers alike.

-Brazilian Showroom in honolulu: Hawaii has an affinity for Brazilian bikinis, those ones with the teeny tiny bottoms. Island girls covet the flattering shapes and cute prints at the Showroom on Wai‘alae Ave. (3586 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816)

-San Lorenzo: You can’t miss this bright red plantation style shop in Haleiwa, another spot for the cutest Brazilian bikinis. There’s a storefront on Kauai at Nawiliwili Harbor as well.

-The bikinis at Water Goddess in Haleiwa are tried and true…

HOME+COLLECTIBLES

-The Honolulu Design Center is basically Hawaii’s modern design superpower. The impossible-to-miss orange building on Kapiolani Blvd. houses famous decor names to peruse for inspiration if you can’t afford the heady price tags.

-SoHa Living on Ala Moana Blvd. offers the perfect array of affordable and elegant home furnishings and unique accessories. Their line of furniture crafted from reclaimed teak is a requisite for island living.

-Pacific Home, Ward Ave.: More island style furnishings with a modern twist! The linens and table wear are unmistakably Hawaii.

-Head downtown to INTO, a feast for your eyes, with bright porcelain lamps, antique floral dinnerware, ethnic materials and baskets of hand-picked curiosities in every corner.

-An industrial garage door marks Fishcake, a sort-of newish home store on Kamani Street. The serene space has unique home offerings and a great selection of lighting and pillows. You can’t hesitate if you find something you love as they tend to carry just one of each piece and most of their furniture lines are exclusive to Hawaii.

-Ala Moana Center’s highly-anticipated additional retail wing last year included Design Within Reach, a long-awaited delight for Hawaii’s modern design lovers. The shopping Center has far too many stores to list here (nearly 300!) but its a must.

-Baik Designs in Honolulu and Kailua-Kona on the Big Island carries a nice range of Indonesian furniture and artisanal goods: stone carvings, hand-woven textiles, heavy silver jewelry and chic linens. You’re bound to find a one-of-a-kind treasure.

-Part home store, part workshop and studio, Place, A Design Atelier, was created by top interior designers at Philpotts & Associates. Located on South School Street, Place offers a well-edited lineup of home furnishings and bright accents.

ART GALLERIES+MUSEUMS

-ARTafterDARK is a really great thing for Honolulu’s art community! The monthly event, presented by the Honolulu Academy of Arts (incredible collection of Western and Asian art), encourages progressive, up-and-coming artists and art-lovers to mix and mingle. Held the last Friday of each month at the Honolulu Academy of Arts from 6- 9PM.

-There is never a dull moment at Marks Garage, a collaborative gallery and performance space downtown. For contemporary fine art by local and mainland artists, visit Nuuanu Gallery.

-Chinatown Boardroom is part gallery, part boutique, part event room that nicely reflects the character of the downtown scene. The small space is punctuated by local artwork, loose tees, jewelry (check out Justine Jones + Rona Marie) and of course, custom surfboards.

-The Contemporary Museum, Honolulu offers tough-to-beat views of the city skyline and cutting-edge visiting exhibits.

-I’ve covered a few weddings at the Hawaii State Art Museum, a gorgeous setting that has retained its historic prestige and beauty.

-Kaypeesoh Art + Design Gallery: Artist and photographer Kaypee Soh just opened his gallery space where you’ll find his original tropical wall prints and chic line of pillows featuring punchy floral graphics.

-THIRTYNINEHOTEL is the spot to hit up in Chinatown for drinks, live music and the freshest art installations around. Downtown girl and owner, Gelareh, is wired into the scene.

FOOD+DRINK

-soul de cuba cafe is the perfect example of Hawaii’s diverse dining culture, serving up spicy traditional cuban dishes and steamy comfort food. This dimly lit cafe downtown is one of my all-time favorites.

Across the street from the Hawaii Theatre is Brasserie DuVin, a quaint wine bar and cafe with an umbrella decked patio. The cozy interior has an old-world charm with black and white postcards and photos that line the walls. www.brasserieduvin.com

-In the middle of Chinatown you’ll find a hip haunt marked by a retro neon sign, red lighting and a brick wall lined with an astounding selection of beers inside. Beyond drinks, Bar 35 tosses a mean “gourmet” pizza to enjoy on their open-air patio.

-Another stylish dinner and drinks spot downtown is Indigo’s— extensive wine list and chill vibe.

-Lee’s Bakery in Chinatown has the best custard pie around. And if you’re on a sweet kick, everything at the Diamond Head Grill, Monsarrat, is delectable: Lemon crumb cake, torte, scones, yum!

-You will most likely find a line forming outside of Little Village Noodle House, the most authentic and delicious bet for Chinese food in Chinatown. There is no bar but feel free to bring your own bottle!

-For dim sum, I like Legends Vegetarian Restaurant, formally Buddhist Vegetarian, a cozy restaurant tucked away in the Chinese Cultural Plaza.

-Diamond Head Cove Health Bar is a local hole-in-the-wall marked by cool artist prints, surf memorabilia, live music and lots of healthy food options. Their acai bowl drizzled with honey is the best!

-Sometimes you just want a good, hearty Italian meal with a glass of wine. Mediterraneo on King St. is a cozy Italian bistro with home style cooking and an equally authentic atmosphere.

-Shirokiya is so much fun! Its an all-things-Tokyo department store in Honolulu where you’ll find everything and anything: tiny notebooks, ceramics, painted parasols, and Japanese pastries, like mochi cream.

-For a big, greasy burger and fries (sorry vegetarians), visit Teddy’s Bigger Burgers, a retro diner in the tourist-drenched Waikiki.

-Rainbow Drive-in in Waikiki has been serving up local “grindz” (food) since 1961. Go for their loco moco, a famous island breakfast of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, sunny-side up egg and gravy.

-Hit up Ted’s Bakery, a North Shore fixture on Kam Hwy., for their infamous chocolate haupia pie and carrot cake.

-Visit the North Shore Country Market on Saturdays at Sunset Beach Elementary School for local farmer’s produce, unique handicrafts, native art and jewelry.

-A trip to Hawaii isn’t complete without some fresh poke, a local delicacy of bite-size pieces of raw fish, herbs and spices. Tamura’s in Waialae serves up the best wasabi ahi poke and Alicia’s (Mokauea/ Nimitz) is the spot for masago wasabi ahi poke when you’re in town.

-The words gourmet and fast-food don’t typically go hand-in-hand but Well Bento does just that, serving up the healthiest take-out in Honolulu!

-For the real deal, there is Ono’s Hawaiian food, a cafe that serves arguably the best laulau around and has been since 1941! For those of you that are unfamiliar with this Hawaiian dish, laulau typically consists of smoky Kalua pig that cooks in an underground oven all day and is then wrapped in taro leaves. Another favorite dining spot for island specialties is Honolulu’s Side Street Inn, a local bar and grill on Hopaka Street. Try their li hing mui cocktail!

MAUI

Maui has a continual influx of internationals following wind and surf, bringing with them a rich cultural spirit and laid-back vibe.

SHOP

FASHION+JEWELRY

-Imrie: The Imrie sisters have two boutiques in the Hamptons as well as this outpost on the North Shore, a chic, all-white space. They’ve been working with an indelibly cool roster of brands for years (Charlotte Ronson, American Vintage, Bobi) perfecting a luxe bohemian style. They have a nice menswear collection too.

-Devotion is a combination art gallery, cafe and boutique where many of the pieces are made by local designers. Bikinis, exotic jewelry, design objects and surf wear share this space with awesome paintings like Heather brown’s dreamy surf-inspired landscapes. Devotion also has an Oahu outpost in Haleiwa next to Cafe Haleiwa.

-One of the original boutiques in Paia, Nuage Bleu offers a well-edited mix of local jewelry designers like Hula Hoops and Rue Belle Designs, beautiful notecards and gift offerings (I love their Voluspa candles).

-Pink By Nature is located on an unlikely stretch of road in cowboy country, Makawao. With pale pink walls and ornate mirrors all around, this shop feels so feminine and romantic! Its full of pretty things: the softest Tart dresses, gold jewelry and Roost ceramics, as well as a charming children’s boutique within the boutique.

-A painted longboard leans against the aqua blue Wings Hawaii shop/studio at the Pauwela Cannery. The Wings girls design and construct all of their own jewelry, tanks, children’s clothing and signage inspired by sand and sea.

-If you’re looking to adhere to a true island girl style, visit Tamara Catz in Paia. The designer herself is so down-to-earth (she’s usually working in her oceanfront studio behind the shop) and her fashions reflect her breezy sensibility: flowy dresses marked by coconut shells and delicate beading. Tamara also carries the entire RockaBella jewelry line, delicate and beautiful!

-Drive along the winding Honoapiilani Highway to Lahaina for even more local designers, bikinis and strappy sandals at Epitome.

THRIFT+CONSIGNMENT+VINTAGE

-The moment you leave the airport in Kahului, you will see Savers, a big thrift store with the best deals around. Another great secondhand shop is Elise Clothing Co. just around the corner in town.

-Maggie at Bohemia Boutique just expanded her shop on N. Market Street in Wailuku, a quaint block with plenty of antique offerings. This is by far my favorite consignment shop for her ever-changing mix of high-end designers and casual basics. Feels like you’ve just stepped into a French boudoir with dramatic chandeliers and framed silhouettes on the walls.

-Maui Swap Meet at S. Puunene Ave. (next to the Post Office):
Like any flea market you will feel overwhelmed, excited and exhausted by the rows of possibilities (random stuff) at the infamous Saturday swap meet. Its only 50 cents to enter and scour the organic farmers market, unique souvenirs, native crafts, kitsch objects and buttery baked goods. Go for the cane juice with a splash of ginger!

-Visiting Endangered Pieces in Pukalani is like stumbling upon a global yard sale full of wacky oddities including ornate glasswork, buddhist statues, Chinese antiques, upscale furniture, and recycled building materials. The store has random hours but check it out if you can.

-Rainbow Attic on the island’s south side is kind of on the pricey side for consignment but has one of the largest used furniture selections around.

-Tucked away down an alley on Front St. in Lahaina you’ll find the Old Lahaina Book Emporium. Beyond stocking new and old books, owner JoAnn Carroll manages to display vintage Hawaiiana memorabilia, rare antique books, sheet music, pinup posters and worthy collectables in this tiny store.

STREET LEVEL FASHION

-MauiThing is the latest surf/skate/lifestyle brand to pop up in Hawaii. Their new storefront in Wailuku town is full of silk-screened tees inspired by sea creatures, peace and abundant nature, all produced locally.

-Unit 24 in the Pauwela Cannery is home to Kickback Hawaii, a clothing line that represents the island lifestyle— relaxed and water-centric. These guys are on a mission to save the beaches and shoreline from pollution and overdevelopment, one graphic at a time.

BIKINI+SURF

-Maui Girl & Co., Paia: A funny thing happens once you visit Hawaii— your bikini bottom seems to diminish in size, against your will. The small bottoms are a signature Maui Girl style and are somehow more flattering (we like to say, “pride it!”). I love the Selinas line and Hula-la, lots of hearts and polka dots!

-Classic signs that read “Surfer Crossing”, “No shoes, No shirt, No skirt, No problem” line the walls at Hana HWY Surf, a family-run shop in Paia that stocks the latest from Volcom, RVCA and WESC. They have great sidewalk sales on Saturdays.

-If you’re looking to jump on the latest sports craze– stand up paddle surfing, Hawaiian Island Surf in Kahului is your spot for rentals and surf gear. They carry Pualani Swimwear, a local favorite for bikinis that stay put.

-Honolua Surf Co. in Lahaina is the best spot for cute hoodies, swimwear and graphic tees.

HOME+COLLECTABLES

-Rambutan, Baldwin Ave.: This old train station depot converted to a Balinese import shop is not to be missed. Longtime graphic designer/owner Jan hand selects each piece then adds her own creative embellishments (stain, paint, carvings). The refurbished furniture and accessories are on the softer side of rustic.

-Daniel Sullivan and Caramiya Davies-Reid, owner’s of Indigo Paia, tend not to stay in one place for too long. The duo travel the globe finding unique curiosities from India to South East Asia to outfit their corner shop with eye-popping home wares. You’ll find hand-woven tapestries, oriental rugs, porcelain knobs, antique furniture, offbeat gifts and Daniel’s vibrant photographs that cover the walls.

-Off the beaten path, you’ll find Duck Soup in the Central Maui Baseyard (near the Mokulele Highway), an unassuming warehouse full of Balinese and Asian furniture priced surprisingly low. “Duck Soup” is an expression used when something comes rather easily, similar to “no worries”… They are open Wed., Thurs., and Sat. only from 10- 3PM or by appointment.

-You’ll find upscale, island-inspired furnishings and unique accessories at The Minds Eye Interiors on Limahana Place on the west side. Also check out Latitudes in Lahaina for more home wares, fabrics and lighting.

ART GALLERIES+MUSEUMS

-Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center in upcountry Maui is really amazing. Beyond classes ranging in fine art photography to printmaking, they have some intriguing exhibits. New York street artist Swoon made it here for a print workshop with Maui’s youth last year. The historic building is home to the Hui Press, the oldest print-making studio in Hawaii, where master printer, Paul Mullowney, displays his delicate, handmade rice papers.

-The Four Seasons Resort at Wailea seems like an unlikely place to showcase a successful lineup of local artists but it succeeds every Thursday morning with a contemporary Hawaiian art exhibit. Browse art collections ranging from ceramics, paintings, textiles, sculptures, photography, woven baskets and feather lei.

-Viewpoints Gallery in Makawao supports local and native art more than any of the galleries to my knowledge. Their outdoor courtyard is a lovely venue for opening ceremonies with hula performances and interesting visiting speakers.

-Paia Contemporary Gallery: Only four artists currently occupy this sparse and modern space but their work is bold and beautiful.

-You’d be hard-pressed not to find a singular work of art on Front Street in Lahaina, an oceanfront block lined with galleries and boutiques. Its just sifting through all of the commercialized pieces to find a real gem thats the tough part. Lahaina Galleries is one of my favorites.

-Avi Kiriaty is a true painter of the Pacific. He finally opened his own Gallery which sits below the Paia Inn, a cool new B&B in town.

-The Maui Arts and Cultural Center, known as the MACC, is a huge creative venue in central Maui that supports film makers, painters, performers, musicians, and so on. Their annual art show gives unknown artists a chance to exhibit alongside some of the greats.

-Pauwela Cannery is an industrial warehouse turned creative space— glass blowers, screen printers, surfboard shapers, and a South East Asian furniture mart somehow blend harmoniously. The Cannery hosts art walks on the first Saturday of every month with live music and drinks. Feels like an exotic Moroccan street bazaar!

-On the pristine grounds of the Kula Lodge Restaurant upcountry, you’ll find the Kula Marketplace, a shop full of Maui’s own arts, crafts and culinary offerings. The Marketplace prides itself on supporting the local artisans— basket weavers, sculptors, photographers, wood carvers.

EAT+DRINK

-Des Amis is a cozy neighborhood cafe in Paia with a European feel. Their menu offerings are simple yet delicious: sweet and savory crepes and curries…go for the Mediterranean platter. The outdoor patio is ideal for post-work drinks and people watching!

-Sansei (Kihei and Lahaina) is infamous for their sushi and unruly karaoke on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights when their entire menu is 50% after 10PM.

-Maui Brewing Co. is the island’s only microbrewery with a brewpub in Kahana and brewery in Lahaina. Beyond the delicious taste of their beers (coconut porter, big swell IPA and bikini blonde lager), is cool packaging with cans covered in cheeky tag lines and illustrations.

-On the north end of Lahaina you’ll find Mala Ocean Tavern, a beach front cafe that serves yummy tapas and flatbread pizza. They have great daily lunch specials.

-Mana Foods in Paia is my favorite health food store in the world and will be yours too! They carry everything imaginable: the best local and organic produce, rows and rows of honey (try the Royal Hawaiian Organic Lehua), a great coffee selection (go for the Hana blend!), neat apothecary jars, hand-made pottery and an entire aisle devoted to chocolate for the cacao lovers out there.

-Tasaka Guri-Guri is a family-run shop at the Maui Mall that sells the yummiest homemade sherbet in a dixie cup for just a dollar. The secret recipe has been in the family for 100 years, pronounced “goodie goodie” for a reason!

-Stillwells Bakery and Cafe has been a fixture in historic Wailuku town for many years, serving up the best home-made banana cream pie around. Apparently they sell 200 cream horns a day!

-A Saigon Cafe in Wailuku is a local favorite for seafood and vegetarian specialties. Order by number and expect a feisty server!

-Don’t be deterred by Bangkok Cuisine’s location in a strip mall in central Maui, the food is authentic (super spicy) and reasonably priced (not quite Thailand cheap, but still).

-Komoda’s Bakery, a simple little store in Makawao, has been serving up hot cream puffs since 1916. Keep in mind, the line forms early (before 7AM) and the bakery is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.

-Alexander’s Famous Fish Co. in Kihei is your typical beach front spot for greasy fish and chips and a cold brew after a long day of sunbathing!

-Ono Gelato Co. recently opened in Paia to our delight. My sinful indulgence is a combination of lilikoi and sour cream. Snag a window seat for prime people watching…

-Paia Fish Market is well-known for their overstuffed fish tacos and local vibe. You’ll make new friends too, dining family-style at long picnic tables.

-Wok Star is a new cafe in Kihei that was an instant favorite. They keep it fresh and simple serving hot saimin, Hawaii’s local noodle soup, and spicy Indo stir fry. Plus its BYOB on the street-side patio!

-Located in the historic 1916 Lahaina Store on Front Street, the Oyster Bar & Restaurant is a sweet spot for drinks and late-night dancing. Perched at the top of the building, the bar offers stellar views of the west side.

-There is always a line of hungry people waiting to indulge at Gazebo’s, an unassuming oceanfront cafe at Napili Shores. Their macadamia nut pancakes drenched in whip cream are incredible!

You can’t visit Maui without dining at Mama’s Fish House on the North Shore, pretty expensive but seemingly worth it with fresh “catch of the day” menu items and a truly island-style decor.

**For the most up-to-date voices in Hawaii, check out my blogroll on www.hawaiistyleblog.com. Mahalo!