Ohana is Hawaiian for family, and this boutique truly reflects the sentiments behind the word. Kauai natives Koral McCarthy and Moku Puulei-Chandler founded the quaint shop several years ago. The duo opened their arms to area artisans and welcomed them into their store to help promote their work. In the same way, the shop opens its doors to travelers and locals alike to connect artists with locals and travelers alike. All of which are in a friendly, warm environment.
The shop is nestled in the Ching Young Village in Hanalei and is close to the Wainiha General Store. If you’re looking for unique Hawaiian gifts to commemorate your visit to the islands, Ohana is the place to shop! When you step inside Ohana, you know you’re in for a wonderful shopping experience. The white walls are adorned with a wide assortment of art, jewelry, and clothing. Let’s explore these in more detail.
The majority of the products in Ohana are women’s apparel. One popular item is the kaftan, a woman’s long loose dress. The colors vary like a rainbow, and fabrics range from cotton to a blend of silk and cotton. Shoppers will also find short dresses to full-length varieties.
Polynesian pareo makes for ideal clothing to wrap around your bathing suit or to drape over your shoulders. For the casual dresser, T-shirts and pullovers are a perfect choice. These come in a variety of colors with some sporting images and graphics.
If you’re looking for an authentic Hawaiian hat, you’ll find a wide variety at Ohana. Lau in Hawaiian means “leaf,” so lauhala refers to anything made from the leaves of the Hala tree. Other lauhala items include ornaments, vases, and jar covers. Hats at Ohana vary in size, design, and price.
Ohana has a wide variety of jewelry to peruse. These range from necklaces strung with Tahitian black pearls to bracelets made of sandalwood. Since leis are popular in Hawaii, Ohana offers many options. You may prefer the elegant signature shell lei adorned with tiny shells or something more striking like the Ni’ihau Momi shell lei.
For the budget-conscious shopper, the apothecary has excellent options. Handsoap like the Gardenia Scent and the Pikake Scent make great gifts and look elegant with the emblazoned logo on the soap. Beauty oils, perfumes, purifying ointments, and body washes also exist.
The shop has a wide selection of accessories for men, women, and children. The refillable Ohana lighter sports navy blue palm trees on a background of white and is stylish for those who smoke. The all-black handmade knife, the Ele ele, is perfect for everyday use or ideal for sportspeople and anglers. There are also ball caps with “Ohana,” canvas totes, keychains, and lapel pins.
Ohana also has a good selection of books. Children will love Hawaiian-themed books, while more mature readers will want to read Kauai Tales or about an authentic Hawaiian hero, Eddie Aikau. There are also plant books, a Hawaiian dictionary, and a survival guide.
We know you’ll find the perfect souvenir or personal gift at Ohana. You’ll not only be supporting local artists and artisans, but will have a gift you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
Insider Tip:
Inventory at Ohana is constantly changing, so don’t rely solely on their online selections. Be sure to inquire about out-of-stock items or new items that arrive daily.