08/21/2026
Made In Hawai’i Festival starts today (yes, it’s 4! days this year!) I have seen a few reels popping up here and there of people talking about their favorite vendors and their planned hauls, and it’s always an amalgamation of clothes, jewelry, hair clips, more clothes, maybe some kids stuff thrown in there, and maybe some food. I definitely have some favorites in those categories, but I’m here to urge you not to forget about the artists!! This is one very special one. She took time out of her endless hours of prepping for Made in Hawai‘i to make this amazing piece for me. She told me she had a “small” gift for me but when she handed me the bag it was straight up heavy, and me knowing that she makes tiny, delicate Manu Buddies, one of which I have perched next o my bed, thought, this is NOT small 🤔 I can’t express what this piece means to me. It’s one of the most thoughtful gifts I’ve ever received. The basketball makes me cry. And seriously, she made this during the hustle of making HANDMADE product for MIH!!
I hope you will take time to visit Jaime’s booth, Alohapost HI when you go to the festival. Her artwork is so wonderful and special, and like the other artists there, it will last long after that trendy mu‘u you bought is old and frayed and in a pile in the back of your closet. Please support all the great local businesses working hard to make it here in the islands but please pay special attention to the ones that are actually handmade and/or MIH 👊🏼❤️
