ALAUA

10/01/2026

I’ve always wanted to get into apparel but for some reason I was scared of it. Well, I finally designed some pieces and am getting samples made! I’ll have them in two weeks.

I’m very proud of myself because I finally took this first big step! It wasn’t so bad! I hope the samples turn out good. And if not, it’s not the end of the world. Just gotta take more steps.

09/17/2026

Episode 1 of Behind The Print!

In this episode I talk about how I came up with the idea for the Mo’o Ichimatsu towel pattern. I was first inspired by the vibrant bold tessellating gecko mural on McCully St in Honolulu, Hawaii. That lead me down a rabbit hole learning and researching about the great MC Escher - the master of tessellations. It took me a lot of tries but I was able to come up with my own tessellating mo’o pattern. From there I paired it with the Japanese checkerboard design called Ichimatsu.

Geckos, mo’os, and yamori symbolize protection in many cultures. Yamori is literally written as “house protect” in Japanese. The checkerboard pattern symbolizes ever expanding prosperity.

The combination of the two symbols is weaved into a towel with a wish for you to kick butt in the water while also staying safe.

09/16/2026

09/11/2026

Plumeria Canopy 🍃

Inspired by the abundant plumeria trees growing throughout Mānoa Valley, this reversible towel features a beautiful canopy of blossoms and leaves. The reverse side reveals a subtle inverse colorway, letting you wrap yourself in the familiar comfort of the trees that feel like home. Super absorbent, fast-drying, and sand-resistant, it is the perfect companion for your sun-kissed days.

09/11/2026

Mo’o Ichimatsu Print! 🦎🏁

I had such a fun time working on this design. Inspired by the Mo’o Mural on McCully by the One Little “Island” Artist Collective, I dove deep into the world of M.C. Escher and tessellations!

This towel pairs the Japanese Ichimatsu checkerboard pattern of prosperity with tessellating mo’o (geckos), which are believed to offer protection in both Hawaiian and Japanese cultures. Reversing from charcoal to sand, this design carries a wish for safe passage into expanding horizons. Engineered to be highly absorbent, fast-drying, and sand-resistant. Lightweight and ready for the open ocean.

09/03/2026

New collection has dropped!

A lot of creative energy was poured into these designs. I explored tessellations, traditional Japanese patterns, leaf-centric plumerias in my own backyard, sunrise shells, and even my neighbor’s hibiscus shrub. All the towels are reversible adding a little extra pop of color to your day.

Head on over to Alaua.co to get yours today!

Big Mahalo to our amazing model/athletes for bringing the collection to life. Videography by my amazingly talented friend, Dorka Hegedus 🥰

09/02/2026

Delivery day in Kaimukī! ☀️ Dropped off the brand-new Alaua towel collection at Sugarcane Shop.

Sugarcane supports over 120 local makers and small businesses! It’s hands-down one of the best places to find unique local treasures. So honored to have my products on their shelves!

📍 Stop by Sugar Cane Shop in Kaimukī to check out the new designs in person!

HawaiiSmallBusiness

04/02/2026

DM us for info on fundraising! Here is a reversible ultra-light microfiber towel we made for for their upcoming Mamizuka Invitational swim meet! The design features the ono (wahoo) - one of the fastest fish in the ocean. We added googles and funny swim sayings. The backdrop is a classic Japanese wave design. Order the towel at manoaaquatics.com to help raise funds for this amazing historic non profit swim team!

03/13/2026

Why pick one side when you can have both?

One side: Classic ‘Ulu Hawaiian Quilt
Reverse side: Palaka

It’s basically two towels in one, which is just smart math if you ask us. Grab your new favorite towel at ALAUA.co!

03/06/2026

Behind the scenes footage of our first photoshoot!

Building ALAUA has been a lesson in manifestation, and this shoot was even better than I wished for! I teamed up with filmographer Dorka Hegedus Lum and local athletes Teiah and Gabe to capture the brand's story at Ka'ena Point. It was a total body workout hauling and running gear across the rocks with my niece Tehani. Witnessing the designs I poured my creative energy into come to life was seriously magical. Too often in the past, I was just consumed by the go-go-go! of running a business. And I definitely did not stop to smell the roses. This journey, the process, are the puas to smell along the path. These experiences and relationships I build are what make the path meaningful and beautiful.

Read more about this shoot at alaua.co (Views from the Path blog).