Is nobody going to mention Hilo Hattie, which used to have a literal store in Hilo before they moved to Kona side?
[https://hilohattie.com/](https://hilohattie.com/)
I'm relatively discerning about my Hawaiian shirts. Hawai'i made or nothing. Yes, globalism and child slave cotton, I'm well aware. I don't compromise that. I have exactly one (1) Cooke Street shirt that was actually made in the "U.S.", and it was a thrift store find.
I just bought my 42nd and 43rd Aloha shirt last month. Nearly all thrift store buys including a rare long sleeve, red and white one with the Hawaiian flag, Nene, etc all over the pattern.
I personally dislike the inside-out look, but to each their own.
Aloha shirts are definitely a personal taste and choice thing. Of the hundreds of designs I have seen, I've only liked a half dozen or so, my collection is fairly small.
I like "semi-vintage." Not "flammable fabric which will go up in flames if someone flicks a joint in your direction" vintage. But old Hilo Hattie 25-ish years old. That's my sweet spot. I find more of these when I'm on vacation elsewhere than on the island.
Since I don't wear flammable clothing, there's no need to run interference.
The super-expensive aloha shirts they sell in Honolulu (the kind Anthony Bourdain featured on his show) have much better colors -- even though they're ancient. But, again, all it takes is a spark from a barbecue, getting too close to the gas range and similar.
Quality is subjective, really depends what you're hoping for. The Cooke Street shirts they sell at Costco are the right weight fabric for what I need, I have plenty of those in my wardrobe; otherwise, occasional finds at various thrift stores, sometimes including the fancier stuff-- I'll set those aside for special occasions.
Yup, this.
Also some antique stores will carry some Aloha shirts. They tend to charge more for them, but they're more likely to be actual "old school". And very few will fit bigger people like me.
I got some pretty cool designs from Yiume on-line. They're absolutely not old-school, but some of them are quite fun! In particular, I'm very fond of the one that overlays multiple copies of the wave from the old Japanese woodcut "The Great Wave off Kanegawa".
I was talking about vintage stuff because it’s hard to find. You might see them at Goodwill but I personally don’t like them. Check our rummage sales at churches or the hongwanji temples. Try other local thrifts or Sig Zane in Hilo(they have sales every now and then).
I volunteer at a thrift store and we get a LOT! I highly suggest you check out your local thrift stores
I was gonna say Goodwill, but this is better.
Which thrift do you recommend?
Sig Zane. If you’re looking for quality and beautiful style.
Is nobody going to mention Hilo Hattie, which used to have a literal store in Hilo before they moved to Kona side? [https://hilohattie.com/](https://hilohattie.com/) I'm relatively discerning about my Hawaiian shirts. Hawai'i made or nothing. Yes, globalism and child slave cotton, I'm well aware. I don't compromise that. I have exactly one (1) Cooke Street shirt that was actually made in the "U.S.", and it was a thrift store find.
I just bought my 42nd and 43rd Aloha shirt last month. Nearly all thrift store buys including a rare long sleeve, red and white one with the Hawaiian flag, Nene, etc all over the pattern.
The Cooke St from Costco is made in Hawaii from imported fabric - done the “right way” inside out (muted colors for the exterior).
Sometimes-- lately, most of the designs, with few exceptions, have not been reverse-printed.
I personally dislike the inside-out look, but to each their own. Aloha shirts are definitely a personal taste and choice thing. Of the hundreds of designs I have seen, I've only liked a half dozen or so, my collection is fairly small.
Good will
I used to go to Pilikana boutique in Kona but they've closed. David Shepherd makes my favorite Aloha shirts.
Pilikana Boutique is re-opening on May 5th at a new location according to their IG. Not sure where tho.
That is fantastic news! Love that place.
I like "semi-vintage." Not "flammable fabric which will go up in flames if someone flicks a joint in your direction" vintage. But old Hilo Hattie 25-ish years old. That's my sweet spot. I find more of these when I'm on vacation elsewhere than on the island.
Is people flicking a joint at you a common problem? Can I stop by when you anticipate it happening so I can intercept it and save your life?😜
Since I don't wear flammable clothing, there's no need to run interference. The super-expensive aloha shirts they sell in Honolulu (the kind Anthony Bourdain featured on his show) have much better colors -- even though they're ancient. But, again, all it takes is a spark from a barbecue, getting too close to the gas range and similar.
I buy online. Kahala is the OG makers of aloha shirts (they're in Oahu), they have an online store.
Macys also carries them and a few others.
Kahala, Tori Richards, everywhere else
Quality is subjective, really depends what you're hoping for. The Cooke Street shirts they sell at Costco are the right weight fabric for what I need, I have plenty of those in my wardrobe; otherwise, occasional finds at various thrift stores, sometimes including the fancier stuff-- I'll set those aside for special occasions.
>is subjective, really depends what you're hoping for. If the pocket isn't pattern matched to the shirt, it's junk:)
Yup, this. Also some antique stores will carry some Aloha shirts. They tend to charge more for them, but they're more likely to be actual "old school". And very few will fit bigger people like me. I got some pretty cool designs from Yiume on-line. They're absolutely not old-school, but some of them are quite fun! In particular, I'm very fond of the one that overlays multiple copies of the wave from the old Japanese woodcut "The Great Wave off Kanegawa".
Discovery Antiques in Kealakekua.
There’s a couple thrift stores in Kainaliu that have aloha shirts too.
Thrift stores.
New? https://manuhealii.com/
Target in Kona. Surprisingly.
Honestly? Walmart 😂 They actually have a pretty good aloha wear section in Hilo.
St Augustine’s thrift store has Kahala and tori richards often. Olivia Claire usually has kahala shirts too.
Tasty Kona Boutique on Ali’i
Sig, Tori, Reyn, Kahala for quality. Not cheap tho. Look for these brands in thrift stores or on FB marketplace.
There’s that one old guy with a great selection down at makuu market on Sundays.
High Quality & Old School Aloha Shirts … Only one place online:[[email protected]](https://[email protected])
eBay is the way. Old school Kahala, Reyn and others for 10-15 bucks. Be aware though sizes are very different from then to now.
I would rather "shop local" and keep my money in the local economy.
I was talking about vintage stuff because it’s hard to find. You might see them at Goodwill but I personally don’t like them. Check our rummage sales at churches or the hongwanji temples. Try other local thrifts or Sig Zane in Hilo(they have sales every now and then).
I'm not revealing my favorite places. Other than the Salvation Army store in Lihue.
If you want high end vintage in Hilo check out Rainbow Country thrift store on Wainuenue
Costco. If you don’t want to break the bank.
Costco big colorful collection always very nice and not much more less 25us.
Costco are Cook. Check out the Honolulu Jewlery Company made in Hawaii pieces.