Showing posts with label beach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beach. Show all posts

Thursday, June 25, 2015

hand-MADE on Kauai Series

While being one of the most renowned vacation destinations today, the island of Kauai is actually either missing or unrecognizable on most maps. All 1,430 kilometers of greenery and waterfalls in the middle of the Pacific offer some of the world's best produce, products, people, and places on the planet!



KaiKini Bikinis is a locally owned and operated, hand-MADE on Kauai, and is the largest bikini manufacturer in the state of Hawaii! Being located at least 3,000 miles away from any major city and shore line only makes us appreciate and value our out-of-state and international customers even more!

As I walk into headquarters today, music is bumping while Kristen and Kim are running production, Allison (model) and Keith (photographer) are photographing new arrivals, Desirea is marketing and processing sales, and Taryn is directing the whole show.

Everyone was in their own element, zone, and specialty- flowing gracefully. Mama said they'll be days like this! She also warned that there would be days in which you aren't as fluid. Times when you'll be faced with bumps in the road, and the inevitable question of why are you not so inspired?

For anyone on a daily basis it's a rut we know all too well. You snack a little, check your email, scroll through social media, edit your selfies, and drain your brain of motivation while trying to squeeze out of yourself any shred of inspiration.

But maybe the inspiration doesn't come from you. Maybe it comes from other people and requires you to put yourself in their shoes and to see the ambition from their point of view.

Looking around at all these talented people, I found that that kind of empathy breaks my writers block and in turn gives my position and voice an opportunity to represent everyone around me.

I think of all the beauty and talent in Kauai and my community and can see where KaiKini's design inspiration comes from. The blues of the ocean represent the teal, white set suits, the glowing Polihale sunsets radiate both magenta & neon nights collection, and the Aloha print represents the colorful spirits of the people.


As you can guess, our next series of blog posts all stem to honor the community and environment in which we create our bikinis and reside, Kauai- Hawaii.

KaiKini would also like to challenge our readers to ask yourself, where do you come from, who is surrounding you, and what influences your thoughts and behavior when you create? Let us know!

Step outside and consider that the creative process is NOT only about you, but instead you are an honorary channel for others. Lets help make something of each-other!

Hand-MADE on Kauai with Aloha- KaiKini Bikinis
Mahalo-Kona-Kai

P.S- stay tuned for posts through out the week of Kauai Made features!

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Trash Talking

Believe it or not, living on an island surrounded by beautiful blue water and waves has its challenges. Aside from the obvious, (being disconnected from the mainland & family) we have to find innovative ways to handle other problems as well.

Trash. 

Where is it all supposed to go?
A lot of it ends up in landfills or washes down rivers to end up in our oceans. Truth is, the problem extends around the world, but becomes much more evident when you're living on an island. We all need to be more conscious of what we use, how we dispose of it, and ask ourselves - where will this end up - and when (if ever) will it break down? Which brings me to our main topic:

Plastic.

When I first moved to Kauai I thought it was a little strange plastic bags weren't readily available at every grocery store. It was paper, or you could buy a reusable bag at the checkout stand. It quickly became obvious once I realized there would be nowhere for this trash to go. I was shown the growing landfill out on the westside and was devastated to see it was no more than half a mile from the ocean. Oh, and the plastics? They can take hundreds if not thousands of years to break down. Ok. Got it. No more plastic bags. 

So what happens in other places that don't have restrictions on use of plastics? Have a look:

Images Courtesy of Bali Advisor

Above are some shocking images we received when Bali Advisor contacted us regarding the plastic problem in Bali. Every year monsoon rains wash plastics and other rubbish down to the oceans which in turn end up on Bali's beaches. This problem has been compounding over the years and campaigners are now gathering signatures to enforce a ban on plastic bags. Bali's governor has promised a ban will happen if one million signatures are gained. So what should you do?

First, join the KaiKini Wahines and sign the petition:

Second, read on below and learn more about the Plastic Problem:

Here's a few plastic facts from the Ecowatch website that really put things in perspective:
  • In the Los Angeles area alone, 10 metric tons of plastic fragments—like grocery bags, straws and soda bottles—are carried into the Pacific Ocean every day.
  • Enough plastic is thrown away each year to circle the earth four times.
  • Annually approximately 500 billion plastic bags are used worldwide. More than one million bags are used every minute.
  • One million sea birds and 100,000 marine mammals are killed annually from plastic in our oceans.
  • Virtually every piece of plastic that was ever made still exists in some shape or form (with the exception of the small amount that has been incinerated).
We understand the ban on plastic bags is only the first step of a bigger change that needs to happen, but we would love for you to join us in spreading awareness. We're doing our part to keep Kauai and our oceans clean. In honor of Earth Day we gathered our extended family and organized a beach clean up! Thanks to all the volunteers here on Kauai & a big thank you to Bali Advisor for inspiring us to take action!










Wednesday, November 19, 2014

The finishing touch that makes all the difference...

Meet the other half of our dynamic-sister-duo, Kim! No bikini would be finished without 'Trim'-berly's final touch - she's the last stop for each and every bikini that comes through production! Let's take a time out with our favorite fan-girl and give thanks for her help making each and every KaiKini look perfect!

Name: Kim Oakes
KaiKini Position: Seamstress AKA Fan Girl Extraordinaire
What’s Your Sign: Gemini (June 8)
Hometown: Sterling Heights, MI
Favorite Color: Orange

Favorite KaiKini at the moment: Black Halter & Brown Cheetah Kai

Favorite thing about working at KaiKini: That my sister works here and I get to see her EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. (ok.. maybe that's not the best part) My favorite thing about KaiKini is that it never feels like work. I get to do something I enjoy all day while hanging out with my favorite girls! <3

Theme song at the moment:
Vacation - The Go-Gos

Favorite dessert:
Any kind of ice cream!

Favorite food:
Sushi, or any kind of sweets!

Celebrity crush:
Big Time Rush Boys (I can't decide which one!)

I'll take one of each please!
If you could marry a cartoon character who would it be?
Johnny Bravo :) Whata hunk!

Favorite way to stay fit:
Staying away from Marina's delicious treats! (Yes, Marina brings us cookies and other delicious)

Best words to live by:
LIVE IT UP.

The perfect day is...
Having no plans, yet filled with adventure!
Enjoying life on a beach in Hawaii...
Best thing about living on Kauai?
Sun all the time!

How many bikinis do you own?
Oh my... way too many. But never enough.

What's your favorite time of day?
As I'm laying in bed to fall asleep!

What are you giving thanks for?
For having such an amazing sister, Kristen. (Okay maybe Kristen put her two cents in on this one too...) haha! I am thankful for my family. Without them I wouldn't be where I am today. They are great supporters with anything I decide to do in my life.

Monday, November 10, 2014

What happens when a girl from Kansas ends up in Hawaii?


She turns into a mermaid! Well, almost... :)

This month, in honor of one of our favorite holidays, we're giving thanks for the KaiKini Wahines: the ladies behind the bikinis. Kauai brought five ladies from all over the US to this little piece of paradise with one passion in common - making the best bikinis. This week we're giving thanks for Andrea, our Sales Manager and resident bikini tester.

Going for a swim with my Pakala shark-dog
Name:  Andrea Rayne
KaiKini Position:  Sales Manager AKA The Smooth Operator
What’s Your Sign:  Scorpio (Oct 27)
Hometown:  Solomon, KS
Favorite Color:  Red

Favorite KaiKini at the moment:  Don't make me pick!! Anything with our Aloha Print!

Favorite thing about working at KaiKini: These girls – we all say it, but we really are family and I love them like crazy. I also have a slight bikini addiction, so getting to see these beautiful creations come to life is really rewarding!

Favorite Food?
Put cheese on it and voilĂ !

Vodka, Rum, Whiskey or Tequila?
Tequila. every. time.

What’s something you collect?
Shells, beachglass, coral, rocks... anything I can find beach-combing. Oh, and bikinis.

Favorite way to stay in shape?
Running is death - I don't know how people do it. Gyms scare me. I've found my happy place with yoga & surfing.

Still smiling after getting worked
How many bikinis do you own?
Over 100. You could say I'm working at the right place. ;)

Bikini Trend you wish would go away...
Crochet. Pretty, but quite possibly the least functional material you could make a bikini from. And don't get me started on these one-piece suits with high cut legs circa 1980. Just stop. Please.

What’s your favorite childhood memory?
Christmas - everything about it. Decorating - The build up around it... (opening my presents before the day and re-wrapping them so my parents wouldn't know) - family coming together - laughter, joy, warmth & delicious food!


Top 3 things on your bucket list?
New Zealand - Northern Lights - Swim with sharks (no cage!)

Best thing about living on Kauai?
Endless Adventure and living in a constant state of wonder. It's truly never-never land - I feel like I never have to grow up!

What are you giving thanks for?
Happiness - living in this beautiful place that reminds me daily I have so much to be thankful for - my family, friends and to get cheesy for a second... my hubby. :)

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Congratulations Grand Prize Winners!

Our Grand Prize Winners Priscilla & Mariah are made for adventure and have been #spreadingaloha all over Kauai for the past couple weeks! They each will be receiving a tour of our new headquarters and 5 custom bikini sets!

Want in on the fun? Our Bucket List is far from complete! We have 4 Location Prizes left right here on Kauai (see below for rewards available) and we'll be expanding to the other Hawaiian Islands and around the US & World next, so stay tuned!

HANALEI PIER: Take a pic on the pier with 2 other girls wearing a KaiKini *all of you wearing KaiKini* 


KILAUEA LIGHTHOUSE: Take a unique perspective pic in front of the lighthouse (make it look like your holding the lighthouse in your hand, etc.)

REWARD (still available): I ♥ Kauai tank top + Hand-painted KaiKini trucker hat


KAPAA BIKE PATH: Take a pic riding a bike anywhere on the path with the ocean in the background


SECRET FALLS: Take a pic at Secret Falls with a rock tower and the falls in the background 

REWARD (still available): Custom Bikini Set & Tour the New KaiKini Headquarters 


KILOHANA TRAIN: Take a pic riding the train in your KaiKini

REWARD (still available): Bikini Top of your choice


MENEHUNE FISHPOND OVERLOOK: KaiKini Love! Take a pic at sunset kissing someone special at the overlook 


SPOUTING HORN: Take a pic in front of the spouting horn (must be spouting) and there must be a chicken in the picture too! 


HANAPEPE SWINGING BRIDGE: Take a pic on the bridge wearing your favorite KaiKini 

REWARD: I ♥ Kauai tank + 30% Off your next order


PIHEA LOOKOUT - WAI'ALE'ALE SIGN: Take a pic next to the famous "wettest spot on earth" sign doing a yoga pose


NAPALI COAST FROM THE WATER: Take a pic anywhere on the Napali Coast from the water holding up double shakas! (You can be on a Kayak, on a tour boat, sailboat, doesn't matter as long as you're on the water!)




Thursday, October 23, 2014

Bucket List Photo Challenge - 10 Locations, 10 Prizes

Join us for the KaiKini Bucket List Challenge! Our first 10 locations are right here at home on beautiful Kauai. We took KaiKini to the top of Sleeping Giant to start off the challenge and had a blast on the adventure!


Everyone is welcome to participate! The winners will be announced as each challenge is completed. The winner will be featured on KaiKini.com & Facebook and the first two Runners-Up will also be featured on our website. We can't wait to see KaiKini all over Kauai! To see the official contest page visit our website!

Next our bucket list will be heading to the other Hawaiian Islands and the top 100 places we want to see KaiKini around the WORLD! Stay tuned!

To participate:
  1.  Grab your favorite KaiKini Bikini (at least one piece top or bottom must be showing) 
  2. Be the first to tag @kaikinibikinis and #kaikinibucketlist completing the challenge (be sure to read the details!) 
  3. We will verify that you are the first to complete the challenge successfully 
  4. Photo will be posted on KaiKini.com & Facebook - Rewards will be given out as each challenge is completed 
  5. Complete ALL 10 places on our Bucket List and win our GRAND PRIZE!! (Read on below!)
Contest entries must be submitted before 12/31/14


Grand Prize:


TOUR THE NEW KAIKINI HEADQUARTERS + 5 CUSTOM BIKINI SETS

Are you made for adventure?! Spread Aloha visiting all 10 places on our Kauai Bucket List & complete the challenges to meet the KaiKini Wahines and tour our new facility in Kapaa! You'll also have the opportunity to get a behind the scenes look at our little piece of paradise and choose 5 custom bikini sets (or 10 pieces)!!! You do not have to be first for each individual location on our list to win our Grand Prize but you must be the first complete ALL of the challenges as instructed in the details below.

  1. Hanalei Pier:
    CHALLENGE: Take a pic on the pier with 2 other girls wearing a KaiKini *all of you wearing KaiKini*
    REWARD: You and your 2 friends receive a promo code for 35% off your next order! 
  2. Kilauea Lighthouse:
    CHALLENGE: Take a unique perspective pic in front of the lighthouse (make it look like your holding the lighthouse in your hand, etc.)
    REWARD: I ♥ Kauai tank top + Hand-painted KaiKini trucker hat 
  3. Kapaa Bike Path:
    CHALLENGE: Take a pic riding a bike anywhere on the path with the ocean in the background
    REWARD: Bikini Set of your choice 
  4. Secret Falls:
    CHALLENGE: Take a pic at Secret Falls with a rock tower and the falls in the background REWARD: Custom Bikini Set & Tour the New KaiKini Headquarters 
  5. Kilohana Train:
    CHALLENGE: Take a pic riding the train in your KaiKini
    REWARD: Bikini Top of your choice 
  6. Menehune Fishpond Overlook:
    CHALLENGE: KaiKini Love! Take a pic at sunset kissing someone special at the overlook REWARD: Hand-painted KaiKini trucker hat + 30% Off your next order 
  7. Spouting Horn:
    CHALLENGE: Take a pic in front of the spouting horn (must be spouting) and there must be a chicken in the picture too!
    REWARD: Bikini Bottom of your choice 
  8. Hanapepe Swinging Bridge:
    CHALLENGE: Take a pic on the bridge wearing your favorite KaiKini
    REWARD: I ♥ Kauai tank + 30% Off your next order 
  9. Pihea Lookout - Wai'ale'ale Sign:
    CHALLENGE: Take a pic next to the famous "wettest spot on earth" sign doing a yoga pose REWARD: Bikini Set of your choice 
  10. Napali Coast from the water:
    CHALLENGE: Take a pic anywhere on the Napali Coast from the water holding up double shakas! (You can be on a Kayak, on a tour boat, sailboat, doesn't matter as long as you're on the water!)
    REWARD: Custom Bikini Set & Tour the New KaiKini Headquarters

Thursday, October 2, 2014

A KaiKini Confession

Guest blogger Marina here, Quality Control Manager and seamstress for those KaiKinis you love so much. The most wonderful Andrea asked me to step in for this post and talk about my first experience with a KaiKini. Little did she know that…

I have a confession to make. 

My first time owning and wearing a bikini wasn't until after I started working at KaiKini (gasp!). As in, my first KaiKini was my first bikini! Up until that point, I’d never bought a bikini before. Like, NEVER EVER.  Why, you ask? Truth be told, I’m pretty self-conscious. Similar to many other girls out there, I easily find fault with what I see in the mirror, especially when it comes to my bikini body.  I pretty much never felt 'bikini ready.'  I was never comfortable enough to show that much skin so I stuck with unflattering, ill-fitting one pieces and tankinis. It took a move to Hawaii and a job at KaiKini to open my eyes to the possibility of wearing something other than the potato sacks I was used to.

There is something really awesome about Kauai. Actually, there are a TON of awesome things about Kauai, but there is one thing in particular: girls here, of all shapes and sizes, ROCK their bikinis. From high coverage to barely there Brazilians, women here strut their stuff and are proud of it. Never before have I seen as much self-confidence as I've seen walking the beaches of this beautiful island. And you know what? Self-confidence is contagious. If all of these women could kill it in a bikini, why couldn't I??

And this is where KaiKini comes in. When I first started working with Taryn and the girls, I had this mental block about our Kinis. NO WAY would I EVER wear something so cheeky and revealing!

A little known fact about KaiKini (Shhhh! Don’t let Taryn know I told you!):
As quality control manager, I make sure that every single piece produced in our small studio is up to our high standards.  If there is ever a flaw in one of our suits that cannot be fixed, like a hole in the fabric or broken elastic, it will sometimes end up in one of the KaiKini girls’ Kini collections. (Side Note: The downside to being such an awesome team of seamstresses is that flaws like this RARELY happen but when they do, the first thing everyone asks is, “What size is it?!”). We all have a few castaway, un-sellable bikinis in our possession and it was a suit like this that had the honor of becoming my-first-bikini-oh-my-god!

I remember it like it was yesterday… it was a black Okole with a hole. Now, the awesome thing about our Okole bottom is that not only does it offer more coverage than a Kai, but for girls out there who may not be as well-endowed in the booty department (like yours truly) it has this awesome ability to give what you've got some extra oomph! Thanks in large part to the scrunch in the back, the Okole silhouettes your bum and gives it a nice heart shape, magically making it look, well, better.  When I first tried it on, while still self-conscious and not ready to wear it in public, I did have to admit that my tukas looked the best it ever has in a swimsuit.  No saggy fabric or ‘diaper butt’ here!


So that was my first experience with a KaiKini. I have to say, it’s taken me a long time to get to the point of wearing a bikini in public. I’m still self-conscious and am not yet able to strut my stuff and rock it, but I’m getting there. I’m a bit biased because I actually make the bikinis I wear, but I truly have to say that if not for KaiKini, I might still be wearing my ugly tankinis and lamenting my awful tan lines. Not only am I proud to say that my stomach now gets to see the light of day, but my KaiKinis still remain the only bikinis I own. 



I guess the moral of my story and the message I’d like to share is this:
For those of you dreaming about one day wearing a bikini: you’ll get there. Take baby steps. Ease into it. Find the cut and fit that makes you feel the best. Go to an isolated place and wear your Kini without fear.  Work your way to the point of being happy in your own skin and of what you've got. Oh, and if your first suit happens to be a KaiKini, awesome!! Wear it knowing that we were thinking about YOU when we made it and that we see you as beautiful no matter what. But even if a KaiKini isn't the first suit you've ever owned, or even if you don’t own a KaiKini, wear whatever helps you feel like the goddess you are. 

Now go out there and strut your stuff, Kini lovers!

XOXO
Marina

P.S. What’s YOUR first bikini story? We’d love to hear about it in the comments section!

Friday, September 12, 2014

#SpreadingAloha

- ALOHA -
‘We use it in greetings and farewells and in expressing love. But the word means even more, it is a way of life. 
Besides these common meanings, the word Aloha holds within itself all one needs to know to interact rightfully in the natural world. These insights describe an attitude or way of life sometimes called "The Aloha Spirit" or "The Way of Aloha".’ - THE DEEPER MEANING OF ALOHA by Curby Rule 
 ‘The literal meaning of aloha is “the presence of breath” or “the breath of life.” It comes from “Alo,” meaning presence, front and face, and “ha,” meaning breath. Aloha is a way of living and treating each other with love and respect. Its deep meaning starts by teaching ourselves to love our own beings first and afterwards to spread the love to others.’ The Meaning of Aloha 

Here at KaiKini, we embrace Aloha – sewing it into every bikini – spreading it every chance we get. We keep it local – making our ‘Kinis right here on Kauai with supplies made in the United States. We’ve also made a commitment to sustainable, ethical manufacturing and ‘green’ business practices. We design bikinis made for fun – for adventure – the days that make your heart happy. We’re so fortunate to be doing something we love and we want to spread this Aloha from the little island of Kauai to the rest of the world.

We invite you to show us how you spread and share the Aloha! Maybe it’s as simple as a smile – lounging on the beach in your favorite KaiKini – sharing a wave with your bestie – or diving below the waves with da fish & da honu. Maybe it’s bigger than you, donating your time for a good cause or cleaning up your favorite beach. Whatever it is, show us! Tag us in your photos #spreadingaloha and together let’s show the world a little love and a lot of ALOHA!

Be the Aloha you wish to see in the world.

#spreadingaloha one bikini at a time: your KaiKini Wahines: (from left to right) Kim, Andrea, Taryn, Marina & Kristen

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Reversible is here - 2 in 1!!

We are so excited to reveal our REVERSIBLE and SEAMLESS 'Kinis! Yes, you heard me correctly - we're bringing all the best of the bikini world into one amazing suit. Combine our super high quality with seamless design and we are confident we've made the BEST bikinis in the world! (Now's no time for modesty - we're really excited!) Ok, we admit it, we're a little late to the seamless/reversible party, but let us explain... we have been working for months to ensure our seamless 'Kinis are the best out there and live up to our high-quality standards.

I've had the pleasure of trying out a couple of our new seamless designs over the past few weeks! They've been hiking, surfing, SUPing & kayaking all over this little island and WOW! Our new seamless design is so incredibly comfortable and I'm also excited to have a bottom without scrunch (I like to mix it up every now and then)! This little 'Kini that could stayed on playing in one of the heaviest breaks on the Westside of Kauai.

I also have been surfing in a new style that will make its debut next month sometime. It is a 3-String Okole style offering a little more coverage than some of our other 'Kinis and a slightly higher waist as well (thanks for the inspiration Marina)! Seamless comfort with sexy cutouts on the side and our signature scrunch back is the perfect mix of style and function. I can't say enough about this suit for my active and adventurous friends. This suit DOES NOT BUDGE in the waves. Almost every suit needs a little adjusting now and then, but not this one - I'm in love!

Our first Reversible design will be available for pre-order later this week in our ALOHA print (shown below)! It reverses to one of our favorites - Seafoam - and there will be a matching reversible top. This print reminds us of a tropical vacation and is perfect for summer. Did I mention its reversible? That's like two suits for the price of one!
What better way to introduce our new reversible and seamless designs than to say A - L - O - H - A!

Monday, December 19, 2011

Sneak peek of java kai art show pics






       I cannot tell you how excited I am to have my photography up in a shop! This business has me doing so many different things that I didn't think of when I started. I've always had fun taking pictures, but this will be the first time my pics will be displayed in public. I enjoy the photo shoots almost as much as the bikini designing...such a pleasant surprise. There will be 11 photos total, and they are all being printed on canvas and enlarged. 


       The prints will go up in Java Kai in Kapaa on January 2nd and remain up for the month. The art walk will be on January 7th from 5 to 8pm. My girlfriend, Andrea is fire dancing, and my friend Zaq is going to DJ. The canvas prints will be for sale, but anything that is left over, i'll be more than happy to take home myself! We'll have hats, posters and calendars too. Would love for you to join us...