Damn Girl! What's your secret?

Seems like trendy health conscious people (and all of Hollywood) have about four answers when you ask them about their fitness life:

“I exercise non-stop and eat air yet claim to have this fantastic bod by walking my dog”- type. (Why you gotta lie?)

The “I have 17 trainers and a personal chef and I'm paid millions to tend to my body, so of course I look good” - type. (That's no fair!)

Or the “I just have a really good metabolism I guess”- type. (Lucky!)

Lastly, “I have so much money Im gonna change myself into anything I want” -type. (No comment)

So when we encountered Allison, let us just tell you how psyched we were for an emerging “Im doing my best, and have dedication- and this is how I look, which is pretty darn good, thank you!” type. (Go girl!)

You may know Alison Furder from her partnership and friendship with us at Kaikini, as a Kauai known and based model, or from your own personal relationship in the community- however you know her, you know one thing- she has the body of a goddess. (yes, even with a baby on the way!) And no, not just a genetically gifted goddess, but a hard working, and dedicated one as well. When we got the opportunity to interview the Kauai fitness queen, I jumped at the chance. 

Check out a few candid questions she answered when we basically asked the question…what do you do?? and how do you do it??

Q: We love that you have a healthy attitude about your body- it shows! What is your secret?

A: It’s proven, we are a product of our environment! Surround yourself with people from all aspects that support all interests. You want to get your life together, it starts with you and how you want to see yourself, how you want to feel when you wake up, how you want to be at work, in your relationships, and with your loved ones.

Q: What is the number one mistake you see people making while trying to get fit?

A: Following trends. Crash dieting, trendy short lived diets, and expecting instant weight loss and unrealistic results.

Q: What is your regular fitness routine?

A: I like to switch up timing and workouts. Its a mix between high intensity cross fit, and circuit training (1 hour) ex: 3 minutes of squats (as she demonstrates the best squats we’ve ever seen). I also have off days, days when I give my body a rest and do something more natural like swimming or surfing. 

Q: Well, a girls gotta eat! What do you consume before a workout?

A: Protein shake. Non gmo, vegan, fresh flax milk. Make sure you are eating or drinking something with high protein, and lots of nutrients and minerals. When all else fails, fresh fruit. Other options are dates, prunes, figs, and hard boiled eggs packed calcium.

Q: What is your favorite meal?

A: I love breakfast. I’m always up early. I like to make hot cereal- with pumpkin seeds, blue berries, banana, honey, and coconut.

Q: What is your food philosophy, and what does it mean?

A: Always listen to your body. It will tell you what it needs! After I got out of surgery- I cut out dairy because I needed to lower inflammation. I wasn’t exercising as much and needed more energy so I cut out red meat. If you are thirsty- you are already dehydrated! Your body is yours! Listen to it!

Q: Everyone always seems so busy, and it’s tempting to eat badly when you are sleep deprived, busy, or hungry. How do you keep healthy? 

A: I don’t punish myself when my body has a craving. I don’t spoil it either. Moderation is the best health regime. If I’m craving sweets I eat some dark chocolate. I mean, its chocolate! It also contains a bunch of anti oxidants that are good for your blood and immune system. Sometimes I  pair it with some organic fruit that is packed with sugar. If that’s not enough I top it with some ice-cream and then go for a walk after to digest. 

Q: How do you motivate yourself to exercise when your tired? 

A: Its harder said then done to wake up every morning and get in a habit of exercising and nutrition. Finding a good structured team and routine, like a scheduled a class, (Mon, Wed, Fri) will get you out of your house with a nice change of scenery. These classes also help you build friendships with people that are on the same level as you physically. I have made such great friendships with the people I stay active with- they alone increase my energy!

Q: What would you say is your healthiest habit?

A: Hydrating!! I rarely drink anything but water. Drinking water doesn’t have to be boring! Mix in some chia seeds, honey (natural anti fungal bacteria), or fresh lemon to help keep your immune system up. 

Q: You really only drink water? 

A: I stopped drinking a lot of alcohol, because I didn’t want to feel foggy or bad every morning. Instead I treat myself with glass of wine at night or some fresh squeezed juice. Replace your old habit with something newer and healthier, and you will soon be happier!

Q: How do you work out when you are on the road or have had a long day? 

A: Stretch, just to let the stress out and the air in. You’ve got to find time for self love. Go for a walk, listen to some music, take a bath with some epsom salt, or just go to bed early. 

Q: What is the secret to making good for you changes stick?

A: They can’t just be temporary. They have to be LIFE changes. If you are unable to make it to workout class, run around the block. Never miss a day. Do squats while washing the dishes. Know your body, and treat it with respect of a routine.

Q: What is your favorite Kaikini style?

A: All of them? Lol. If I had to choose, the Hina. It offers a little more coverage and sits better on the touché. 

Q: What attracts you to Kaikini?  

A: Their image! Their amazing swimsuits. They have been such good friends, and a great business to work with. 

Well, we love you too Allison! As we as women, as gravity pushes, and as the aging process kicks in, we are inspired by Allison's dedication, research, kindness, beauty, and amazing life choices. 

(Writers note: During this interview, we had JUST found out she was pregnant! Since then she continues with her heath and workout routine with even more determination and dedication. Allison, you are glowing!!!)

by Kona Kai Wilson

Source of Creativity- What's original?

Have you ever thought that every book ever written after the dictionary is just a remix? Every scientific theory is just a version of the big bang? Every garment is based on the last? And how in the world are you supposed to find good music, food, art, or heaven forbid a bikini that no one else has? Is there any thing we can say is totally original these days? _________________________________________________________________

 Being a new employee, I am able to see the manufacturing process from an outside perspective, and couldn't be more impressed with the Kaikini team. With the summer rush coming in, and the bikini bods heating up, production records are soaring! The beautifully decorated headquarters offer a positive environment for the creation of award winning suits from the ashes of organization, expertise, design, laughter, honesty, and everything in-between. The only direction is up for Kaikini's and we are progressing every day! But as we all know too well, growing also entails stepping out of your comfort zone and by doing this we are talking on a few extra projects we are excited about!

I love this company because we communicate. Nothing is swept under the rug and topics and ideas are always being discussed.

 A popular subject that seems to be in the hot seat is the source of originality, main focus on bikinis. We recently discovered some bizarre knockoffs of our suits on EBAY, copywriting of model's pictures, and replicas of ours and other suits in popular magazines and media.

And so we discussed: Being an apparel manufacturer and to work in an industry where copying is the rule, NOT the exception is a hard and humbling concept to grasp. Especially when the swimsuit industry is booming and everywhere you turn a new bikini manufacturer pops up usually with styles looking very similar to the last 10 you've already tried on.

 We took the high road and asked ourselves; do you think the swimsuit industry actually thrives because designers borrow and steal from other designers? Can you actually replicate something so much that it re-invents itself as something new?

 Then we took the low road and asked ourselves, is it legal for them to copy designs like this? Should we be watermarking every image? Should we get a lawyer? As you can see, it was easy for us to get upset when a swimsuit that looks remarkably similar to that of which just took months for us to design shows up in a popular underwear catalog.

 But the facts are in the fashion industry- there is very little intellectual property protection. Anyone can copy an image, but to create utilitarian 3 dimensional object to wear and sell is TOTALLY legal.

We also considered our customers: Do more options make it easier or harder to choose a bikini? What criteria is considered when purchasing? Fit? Material? Price?

We then questioned KaiKini's trademark styles that we considered original. What about the day-one scrunch butt bottoms that have been perfected? Or the traditional bikini top that ties around the back of your neck (which gets caught in your hair and strains your neck) that we modified so the straps crisscross in some creative way for more support and comfort?

Sigh. Unfortunately these designs can all be replicated.

So how can we distinguish ourselves? What makes us different from all the other bikini companies out there? Ding! Our tireless efforts to give you the best swimsuit to fit your lifestyle. The consistency and perfectionism applied to every suit that is made. The dedication and persistence to treat every customer with repect, and to make our products affordable. The production management, the designer's ideas, the quality control- all these things are original to us.

I know KaiKini will always continue to transform the things that CAN be copied, by combining the elements we are inspired by; our customers, surroundings (Kauai), adventure, and YES- other bikinis. For all of those who know how hard it is to pick a bikini, we hope we meet your expectations in inspiration and originality.

 So... we welcome all bikini manufacturers, all budding designers, and all dreamers who are willing to create. If your creative impulse is feeling unoriginal don't get discouraged- use it as inspiration! Don't let images from others filter into your work.
Instead perfect your product by putting together what you have in the present moment and be your OWN creative genius! Focus on being innovative, understanding, hardworking, and YOU!- that can never be replicated!

 Hand-made with originality and Aloha, -Kaikini HQ :)

 Mahalo- Kona-Kai Wilson

Styled for Adventure with our Tanned & Salty friend, Tayler

As a self-proclaimed bikini connoisseur and (almost) mermaid, I know a rad bikini when I see one. Kaikini Bikinis have always been the experts on creating amazing designs with the surfer girl in mind. Their suits are perfect for stylish babes who live an active lifestyle, accentuating your curves while giving you the support you need while you surf.

When I heard Kaikini was releasing new and improved Okole bottoms, I was stoked! I couldn't wait to see what they had come up with, especially since their original styles were already fantastic. After giving both the original Okole bottoms and the new designs a spin, I am excited to give you all the deets! The original design was just what any beach babe would need, sleek, slimming, figure flattering, and super easy to adventure in. Oh ya, and they make your booty look AMAZING! I couldn't imagine how Kaikini could possibly improve on this already amazing fit.

Needless to say, Kaikini did it again! The new and improved Okole bottoms have all the great features of the original bottoms, but their new seamless design is simply outstanding. These bottoms hug your curves just right without pinching or squeezing. And trust me, if you wipe out hard, these babies aren't going anywhere.

I can't wait to show off my Okole bottoms, they are definitely my new beach day essential! If you are looking to accentuate your booty and do some serious shredding, the new and improved Kaikini Okole bottoms are a must have. After all, you didn't do all those squats for nothing!

 Your tan & salty friend,

 Tayler <3

Customer Service... from the other end of the line

Every day millions of consumers shop online and wait patiently (or not) for a shiny new treasure to arrive at their mailbox. The wait is painful – but surprisingly addictive! I have to think it stems back to the excitement of getting mail as a kid. It still makes me giddy!

But sometimes... and I know we’ve all been there… something goes wrong. Mr. Postman gets lost, or confused – the size is wrong – they shipped the wrong item – or worse I see the package arrived 1 day after I left on the vacation I’d been planning for 6 months. WHY?! (Yes, this happened to me, and the wound is still fresh!) So, I proceed to find out how to contact customer service and spend the next hour composing a “somebody done somebody wrong song” - and - if they catch me on the wrong day, I just might jump down the throat of the first person who tries to help me.

And sometimes, that’s the only way to get things done, right?

WRONG.

In this day of everything-I-want-is-online-and-I-want-it-right-NOW we've skipped over the person to person interaction and rarely see a face or smile to go with the purchases we make. Worse yet, somewhere along the way we forgot to be nice – on both ends. There are places I frequent that maybe aren't my favorite or I 'll even pay more for something just because the person on the other side of the counter is SO wonderful I can’t help but want to support them! Finding good customer service these days is like a Diamond in the Rough. (Like my Disney reference girls?) Likewise, the internet has made it easy for us to be abrupt, demanding and downright rude because we know we’ll never meet the person on the other end of that email or phone call.

But you know who is on the other end of that email or phone call?

Me. 

I’m not pointing any fingers – I’m as guilty as the next person – but being the face of customer service for KaiKini has opened my eyes in a major way. Gone are the days where I immediately assume the person on the other end of that line doesn’t care about my problem. We DO care! You’re the reason we get to make bikinis on a gorgeous little island in the middle of the Pacific. But sincerely, please be understanding as much as possible and believe we are doing our very best to make you feel the ALOHA.

I’m not saying it’s all bad!

I have to give a major shout out to our amazing customers, because for the most part, you are sweet, understanding and gracious. You have no idea how much it means when I get to post a good review about our Kinis or get a ‘Thank you for the amazing customer service.’

So, THANK YOU. You rock my world!

Styled for Adventure with Base Girl Clair Marie

Travel and adventure are two things that fill my life with so much joy and happiness. And packing properly is the one thing that can truly make a trip one for the record books or one you want to end as quickly as possible.

Being a woman addicted to adventure and travel I have had my fair share of interesting and one of a kind experiences - positive and negative experiences - that I hope will one day help inspire and prepare others for their adventures. There is almost nothing as frustrating then arriving in a remote location, unpacking and realizing you forgot a critical component to making your adventure comfortable! 

Ok, maybe you do need one more bikini... ;)

Even the smallest of things can make the biggest impact on a trip. It truly can be the little things in life that make the biggest difference… like bug spray*.

When traveling anywhere it is a good idea to educate yourself on where you will be going, what the surroundings are, climate that time of year as well as what potential dangers you might face. All of these will dictate what you need to have stocked in your arsenal of personal belongings.

Each time I travel I make a list of the things I need to bring. I break my list down into different categories such as:

Personal care, Specialized equipment, camping gear, clothing/footwear/swimwear, electronic devices and accessories, Environmental protection… like bug spray*, First Aid equipment, food and last but not least sunscreen because let’s face it, unless you are going in a cave or traveling where the sun rarely comes out then you will want sunscreen!

No one category is more important than another. Each can be equally as valuable at different times and in different situations, it’s just about shaping your list to be as practical as possible for where your travels may be taking you. For example, don’t take camping gear if you have already made hotel reservations... ;) just kidding. But you know what I mean.

It can be just as easy to over prepare and over pack then it can be to forget or find yourself under prepared. Most people teeter on the edge of overweight bags yet not enough underwear… I mean, come on... do you really need to bring that extra bikini? Ok, yes you do, but definitely get rid of that extra pair of shoes you know you won't wear!

Now even with my amazing check list that I go over about 10 times before leaving, regardless of how prepared I think I am I always, without fail, forget to pack my toothbrush… Every time!!! which usually leaves me scrambling to buy one in airports or at convenience stores before going off the grid.

The jump!

Packing for travel is the single most important thing, besides buying your plane tickets and remembering your passport. So always remember to pack with enough time to make sure you have everything (just kidding, I always pack last minute) and to always, always bring bug spray.*

XOXO,
BASE Girl Clair Marie

*Over countless adventures and thousands of bug bites I have finally come to the realization that bug spray is sooo important. It can be the difference between a blissfully beautiful trip and a horrendous and utterly uncomfortable nightmare that you wish would just end. Unless of course you are one of the fortunate ones who mosquitoes don’t enjoy, in which case you are my enemy and I don’t want to travel with you! Itch cream is only second to remembering to bring bug spray! During my travels through south East Asia I was like a walking can of bug spray and itch cream and I can say those two things were the only things that kept me sane on that trip!!!

We lost our spark...

Call it luck. Call it fate. Call it the spirit of Kauai…whatever it was that brought us together sure had things right. I hope you’re lucky enough to work with people that inspire you, make you laugh and keep you motivated. We call ourselves the “KaiKini Wahines”. Maybe it isn't the best work practice to be such good friends with your employees, but I don’t care. It works for me. It works for us. These girls are like family to me.

The KaiKini Wahines: Andrea, Marina, Taryn, Kristen & Kim

There is a sense of trust between us that is the underlying basis for our success. We have weekly meetings so we can brainstorm and keep each other in check. Communication is key. Last year though, it got tough. Some pretty significant things happened. I was pregnant, had a baby, we moved from the studio behind my house to a huge warehouse in downtown Kapaa and immediately had a grand opening party and runway show. The girls took on a lot. I wasn't able to give the business my full attention and the girls picked up the slack. This was never discussed, they just made it happen. (A million “thank you’s” will never be enough to express the gratitude I feel towards these girls.) So by the end of the year, we were exhausted, a little burnt out and a lot needed to be said. We all worked really hard to get where we needed to be, but somewhere in the mix we lost that spark we had. The fun, the laughter, the bonding - it hadn't been happening. So after the new year we sat down, talked it out, cried it out, let everything that we had been holding back go. We learned that the head down, clench your fists and work through it method is not the way for us. 

It’s amazing what a good cry fest will do for a bunch of girls! Kristen and Marina are back to singing songs from their favorite Disney movies, Kim chimes in about her latest look on Covet, and I even caught a smile on Andrea’s face when she was counting inventory (her least favorite task). As for me, I’m happy that things are back to normal, but actually no, they’re not normal, they’re better than normal. We figured it out. We found the perfect balance of work and fun. Things get accomplished faster and with less mistakes; the anticipation for our crazy summer season is building and we are ready. Together we can do this. Together we create the magic that is KaiKini.

XOXO,

Taryn Mari'

Meet the Meanest employee at KaiKini

Okay... maybe she's not really the Meanest... but her nickname IS Mina! Our a capella singing, paper-cutting, cookie baking, stranger-than-strange(-in-all-the best-ways) movie critic does more than help sew each and every bikini - she makes sure they all meet our rigid quality standards and look perfect before reaching your mailbox. With her artistic flair she's also great at helping solve design problems and has helped bring some of our newest styles to life! Hooray for mean girls! Read on to learn more about why we're so thankful for Miss Mina...

Name: Marina Loew

KaiKini Position: Quality Control Manager & Seamstress AKA The Cookie Monster

What’s Your Sign: Cancer (June 25)

Hometown: Dryden, NY

Favorite Color: Fall Colors (at the moment!)

Favorite KaiKini at the moment: Kahuna bottoms!

Favorite thing about working at KaiKini: Other than the awesome group of girls I work with, I’d have to say that one of the awesome things about KaiKini is that it’s the first job where I've been able to put my art degree to good use. Education money NOT wasted!

What’s the last book you read? 

“Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline. As a closet gamer and RPG addict, I LOVED it! 

Stripper Name (middle name + first road you lived on):
Sophia Lake…which sounds more like a cross between a stripper and an opera singer

Theme song at the moment?
I’m currently on a sick-of-all-my-music-especially-if-it-has-words kick (yes, random), so I’m gonna go with one of my favorite songs from the Amélie soundtrack, “Comptine d’un autre été, l’après-midi” by Yann Tiersen.

Any secret talents you’d like to reveal?
Not really a secret, but I've been a weaver since I was two and used to teach classes back in high school. I've got my own floor looms and everything.

What inspires you?
Art. Particularly from the Renaissance and Art Nouveau eras. And the amazing brush strokes of the Impressionists.

What are your hobbies outside of making bikinis?
If you haven’t guessed it yet, it’s making art. Knitting, painting, paper cutting, needlepoint, lithography, encaustic, carving, beadwork…if it’s a form of art, I’m doin' it.

Favorite way to stay fit?
Outrigger paddling. The main reason (other than Kaikini, of course!) that I’m still here on Kauai.

Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas?
Can I answer “Hallothanksmas”?

Any secrets you’d like to reveal?
I joined an ocean outrigger club to face my fear of big waves.

What’s your favorite childhood memory?
Sappy answer, but my sister is my favorite childhood memory. Having ‘bull fights’, designing our own parachutes and testing them out on our dolls by throwing them off the balcony, water ballet in the St. Lawrence, getting buried in the ditch by the snowplow, bribing her with my stashed Halloween candy…we've been on a lot of adventures. Love you, sible!

What are you giving thanks for?
My island ohana; for embracing me so warmly and making me feel at home even when I'm so far from it.

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.

How does a gangster from Detroit end up as a seamstress?

Meet the KaiKini Wahines! Today we're giving thanks for our resident comedian and girl of many talents, Kristen. This little blonde bundle of joy hails from the 'burbs of Detroit and she brings a taste of the city to this quiet little island lifestyle. We love her to pieces! You're going to love her special talents - read on below!

Name: Kristen Oakes

KaiKini Position: Production Manager & Seamstress AKA The Closet Gangster

What’s Your Sign: Aquarius (Feb 2)

Hometown: Sterling Heights, MI

Favorite Color: Pink

Favorite KaiKini at the moment: Magenta Sport Top & Aloha Kahua Bottoms

Favorite thing about working at KaiKini: That we are such a close family here and I get to come in and work with my friends!

If you could marry a cartoon character, who would it be?
Aladdin - Middle Eastern & Tan :)

Who's your favorite Disney Princess?
Ariel - The Little Mermaid

Secret talent:
Bursting into random song & dance


Words to live by:
Learn from yesterday, Live for today, Pray for tomorrow.

The perfect day is...
My birthday of course! And I'd have to say April 25th. Because it's not too hot, not too cold, all you need is a light jacket. (Props if you can name this movie reference)!


Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas?
Halloween all the way!

Vodka, Rum, Whiskey or Tequila?
Whiskey girl!

Theme Song at the moment:
Beer in Mexico - Kenny Chesney (Somebody's leaving for Cancun in 24 hours!)

What inspires you?
Money inspires me to be rich...

If you won the lottery, what would you do?
Travel the world in a private jet (after accomplishing world peace, of course!)

Name 5 things you can't live without:
Wifi, My Laptop, Sunshine, Love & my Family (Does that make me sound like a better person? hehe)

What are you giving thanks for?
Living in Hawaii and my parents – without them I don’t think I ever would have moved to Kauai to start a life!

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 voilà!

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. :)

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!)