Na Mea Hawaii — Local services in Honolulu

It has been about 3 years since Na Mea Hawai'i had relocated into Ward Centre in a much smaller and intimate space but their customer service and fine artisan-made gifts ranging from hat bands made with loving hands by Hawaiian feather worker, men's and women's Aloha wear, jewelry with semi-precious stones, lovely wood turned bowls from local wood species to Hawaiian culture and history books. We went into Na Mea Hawai'i to browse but were focused on replacing some locally produced stationery (memo pads) for my brother-in-law. Yeah, he's old school to still use paper and pen to jot down his market lists or appointment reminders instead of inputting the information into his smartphone. Besides, the local memo pads are unique, and we were surprised that after 3 years, my BIL asked us to see if we could get more. Unfortunately, we didn't find what we were looking for but the friendly salesperson, Dawn, offered to speak with her manager about finding the source and possibly bringing in the product. We readily filled out their contact list with hopes that we'd be called when the product is available.

Meanwhile, my husband roamed around the store and plopped himself in front of the bookshelves. He found the latest release of the Holy Bible translated into pidgin English which we're considering sending a copy to one of my relatives and several other fun books that made us reminisce about our childhood in Hawai'i. There were lei-making and Hawaiian medicine instructional books which caught my eyes. Hm, I chuckled to myself thinking about how I've changed from looking at artwork and considering how to incorporate the artwork into our home décor or buying apparel and jewelry for career wear to just reading books about Hawai'i's historical perspectives or how-to-make projects ...hm, learning never stops.

Anyway, Na Mea Hawai'i is a wonderful gift store that features locally-made products and art that promote the Hawaiian culture. Expect to find culturally significant artwork with vintage and modern tastes as in gallery exhibitions. Many items here are NOT inexpensive trinkets and many items are worth passing on to the family but don't let that scare you away as there are fun and made for daily use items.

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I attended a class at Kīpuka with Kai Hyde making Ni'ihau Shell earrings and I am very pleased to say that I'm sooooo happy that I now own Ni'ihau shell jewelry! Kai prepares the type of kit you want to make which includes, Ni'ihau shells with holes (what a bonus, it's the hardest part to making your jewelry), needles, thread, & felt to lay your shells out on. He demonstrates how to put it together and is there the whole step of the way until you are pau! You get to walk out of the shop wearing your piece of jewelry, like a proud owner of my own hand crafted Ni'ihau shell earrings! Kai shares his 'ike loa with you and doesn't mind e noi ana while you sit and create. I will definitely take another class of his, it's well worth the kālā and...

What a warm and lovely store. If you are interested in authentic quality Hawaiian products and culture, this is the place. As I entered, I was met with displays of Hawaiian craft ranging from pottery to jewelry and clothing. I browsed the books on the shelves in the middle of the room and discovered a treasure trove of books on Hawaiian history, culture, language and traditions. At the back of the store, there is a cafe where you help yourself to refreshments (donations are welcome) and where events are held. The final stop was the art alcove with many talented Hawaiian artists on display. This store is definitely worth a visit for locals as well as visitors and tourists. Its situated in a really nice center too...