Maile Strands: A Gift You Can Wear

There is nothing like receiving a lei. And gifting a lei is equally as special. Do you know that feeling Iʻm talking about? When someone has taken the time to pick a lei, or even make one, just for you? The feeling when someone puts a lei over your head? 

Itʻs the hugs. The proud smiles. The aunties yelling your name from somewhere in the crowd. The fragrance in the air that lingers as someone passes by.

Even if youʻve never made a maile lei (most of us havenʻt), youʻve probably been part of a moment where maile showed up if you grew up in Hawaiʻi.

A graduation. A wedding. A celebration. The kind of day where you close your eyes and remember all the feelings.

The Gift of a Maile Lei

Maile is one of those leis that feels like a big deal. Itʻs not a lei you get everyday. Here on Oʻahu, we often have to pre-order it to make sure the lei makers can gather enough maile. 

Itʻs often given when weare honoring someone we love. Like, Iʻm proud of you. I see you. You did it. And as a mom, I think about that kind of love a lot, the moments in the future that I will be getting maile for my babies.

So we asked ourselves: what would it look like to take that special occasion feelingthe one maile carriesand bring it into the pieces we actually use day after day?

Because our babies deserve to feel that too. Not just on the big milestone daysbut in the everyday moments.

And letʻs be realmost days are everyday moments.

Theyʻre diaper changes and snack requests and one more story. Theyare car naps and stroller walks and laundry that never ends. Theyare the little things that donʻt look like much until you realize theyʻre the ones youʻll miss.

The print: Maile Strands

We designed Maile Strands to be classic and easy to wear.

Not loud. Not fussy. Just a print you can reach for.

Itʻs for school days and family photos. For parties and errands. For cousins running around barefoot. For the times you want your keiki to look put-together, but still feel comfy and like themselves.

Whats in the collection

This drop is made for real life with keiki and ʻohana:

• Kapa Moe (swaddles) in three colorways: White, Pink, and Blue
• Bamboo clothing thatis soft, breathable, and easy for everyday wear
• Zipper canvas tote bags for the on-the-go days (because were always carrying something)

A quick note on gifting

Maile is usually saved for milestonesbut I also love a just because gift.

A new baby on the way. A first birthday. A visit home. A care package for ʻohana (family) living away.

If youare gifting from this collection, I hope it feels like what maile has always meant to so many of us: simple, meaningful, and full of aloha.

Talk story with us

If you have a maile lei memorygiving one, receiving one, or celebrating someone you lovetell us. Weʻd love to hear it.

Mahalo for being here and for supporting our small business.