Nothing like a good find. Whether it be a deal, an original art piece, a one of a kind aloha shirt or muʻumuʻu if you will… and for all purposes of this blog- I will.

In a world filled with fast fashion and copy cats, one thing you just cannot duplicate is the originality that is found within Hawaiian fashion. And if I am speaking candidly- Hawaiian anything. Food. Surf. Music. Flowers. Language. So many images raced through my mind just then as I typed those words. Like where do I stop? and how did I not just say Hula?

This blog is about Muʻumuʻu Month but it goes hand in hand that you cannot mention almost any ‘one’ thing in Hawai’i and not immediately think of another. To say that this place is truly magical is probably the biggest understatement ever used to describe Hawai’i.

I have lived here most of my adult life and I am constantly reminded as to why this truly was the best decision I have ever made.

Recently I was asked to participate in a photo shoot and document an up and coming business in my neighborhood. The Kaimukī Lei Stand was a dream child of Keoni and Makamae Williams, who have “always loved to make lei” but truly capitalized on that passion last spring when the two, whose jobs are both rooted in hospitality, came to a screeching halt. Much like the majority of this state.

Keoni and Makamae Williams, with their dogter Penne.

However, like the saying goes- “Even in war people still drink Champagne”.. Meaning even in the downest deepest of economic times we will still find little joys in life and find ways to celebrate. Hawaiians are no different. Flowers, lei making, and the true joy you get when receiving and giving one is a perfect example of just that. So it is no surprise The Kaimukī Lei Stand has done well.

But remember when I said it’s hard to think of ‘one thing’ in Hawai’i without thinking or mentioning another?

Such has been the case for Makamae. Keoni describes his husband - “A vintage Aloha connoisseur and collector. A closet full of men’s aloha shirts has grown into a wardrobe of aloha shirts made in the 60’s & 70’s, as well as, dresses and vintage aloha attire for keiki.”

I can relate- It's also been a hobby of mine to find some fun aloha shirts at any given Goodwill, and wear them over my suits- dress them up when I go out… it can become a very fun, inexpensive- then expensive hobby. It’s a carefree, happy feeling you get when you slip one of these beautiful garments on. Maybe it's also because you know there is rarely another one that is the same.

Although I am an adult, I often feel like a kid when I learn more and more about this place I call home. I am continually enamored by all of it. Every bit. The other day when Makamae invited me over to participate in celebrating Muʻumuʻu Month the feeling was no different. Infact, this time the word I would use to describe the feeling was 'honored'. To be honest, I hadn’t really taken the time to learn or celebrate these dresses. And boy have I been missing out...

A brief history on this garment - The garment's roots date back to the 1800s when the missionaries arrived in the Islands. The mu‘umu‘u was originally used as an undergarment by ali‘i women when wearing the more formal holokū. But with the heat and humidity, island women stopped layering the garments and began wearing the mu‘umu‘u as an everyday dress.

Though the popularity of these dresses haven’t quite kept up with the aloha shirt per say- the spirit remains the same. And it’s often noticed that the older women of these islands still dawn them today. However, thanks to Muʻumuʻu Month- all of that seems to be making a turn to a younger generation that is ready to keep the beauty of this island tradition going.

January 2021 marks 7 years of the official month of Mu’umu’u Month which was founded by Shannon Hiramoto on Kaua’i.

I have always wanted one. I love the concept of Mu’umu’u Month, but what then after? Makamae has assured me that there is a mu’umu’u for every occasion. As these dresses that we can actually start referring to as royalty IMO (in my opinion), make a roaring comeback, Makamae and Keoni are here to fill yet another void and give you more reasons to celebrate Hawaiian culture. The Kaimukī Lei Stand is in the beginning Stages of adding Vintage Aloha Apparel to their budding business- only the concept is renting like a tuxedo shop!

There is a distinctive trait you will find in Makamae’s collection..like any connoisseur of things- he is particular. Think BRIGHT, VIBRANT, FLORAL or any flower print- with a retro look. “Simple details like lace or ruffles around the sleeves, and neck line” , adding “Barkcloth material is another thing I look for”; barkcloth is a very distinctive textured woven, usually printed cotton fabric that was popular in the 1930s-40s and 50s as an interiors fabric. It is great for upholstery and drapery - and Mu’umu’u.

One of Makamae’s missions-

“To bring as many of these beauties back home where they were made”

A Babe On A Mish- what’s not to love?

So when can you get in on the fun? Soon- very soon. However, I couldn’t pass up the chance to celebrate this month and not want to scream it from the rooftops and display this collection… you can stay up to date on Instagram @thekaimukileistand and in the meantime shop their ever changing lineup of leis and floral arrangements to keep your home filled with aloha.

I asked Makamae and Keoni if they had a theme- or mission statement that I could use or that is the foundation of their business(s)- I was left with this-

‘Ōlelo No‘eau # 2178

Mōhala i ka wai ka maka o ka pua.

Unfolded by the water are the faces of flowers.

Flowers thrive where there is water, as thriving people are found where living conditions are good.

This language. This love. This aloha.These Mu’umu’u. All more than “magical” and more than any one thing. It’s a feeling. And I get chills when I think of how Hawai’i has transformed me as a person- and if you’ve ever gotten a lei, dawned a Mu’umu’u or aloha shirt, surfed these waters, witnessed Hula, or had a LauLau- then you know it too.

Mahalo Keoni and Makamae.

The Kaimukī Lei Stand

Hand Crafted Lei & Vintage Aloha Apparel.

A couple Babes On A Mish.

Have you worn a Mu’umu’u yet this month?

Photos were captured by Josh Bowlin @jbowlin

Celebrating Mu'umu'u Month with The Kaimukī Lei Stand