Feeling the chill lately? Well, Shopify and Mana Up have partnered to bring a bit of Hawaiian sunshine to NYC this weekend. In honor of Lei Day, an annual tradition in Hawai’I, starting Friday, April 26th and continuing through the weekend, you can shop as if you’re in the islands. From hot sauce to honey, tea to rum, beauty to fashion, there’s a bit of everything Hawaiian to fill your pantries and your closets. @manaupHawaii @shopify #shopify #Hawaii #shopHawaii #popup #leialohabook #gifted
ALOHA MARKET
We were lucky enough to be invited to the VIP event opening Aloha Market and got to talk to the many people sharing their stories about Hawai’i and the products it inspired.
And, of course, as we entered we were bedecked with an authentic Hawaiian Lei.
Besides the shopping, there are free demos and sessions all three days. Learn from entrepreneurs, chefs, mixologists, and more. There are several paid sessions each day, where you can learn to make leis, bath salts, and flower art.
Everyone knows that coffee grows on Hawai’i, but did you know that tea and cacao do, too? Cacao is the bean that gets turned into chocolate? Hawai’i is the only US state where cacao can grow (outside of greenhouses, obvs). Two of Hawai’i’s craft chocolate makers were represented: Manoa and Maui Kuai. Hawaiian Host and Mauna Loa were there, too, with tables of delicious macadamia nuts.
Kauai Sweet Shoppe brought their Hawaiian-themed caramels. I highly recommend the Hawaiian Sea Salt and the Guava!
Kohana Rum, distilled from Hawaiian sugar cane brought not only their rums, but also their cocktail collections. Pineapple Daiquiri, anyone?
An intriguing new treat for me, was the Maui Crisps. Beef jerky, but sliced as thin as potato chips and crispy, not to mention delicious!
Ohana Nui cookies take traditional Hawaiian flavors and bake them into bite-sized treats. My favorites were the LiHing Pineapple and the Ginger, but I hear the Mocha is the bestseller. Hawaiian coffee cookies? Of course, everyone loves them!
The original Hawaiian shirt maker is on the lower level with an array of gorgeous designs, including a seasonal version of the pineapple pattern in a bright yellow.
And of course there were toys! You know we love toys here. Keiki Kaukau makes beautiful wooden toys, including blocks and bead threading kits, but I was struck by the Hawaiian Food Play Set, that included shave ice, papaya, loco moco, and more, and could barely resist buying the Stacking Pineapple.
KEIKI KAUKAU STACKING PINEAPPLE
Besides the food, clothes, and toys, there are home goods, toiletries, candles, stationery, and more. There really is something for everyone at Aloha Market. Head down to 131 Greene Street this weekend and immerse yourself in Hawai’i for a few hours. You’ll be supporting Mana Up in their mission. You can find the schedule of sessions here, along with the links for registering for the paid classes. If you buy the Stacking Pineapple, share a photo on social media and tag us!
I REALLY want that food play set!!
Awww we are SO glad you got to come by Aloha Market and enjoy a taste of aloha from NYC! We hope your whole ‘ohana makes it to our islands one day for a visit.