Aloha and Mele Kalikimaka (that’s Hawaiian for Merry Christmas – a tad late, but still –) We’ve just returned from a very fun trip to the Hawaiian island of Kauai. In between the (muddy & fun!) hiking, beaches, and dodging wild roosters, we explored the lovely low-key town of Kapa’a. This was one of our favorite finds, KIKO simple goods*, specializing in unique local art, upcycled goods and clever environmental products. It just made us happy (plus it doesn’t hurt to be located in paradise…). Be inspired, visit the web links and if in Kauai, visit the store!
An alternative to plastic wrap! Organic cotton with beeswax. Created by a mom in Vermont, visit her at
http://www.beeswrap.com/ 
Made from recycled Kraft paper with top stitching!
Tote created from upcycled woven rugs – so sturdy and big.
Cool industrial style with these upcycled metal pendant lights
A lot of options with this great idea! Upcycled metal boxes.
Basile the Pirate – one of many adorable creations by Raplapla (note his anchor tattoo and wooden leg!) Visit her inspiring site at
http://www.raplapla.com/ 
Handmade – Put a Bird On It!
Local jewelry of coconut fiber. Coconuts are amazing – and yummy 🙂
Simple and beautiful
“Tail Biter’s” series, you always knew driftwood art could be great – right?!
Just to prove that concrete is so versatile!
Cardboard easels
I’ve seen woven plastic bag products before, but never this well done!
Awesome – bits of aluminum can graphics riveted onto a bracelet
* KIKO’s has opened recently and they don’t have a website yet, but when they do I will update this post with a link – because they really are awesome. This is NOT a sponsored post, just love from an admirer.
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Hammer Like a Girl 
Wow, what a great store, did you buy a bee’s wax wrap? Is it still sticking? I haven’t been to Kauai yet, sounds perfect.
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My girlfriend has it and it is lasting well. It’s on my list. They say it can be reused for a year. It’s a great story – ingenious 🙂 I bought a really funny baby shirt by Mysterio that predicts what your baby will become…Pickle merchant, double agent, badminton instructor. Mysteriopredicts.com
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You lucky girls!! Kauai is so beautiful, I’m not sure what you enjoy but here’s what we liked. We did quite a bit of hiking (teenage boys in our group) and I am now hooked. It was a really great way to experience the tropical nature of the island, outside of groomed palm trees and plantings. Lots of streams, waterfalls and big views. The north coast trail is always highly recommended for good reason (but please do be careful!). Swim smart knowing that there are rip tides, rogue waves and dangerous currents to be aware of (swimming at lifeguarded beaches is a good idea). Do snorkel! Lots of turtles – I just stop breathing when I see them – they’re amazing! “Tamba” in Kapa’a is the local surf company and you can hire an instructor through them for, imho, a better surf lesson than the big groups on the beach. Eat lots of Shave ice (didn’t like ono ono, better was in the grocery store He Fat/Phat?, Kapa’a). Just north of He Fat is the best coffee ever at “Kai Bar” (behind Java Kai, same owner). Renting bikes for the paved 4 mile beach path looked fun. Buy some food and gifts at Costco to save $$. The North shore is supposedly the good swimming in the summer. Friends highly recommended the kayak tour of the north coast, safer in the summer (if you’re athletic!) or the tour via boat if you’re not so. We loved our lomi-lomi massage here http://www.angelineslomikauai.com/lomilomitreatments. Bubba’s burgers was good, local beef and not too $$. Phew! I could go on…That’s a lot of possibly not very helpful info, depending on your group! Feel free to ask me about other things – there’s so much to explore there – Have a super fantastic trip 🙂
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Wow thanks for all the great info. I am excited! 🙂 🙂 🙂
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oooh I am going to Kauai in July with my two sisters. I will definitely stop by there. Any other suggestions?
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