More Than a Bag: The Story Behind our Aloha Collection Exclusive
By Brianna Johnson
At first glance, our exclusive Aloha Collection x Waikīkī Beach Services Day Tripper may look like the perfect beach bag for your next surf check, pool day, or travel adventure — but behind the design is a much deeper story rooted in Waikīkī history, culture, and mālama ʻāina.
The inspiration for this collaboration comes from Kawehewehe, the legendary healing waters now known by many as Pops surf break, located just outside of Gray’s Beach in front of the Sheraton Waikīkī. In ancient Hawaiʻi, people would come to these waters carrying lei kala offerings, asking for forgiveness, healing, and the release of wrongdoings and burdens.
That connection to limu kala became the heart of this design.
Limu kala is more than just seaweed found along our shorelines — it holds cultural significance in Hawaiʻi and plays an important role in the health of our nearshore ecosystems. Over time, however, limu kala has become harder to find due to reef damage, overharvesting, and the increasing pressure placed on Hawaiʻi’s oceans.
Every detail of this collection was intentionally designed to honor these stories and natural elements. The patchwork-inspired artwork features repeating lei kala motifs, traditional kapa cloth patterns, and vintage surf imagery that reflects the deep relationship between Waikīkī, surfing, and Hawaiian culture. The blue diamond patterns symbolize water and Waikīkī itself, which translates to “spouting fresh water.” Even the colors were chosen to mirror the shades of limu and the sea.
But this collection is not only about design — it’s also about giving back.
A portion of proceeds from the collection supports Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo and the Limu Hui, organizations dedicated to restoring Hawaiʻi’s native limu and protecting our nearshore environments for future generations.
For us, this bag represents more than something you throw your sunscreen and towel into before heading to the beach. It represents stories, stewardship, culture, and the importance of continuing to share and preserve Hawaiʻi’s original place names and traditions.
Shop the bag here.
Whether you’re spending the day exploring Waikīkī, heading out for a surf session, or taking one of the Best surf lessons in Waikīkī, this collection was designed to carry a little piece of Hawaiʻi with you wherever you go. More than a bag, it’s a reminder of the connection between the ocean, the land, and the stories that continue to shape Waikīkī today.