Design and Philosophy
Store Theme:
At our core, we are storytellers. These stores give us an opportunity to bring mo‘olelo (stories) to life. Every design choice is rich with meaning, intended to be discovered, experienced and shared.
Storefont
The A-frame design of a hale wa‘a or a Hawaiian canoe house influenced the design of the storefront and interior trellis. A hale wa‘a is built using wooden poles of different lengths, providing strength and flexibility. Its design is characterized by a visually striking, grid pattern.
Architectural Details
The ceiling design is inspired by Irvine’s rich farming heritage and rural architecture which mirrors the Hawaiian hale wa‘a used for storing canoes. Incorporated into this design are netted lighting fixtures which symbolize traditional throw nets used by fisherman in Hawai‘i.
Handcrafted Elements
Local artisans crafted the cash wrap, made of a combination of lava stone and white oak.
Custom Art
The store features a mural by Hawaiian artists Matt & Roxy Ortiz of Wooden Wave. Their art draws inspiration from Hawai‘i’s coral reefs and California’s kelp forests to symbolize the union of two cultures coming together.
Store Materials
The floor, made with lava stone and coral tiles, emulates the foundation of a traditional Hawaiian hale.
