Sustainable Island Style

A Hawaii Island-based brand, newsy bits and fun events for Oct.

Author

The Edit Hawaii
October 03, 2025

Aloha friend,

By now, you probably know we love good vintage, supporting Hawaii’s residents and shops, and never want to promote blind consumerism. What we do want, however, is to inspire you to make intentional decisions about where you spend your money and time, which we know isn’t always easy (or cost-effective). But shopping small means so much to us, especially living on an island. It just feels better knowing you’re supporting a real person, a neighbor, a friend, a community member. So, today, we’re highlighting a Hawaii Island-based brand we’ve been fans of for years, Kepola Design House, and other local boutiques and eateries to keep on your radar. And, as always, you’ll find some fun events to attend.

Cheers!
The Edit Hawaii team

Easy everyday essentials by Kepola Design House / photographed by Olivia Van Dyke

Behind the Brand: Kepola Design House

Based on the Big Island, Kepola offers handmade, ethically-crafted garments to be worn season after season. Founder/designer Autumn Tyler focuses on superior natural fibers colored with low-impact dyes and creates effortless pieces using materials such as raw silk noil, linen, and silk charmeuse. The result is closet staples that are non-toxic, natural, and biodegradable—better for your skin and for the environment. 

Kepola’s signature styles include a soft-washed linen jumpsuit reminiscent of resort wear of the 1930s, classic wide-leg trousers, and a 1970s-inspired bralette that can be worn alone or layered. Designed and stitched in-house, all pieces are produced in small batches, ensuring better quality and significantly less waste.

In a world full of overconsumption, Autumn started Kepola in 2018 with a more thoughtful and handcrafted approach to fashion. She has a nomadic spirit, but a deep connection to the land, thanks to her self-proclaimed unconventional upbringing (traveling, growing their own food, self-sufficient living in remote locations, etc.). Today, she’s still dedicated to a lifestyle that’s more creative, slower, and conscious.

“We lived in different places all across the country, starting in Hawaii, and always ending up back in Hawaii,” Autumn notes. And after a recent stint elsewhere, she’s back on the island—again—and she’s marking her return with a designer residency at Quill & Feather boutique in Kailua-Kona. Now’s your chance to try on the latest Kepola styles, get measured for custom hems, and just get to know Autumn.

Artist Susanna Cromwell, photographed by Daeja Fallas for Gus + Way’s Mama & Mini Collection

TO SHOP: Gus + Way recently launched its first-ever Mama & Mini collection. It’s safe to say we want it all: the softest tourist tees for keiki and adults, perfectly worn-in crewneck sweatshirts and vintage Levis that we’ll wear forever and ever.

Keep Wild Co.—the brand by multi-talented Kimi Werner—is releasing more of its popular Buddy Pants: casual keiki pants that are handmade in Hawaii using various pieces of recycled t-shirts. Saturday, 10 am HST.

Two of our favorite brands, Gillia and CLHEI, have launched their fall collections, and we’re saving our pennies for this top and this bag, especially.

Salvage Public’s Fall collection includes a to-die-for denim jacket, and the Laua’e Weekender Bag is now available in new colorways.

TO EAT: The Persimmon Pie at Marlow. Truffle crème, High Roads Farm slivered fuyu persimmon, prosciutto di Parma—say no more. Available this month only.

TO SUPPORT: Donate to a family that is navigating an unimaginable tragedy, and honor the life of a beloved community member, Hopena Pokipala.

TO TRY: Make a poepoe-style lei. Ho‘olei Maui has awesome tutorials. We tried this crown flower one, and let’s just say we need to keep practicing…

Hawaii Island

Kauai

Maui

Oahu

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