Designs N Gold, a Hawaii based Hawaiian jewelry manufacturer, is pleased to announce the launch of their method for turning old, broken and unused jewelry into new Hawaiian heirlooms bracelets, rings, pendants or other types of jewelry.

Clients who wish to recycle old gold and silver can choose from 2000+ design molds or custom design an entirely new piece of jewelry for themselves or as a gift for a loved one. Clients are also able to keep cherished mementos in a new form of jewelry rather than selling it as scrap gold and silver where dealers may pay them pennies on the dollar.

Recycling also helps save the planet. For every ounce of scrap gold or silver that is recycled into new jewelry, the need for the mining companies to mine a ton of earth is reduced. It is estimated that for an average 18-karat gold ring leaves 20 tons of polluted mining waste behind. There are also pollution risks. For example in 1992 in Summitville, Colorado (USA), a containment dam that held mine waste from a gold mining operation burst. The escaped toxic waste killed all life along a 25 km stretch of a nearby river. Finally, recycling also reduces the consumption of resources and energy.

“Our jewelers/engravers enjoy taking scrap and turning it into a beautiful piece of jewelry which gives them them a great since of pride” said Hawaiian born and raised Colette Aoki, owner of Designs ‘N Gold. “Recycling old, broken and unused jewelry into new Hawaiian jewelry not only saves our clients money but also allows them to be a part of helping to save our planet’s precious resources for future generations.”

Colette’s customers who have had a chance to try this process are very enthusiastic. Susan of San Diego, CA writes “Thanks very much for the follow-up. I received the bracelet on Friday of last week- it is so beautiful! I am really happy with it”. While April of Maui, Hawaii writes “I received the ring, yesterday and I was already so anxious to open the box. Opened it and oh my. Why, it’s surely the ultimate beautiful ring I have ever seen. Most of all it’s well made. Thank your designer from the bottom of my heart. I have been sharing with people about your business. I am spreading the word of the great job you all have done.”

About Designs ‘N Gold
The owner of Designs ‘N Gold, Colette Aoki, has been in the jewelry business in Hawaii since 1976. Over that period she has designed jewelry for thousands of clients in Hawaii as well as worldwide. In 1985 she acquired the jewelry manufacturer, Designs ‘N Gold, which gave her the ability to control the entire jewelry making process from design to finished product. Designs ‘N Gold’s expert jewelers and engravers create each piece of Hawaiian jewelry including pendants, earrings, bracelets, and wedding rings.

Ready to buy some new hawaiian clothes and soak up the sun? Look for these opportunities for the perfect shopping excuse:

1.  On a Tropical Cruise

There’s not a better time to don a flowery long dress than when sailing the open seas.  Wearing a brightly designed skirt matches the devil-may-care attitude of the cruise.  Sit on the deck absorbing the sun or spend the night dancing and laughing, all under the guise of hand painted Hawaiian clothing.

2.  A Luau

The festive nature of a torch lit evening, filled with dancing, eating and drinking requires the laid back look of a tropical dress.  Enjoy the company of other guests while styling in intricately designed Hawaiian wear.  A long dress, while more formal, is a wonderful piece to sport for an evening of high excitement.

3.  Honeymoon

The wedding has ended and you have two beautiful weeks to spend together basking in the sun of the tropics.  When you’re outside, wearing a flowing Hawaiian short dress, or a sarong painted with a coral pattern, is phenomenal for walks along the ocean. You can even get him matching Hawaiian shirts to go with your dresses.

4.  Beach Bonfire

A bonfire on the shore is a Hollywoodesque way to spend an evening.  The flames licking at the open sky, stars scattered like dust play background to the relaxing get together.  A tropical dress coupled with a Hawaiian shawl is a fitting and practical outfit.  The chilly breeze coming off the ocean juxtaposed to the heat radiating from the fire makes it difficult to stay comfortable.  But the combination of the shawl and dress will keep you the right temperature all night long.

5.  Sitting by the Pool

You don’t have to be in a tropical climate to enjoy the warmth of summer.  Tanning by the pool or going for a dip, a Hawaiian sarong screams summer relaxation.  The wrap around will keep your legs warm when stepping out of the pool without having to give up your wonderful fashion sense.  Stay comfortable and stylish this summer by adding a Hawaiian accessory to your life.

6.  Tropical Dinners

You’re on vacation in the Bahamas and it’s dinner time.  Why wear some outfit from back home?  Instead put on a Hawaiian dress to match the bright sensibilities of the tropical world.  Not only will you feel liberated from the everyday styles you’re used to, the elegant and dynamic style you’ve donned will add a hint of magic to the evening.

7.  Tropical Wedding

Close friends are getting married in a few months.  They’ve decided to get hitched in St. Thomas, wanting a less traditional but equally beautiful ceremony.  The best thing to wear is a formal Hawaiian dress.  That sounds like an oxymoron, formal and Hawaiian.  However, a dress hand painted with flowers and coral makes a fitting outfit for such a special ceremony.

Every bride would love to have a romantic wedding by the beach, something that would look simple yet very sweet. One of the ways in which you can achieve that without having to spend too much is by getting a Hawaiian themed wedding. It would also be very cheap for you because there would be no need to buy some fancy pieces of fabric just to make sure everyone is the motif. It is also a fun theme to consider especially since your guests can come in cottons and their very own Hawaiian inspired attire.

But for the kids, there might be a few important pointers you’d like to consider to make sure they are prepared enough for that Hawaiian-themed wedding. Here are some practical tips you might want to observe:

1. Get the right sizes – Do not assume that your little girls can just be fit into small, medium, and large respectively. It would be safest to let a designer get the right measurements of the little girls especially since Hawaiian dresses tend to be more body hugging. This would also help motivate them to complete the entourage as you know that the flower girls and the ring bearers are often known for throwing tantrums while walking down the aisle. Most studies actually showed that tantrums happen because the kids are forced to wear uncomfortable clothes.

2. Consider the favorite color of your flower girls – If you are not following a specific color motif for your wedding theme, it would also be a good motivation for the little girls to have some of their favorite colors printed on their dress. This can also help motivate them to wear the said dresses and then walk proudly as they have it on.

3. Use cotton as your base material – More than just the styling of the dress, it is also very important to consider what would be comfortable for the little ones to wear. Since a Hawaiian theme is simple and comfortable, you can already let the kids wear clothes that are actually made from cotton. This way they would be able to wear clothes that are breathable and even thought they would play around while wearing it, they would still feel very at ease having the said dress on.

4. Allow the flower girls to pick stuff that can be embroidered on their dresses – If you don’t really plan for the wedding to look too formal you might even want to take the extra mile of letting the little girls attach their favorite characters on their dress. This would surely make them feel excited to wear it because it will make them extra proud to be able to show off that they are wearing a dress with their favorite character on it.

5. Fit the clothes again  before the wedding – Although you might have the measurements done and everything, it never hurts to do a final fitting three days at least before the wedding. This way, if any adjustments should be made it would be done in due time.

For quite a few wedding couples, the wedding becomes such a costly production that the honeymoon is almost an afterthought. If you live in Hawaii and can’t pay for a “real” honeymoon because your wedding has you penniless, look into a neighbor island vacation or think about heading out to Ihilani or Turtle Bay. The honeymoon is firstly about the quality time you spend as husband and wife than any destination you go to.

If you’re from out of town and have flown to Hawaii to get married, this probably is your honeymoon. In any event, here are some tips and things to think about when planning your honeymoon. This advice is also useful if you’re helping with out-of-town guest accommodations.

Set a budget specifically for your honeymoon. Consider everything from airfare, ground transportation, meals, spending money, entertainment and shopping. Write it down and stay with it!

Ask your travel agent about the best time of day and week to travel for the best value.

Whether you’re flying to a neighbor island or Paris, talk with a good travel agent, ask lots of questions. Get on the internet or peruse through a few bookstores and research your destination, places of interests, language barriers, culture, money exchange rates, travel insurance, etc.

Book your flight at a decent time. If you’re able, don’t fly out the same day as your ceremony and don’t depart at the crack of dawn the following morning, particularly if you have a later reception. You will require time to relax after the wedding and sleep in the next day.

Notify the resort, hotel or bed and breakfast about your honeymoon. They could surprise you with special benefits – a better room, wine on the house or something special to help you celebrate.

Be certain all your travel documents are up to date. Security is extra tight nowadays and you need to be certain you have a current driver’s license or photo ID. If you’re flying from overseas, be certain your passport is current.

You will need to buy your plane ticket using your maiden name because your photo ID should match the name on the ticket.

These Top 10 Hawaiian Beaches are known for offering mixes of all the right ingredients to give travelers and families the best vacation resort experience. Everyone wants something different in a holiday beach resort. Plus, if you are a family traveling with kids it is even more important to find the right balance between sea, sand and surf. What makes a good beach is the way it let’s everyone relax the way they like. Families need sandcastles and surfers need big waves while a scuba diver wants a beach with a reef and calm water. A beach with all these things makes it a wonderful place to vacation in a resort atmosphere.

These top locations and luxury resorts are the best places to go if you need services like telephones, restrooms and picnic areas. Many have seasonal surfing and also snorkeling to offer adventurous travelers. Many beaches also have grass and shady areas also provide cover for sun worshippers and families with small children. Rentals of water sports equipment will vary although most beaches will be able to help out visitors with some type of rentals from snorkels to boogie boards. See the list of top Hawaiian beaches and resorts below for families and solo travelers.

1. Lanikai Beach

2. The North Shore

3. Punalu’u Beach

4. Hookipa Beach

5. Lahaina Beach

6. Poipu Beach

7. Kauna ‘oa Beach

8. Kaanapali Beach

9. Honaunau Bay

10. Waikiki Beach

1. Lanikai Beach is located on the island of Oahu off Kailua Road, Kailua -East Oahu. Clear water and sparkling white sand make Lanikai Beach known for its beauty. Just off in the distance are two tropical islands of Mokumanu and Mokulua where there are designated bird sanctuaries. This combination of sand and sun make Lanikai Beach a well known to travelers and locals. The sunrise if not to be missed on this part Oahu where visitors can find sand, large rocks, shady areas and good swimming and snorkeling.

2.The North Shore is part of three separate areas: Waimeia Bay calm which is peaceful in the summer with big winter surfing waves in winter; the Pipeline whose name inspires surfers shooting through waves; and Sunset Beach that is known for what else – fabulous sunsets! If you are not a board-type there are plenty of other things to do nearby such as: Golf, Ocean Fishing & Tours, Sport Fishing, Shark Tours, Whale Watching, Horseback Riding, Jet Ski, Picnics, Scuba and Snorkel . . . plus lots of shopping!

3. Punalu’u Beach is located off Highway 11 on the South shore and is nothing short of dramatic. Black sand beaches and tall coconut trees make this beach memorable and very comfortable. The beach park even has a freshwater wading pool to cool off with for the whole family plus there are ducks for the kids. Punalu’u actually “diving spring” because Hawaiians used to get fresh water from these springs using gourds. The location is well known for the endangered green sea turtle that makes it’s home here while the turtles are protected by law, snorkeling is a great way to see them in their natural habitat.

4. Hookipa Beach is well known for world-class windsurfing competitions. It is located off the Hana Highway in North Maui. While not everyone is an expert windsurfer there is a small coral reef that provides an excellent calm area for taking a relaxing few minutes on this unique beach. The dramatic rocky beach and sandy shore are complemented with barbeque picnic areas, showers, kiosks and payphones. The range of services make this beach a success for hosting the Aloha Classic, Red Bull surfing competitions and the Maui Sports Foundation events for expert windsurfers and sun worshipping tourists.

5. Lahaina Beach is on West Maui and the town is full of ancient history with a long tradition of whaling. Many people are familiar with the wedding ceremonies and famous Luau dances. The Luau dance is the traditional Hawaiian dance that celebrates the unique island culture with the hula dance, flower lei ceremonies and roasted pig dining make any evening a memorable experience.

6. Poipu Beach is on the southern island of Kauai it is well know for calm waters. The beauty of calm waters and tranquil beaches are a photographers dream come true. The area is picturesque with sandy beaches and shallow areas that provide safe areas for parents and children. Snorkeling is also good around the point and there is grass and shady areas for sun worshippers to lounge in. There are also many services available on the beach including lifeguards, picnic areas, showers and picnic facilities.

7. Kauna ‘oa Beach is a large sandy beach located on the big island of Hawaii. The beach provides plenty of room for sand castles, volleyball, swimming, snorkeling and boogie boarding. It is one of the best beaches on the island with a rock reef that provides some protection from the surf. Golfers will even love to hate the sand traps at the famous Mauna Kea Golf Course.

8. Kaanapali Beach is one of the best beaches on Maui and for that reason it fronts many Ka’anapali resorts. Travel up and down the beach is made possible by a concrete path so wherever you are staying the path is nearby for morning walks and sunset strolls. Local services include: lifeguards, restrooms, showers and seasonal high surf. Many visitors that prefer calm waters will enjoy fantastic snorkeling at Black Rock. Adults with children will be pleased to see that many resorts have childrens programs so everyone in the family has a memorable experience.

9. Honaunau Bay is the City of Refuge by locals because of ancient traditions that gave warriors and law-breakers refuge here. The bay is refuge to many fish and coral that skin divers often visit due to the ease of entry provided by smooth lava rock flats. Scuba divers also frequent the area because is is so remarkable. Dolphins are regulars to the bay and give everyone a bit of excitement. The clear blue waters and even the occasional sea turtle offer rich diving experience for all.

10. Waikiki Beach on O’ahu’s south shore is the beach of beaches. Two miles of beach fronted by hotels and by the beautiful Kapiolani Park. The beach can be crowded but it is popular for a good reason. Access to amenities includes: lifeguards, sand and reef areas, picnic areas, phones, showers and restrooms. Outrigger canoes can also be rented for a paddle through sun-drenched waves in the afternoon sun.

The Hawaiian Palaka shirt’s fascinating beginnings, a Hawaiian staple using a unique material named Tapa.

Think of Hawaii and the first thing that comes to mind is the Hawaiian shirt. This well known garment is the Palaka shirt and has a long history. Little has changed throughout time including the material used. One cliché that comes to mind is ‘styles always come back’, for this shirt style has never gone out. One wouldn’t think of trees being used to make clothing, but for centuries it has been and still is used.

Used for ceremonial and functional use, the Tapa cloth is also found used for the ever popular Palaka shirts as well as wall tapestries in many Hawaiian homes. The Palaka shirt that uses this unusual material has an interesting story in itself. Coming from other countries in Asia such as China and Japan, the Hawaiian field laborers found in their hands shirts with tails. To help protect them from the hot sun the workers improved the shirts for more practical use by taking off the tails and making them of light loose fitting material instead of the rich embroidered silks they were originally made in.

These now traditional Palaka shirts are sometimes seen with the darker print on the inside showing the faded patterns on the outside. It appears the shirt is worn the wrong way, but this is really the way they were created to show the muted pattern. Usually found in traditional basic colors such as black or brown, but are also made in a multitude of colors and fabrics. Tapa fabric is not a very sturdy fabric and tends to be used more for the higher ceremonial purpose and special occasion. It is seen sometimes worn by government officials, chiefs and in weddings.

This material can be found in about every home usually on shirts, decorative quilts or wall ornaments. Tapa’s that are given by a chief or royal family holds more value and most often time will be displayed in the home. Because the process is completely made of and with natural sources it is friendlier to the environment. Even the brushes used to apply the natural dyes and paints are made from sticks with frayed ends. Simplistic and beautiful from a culture that respects nature and tradition in an ever changing modern world it’s good to know that with tradition the old customs of Hawaii still find a place in today’s society.

Did you know that tropical flowers like the ones you can get from Hawaii last 1-2 weeks longer than other fresh flower bouquets? Following is some information on the care of fresh Hawaiian flowers and background on the different types you can order.

If you’re lucky, you’ve had the opportunity to travel to Hawaii. If you haven’t had the chance to go there yet, you’ve most likely seen Hawaiian flower leis being put around a traveler’s neck as they depart from an airplane after landing there. But did you know that flower leis signify the ‘aloha’ spirit of Hawaii? They are a symbol for love, peace, hello and goodbye and are especially beautiful for a luau or wedding. You can order them in wrist, head or even ankle forms and they also come in a variety of flowers or vines and leaves.

There are many beautiful Hawaiian arrangements that are designed with each season’s flowers in mind. Amazing varieties of Heliconia, or Bird of Paradise as they are also known, are available in the Springtime along with exotic Gingers and Anthuriums which are a popular favorite. Anthuriums are a heart-shaped flower that is grown in several different colors and are perfect to send to someone you love.

Protea are another unique bloom that grows abundantly in the winter seasons and ships very well in cold weather – perfect for the holiday season! They also dry beautifully so that you can enjoy them in waterless arrangements for years afterward.

To care for fresh, Hawaiian flowers, unpack them immediately and then completely immerse them in water for at least 10 minutes – the bathtub’s a great place for doing this. While the flowers are soaking, cut the bottom of each stem on an angle, 1/4 inch from the bottom.

Arrange your flowers in a vase and make sure to keep the water clean and free of bacteria and algae – this is the most important part of keeping tropical flowers fresh and vibrant. Change the water every 4-5 days and put a few drops of bleach in it to prolong their freshness. You can also re-soak them when you change the water to freshen them up as they would be in their natural, humid and tropical environment.

Be sure to avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near heat sources such as air conditioners and drafty areas. Do Not put them in the refrigerator at any point! Hawaiian flowers can be ordered in all of the assortments mentioned here and many more and also as single flower stems at very reasonable prices. Consider these stunning flowers to add a little mystery and exotic touch the next time you order for someone special, including yourself!

Summer pool parties and trips to the beach encourage the tropical fashion trends year after year with all the amazing Hawaiian patterns available today.  Now that the summer season is in full swing how do you pick the perfect dress for all your social events?  Here are a few tips to help pick the perfect summer dress to impress all your Hawaiian attire socialites.

Always pick colors that complement your skin tone, eyes and hair color when choosing a new summer dress.  Another thing to keep in mind are the local colors in your environment; if you live in a desert type area then patterns with brown hues make a stylish fashion statement.  Blondes take note if you live in one of these areas because tan & brown will complement your hair color too.  Darker hair goes great with vibrant patterns with a strong base color such as red.

Keep in mind the climate where you live or are going on vacation to because even though summer is the hot time of year the evening is cool in many places including southern California.  Although Hawaiian dresses are designed to keep you cool in hot weather you may opt for a sleeved style over spaghetti straps if you get cold easily and will be out at night.

Accessories make a huge fashion statement which will garner great attention but keep style top of mind to fit with your dress.  Wear a matching shawl, purse or handbag to help bring out the tropical pattern of your summer dress.  Necklaces that match one color will emphasize your dress style and don’t be surprised if you start to hear whispers.  Jewelry accessories are a great addition to a summer dress too.  Beaded necklaces, bracelets or earrings will complement your Hawaiian wear and up your style by few points with onlookers.  Make sure there is a shared color between the jewelry and tropical summer dress pattern otherwise the two will clash.

Hawaiian dresses are a summertime favorite for everyday wear and social get togethers with friends.  Unlimited styles are available from long to short dresses and tie dye patterns to tropical scenery bring the fabric to life.  Island attire usually originates from Hawaii, the Caribbean and Southern California but you don’t have to travel to one of these destinations to enjoy your favorite tropical fashion.  Boutiques and online stores have awakened to the high demand of Hawaiian attire so you can enjoy aloha clothing wherever you reside.