Lokahi Swimwear: Tell us about yourself.
Makoa: My name is Makoa and I was born and raised on the island of Maui. I like to eat, surf and take naps on the beach.
Lokahi Swimwear: What do you love most about Maui?
Makoa: What I love most about Maui is the scenery. From Mauka to Makai, it has so much unspeakable beauty. I couldn’t even count the amount of times I say “wow” and sit in awe of how lucky I am to call this place my home.
Lokahi Swimwear: How old were you when you started surfing? What is your first memory of surfing?
Makoa: I didn’t start surfing until my early teens. My friends were the ones who got me into it, and the second I started, I knew I was in love. It wasn’t until my best friend Sierra Lerback got me into longboarding when I was 16 that I felt like this is my lifetime passion and nothing makes me happier.
Lokahi Swimwear: Is there one surf spot or wave that you love the most?
Makoa: Honestly, I don’t have a favorite surf spot. If there’s a wave I’m happy with it.
Lokahi Swimwear: Where do you want to surf that you haven't been?
Makoa: Somewhere that I’ve been wanting to surf is the Mentawais. It looks soooo dreamy.
Lokahi Swimwear: What do you look for in a swimsuit when it comes to surfing?
Makoa: What I look for in a swimsuit that’s good for surfing is something comfy, cute, and likes to stay in place. Lokahi Swimwear definitely has all those features and it’s what I surf in majority of the time.
Photo credit (in order): Images 1, 2 and 3: Anja Liotta, images 5 and 6: Tehani Friesen.
Lokahi Swimwear: Tell us a little bit about yourself and growing up in Hawaii
Alicia: “My name is Alicia Eunhae Kelley. I am 20 years old and born and raised in Kaneohe Bay, Hawai’i, alongside my sister and mother. I am a college student and I love to surf, eat food, swim, hike, travel, and I love to try new activities :).
“Growing up in Hawaii has been a blessing, considering the fact we had the chance to grow up in paradise with the best surf breaks in the world. Hawai’i is a place where the culture is unlike no other around the world. It’s very unique.
“From the mountains to the oceans, there’s always something to do, learn and explore.”
Lokahi Swimwear: How old were you when you started surfing, and what is your first memory of surfing?
Alicia: “I was taught how to surf by a really sweet neighbor when I was in elementary school - a couple called Andy and Sue. They took me out surfing for the first time and it was one of the best days ever as a young child. I recall catching a wave all the way in on a bright red longboard.
“A few years after in middle school, I remember watching Bethany Hamilton’s movie soul surfer and felt inspired to try surfing again and it was tough! I had two major surf accidents in six months that resulted in stitches. Then, my Uncle, Wade Tokoro generously took time out his day to teach me how to surf safely. And ever since that day with Uncle wade in middle school, I decided I wanted to start a journey with surfing :).”
Lokahi Swimwear: Is there one surf spot or wave that you love the most?
Alicia: “I love surfing castles in Kailua, and it is my favorite spot to this day. When I started surfing it was an after-school spot to meet up with everyone to go surf or play on the beach!”
Lokahi Swimwear: Where do you want to surf that you haven't been?
Alicia: “I would love to have the opportunity to go to New Zealand to explore and find some waves. It looks so beautiful, exotic and there are sheep!”
Lokahi Swimwear: What do you look for in a swimsuit when it comes to surfing?
Alicia: “The one thing I look for in a swimsuit when it comes to surfing is making sure it stays on and looks naturally fitting, then importantly, has a print that carries a specific vibe. I think that the kind of swimsuit you wear surfing can also show what kind of person you are, just like clothes and fashion. Swimsuits are a way to make your mark.”
@lokahiswimwear | @aliciiakelley
]]>
Somewhere in the South Pacific, Tahiti’s little sister Moorea lay beautifully in waiting. Part of French Polynesia’s Society Island Archipelago - sandy lagoons, lush green canopies, and crystal-clear waters make for a mesmerizing tropical haven.
First things first, more about Moorea. This volcanic island is ten miles wide and visible from Tahiti due to the rocky peaks that jut out against the clear blue sea and palm-fringed bays. From well-connected Tahiti, visitors can jump on a ten-minute flight or 30-minute boat ride to uncover the dreamy scenery that awaits in Moorea.
For the adventurists, there’s no shortage of surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling activities for those who love the ocean. Moorea is home to an incredible ecosystem of vibrant coral reefs and tropical sea creatures who’ve made it their home. Visitors can take in the sea life from a glass-bottomed boat, and parasailing and dolphin watching are also accessible through several tour companies on the island. For travellers who want to kick back and unwind, Moorea is home to a selection of dreamy, large overwater villas or small, authentic guesthouses – whatever floats your boat.
You’re never too far away from discovering something amazing on this fascinating island, with pineapple plantations, fruit tasting adventures and, vanilla, copra, and coffee crops galore. For nature lovers, the Tahitian Islands are home to the world’s largest shark sanctuary, and swimming with sharks and stingrays is a popular visitor attraction. On dry land, you can find an abundance of birdlife and wild horses, goats, and pigs which roam in the green gardens of hibiscus and frangipani-adorned trees.
The relaxed vibe and magical spirit of the island is the reason we chose it as the location for our latest swimwear shoot. Armed with nothing more than our Hawaiian swimsuits, bikinis, and a camera, model and influencer Eryn Krouse and photographer Lia Turiano went on a journey to explore the island and capture some enchanting Lokahi lifestyle photography.
Lia Turiano is a super cool surf, lifestyle, and festival photographer from California, whose Instagram feed resembles a captivating look book for far-flung, tropical locations. On the flip side, the beautiful Eryn works the other side of the camera as a swimsuit model and influencer who loves the sea and surfing.
The duo shot a reel of photographs on Moorea’s beaches – immersed in nature and using the abundance of tropical palms and plants as props – before heading to one of the island’s whimsical waterfalls in the Lokahi Swimwear Hina one piece in Hau Mozo. The last location of the shoot was the Sofitel Moorea la Ora Beach Resort – a secluded waterfront hotel on the Island’s east side bay. For these shots, Eryn wore Lokahi Swimwear’s White Hibiscus print bikini. Their overwater bungalows are every traveler’s dream – crafted from natural materials and ‘floating’ over the turquoise waters.
In the photos, Eryn is wearing the Hina One Piece in Hau Mozo, the Chloe Top and the Mala Bottoms – both in White Hibiscus.
👙 @Lokahiswimwear | ✨ @erynkrouse | 📸 @lturiano | 📍 @sofitelmoorea
]]>