Honua Designs

10/03/2025

In Hawaii, it has always been every little gay boy’s dream to either become Miss Universe or a Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant. After all, a flight attendant is often the very first person a visitor encounters when arriving to the islands. They embody aloha—not just as a greeting, but as a living expression of warmth, beauty, elegance, hospitality, and humility. In Hawaiian culture, humility is often expressed through ha‘aha‘a, a sense of respectful modesty that honors others. Flight attendants carry that spirit forward in every interaction.

As I get older, I find myself reflecting on what really matters. Recently, I even went DoorDashing with friends—not just for the extra income, but as a way to bond and laugh together. It reminded me of a patient I once cared for in hospice: a hardworking Filipino man who never had the chance to enjoy his pension before passing away. Among Filipinos, there is a deeply rooted concept called sipag at tiyaga (diligence and perseverance), tied to survival and security. Work becomes a measure of worth, and sometimes life slips away while we are too busy working to live. Of course, this isn’t only Filipino—it’s a human truth. Life is too short. If you are struggling, choose joy over status, happiness over money, and authenticity over appearances.

Right now, there are no flight attendant positions open, but I will keep applying. I was reminded of this dream during a conversation with my nursing school friend, Summer Chin Murray, who now works as a Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant. Once, while in South Korea, I saw a crew from Air India stepping out early in the morning. They wore elegant, sari-inspired uniforms—draped fabric with graceful wraps—that reflected centuries of tradition. They held their heads high, not with arrogance (high maka maka in Hawaiian, meaning pretentiousness), but with dignity. Their pride came from representing their airline, their culture, and the very idea of hospitality.

Someone once told me that nursing is a “one-sided” profession—alaga in Filipino, meaning care, given freely, without expecting anything in return. That type of service is both beautiful and exhausting. Hospitality, too, carries a s

10/02/2025

Taking a break from drilling to admire the beauty of the opihi shell 🐚✨
Growing up, opihi were just something to eat at the beach or at parties — usually covered in seaweed. But after cleaning, sanding, and polishing, they reveal themselves as little masterpieces. Some look like snowy ice caps ❄️, others like the Eye of Sauron 🔥. Each one unique, each one magic.

I love Tahitian pearls… but honestly? I’m over pearls. 🌊💎

10/01/2025

✨ I’m in the process of setting up my new Etsy shop, Opihi Luxe! Here’s a peek at some of the pieces I’ve been creating. I’ve accented the opihi shells with touches of 24k gold leaf, making sure it enhances rather than hides their natural beauty. Each design is crafted with gold-filled findings and carefully sourced materials. Can’t wait to share more soon — feel free to reach out if something catches your eye 😉

09/30/2025

✨ Introducing Opihi Luxe ✨
Our newest line celebrates the beauty of Hawaiʻi with hand-sourced opihi shells from Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island. Each shell is carefully elevated with delicate 24k gold leaf detailing, creating a timeless blend of natural island charm and luxury.

🌺 Perfect for everyday elegance or a special keepsake, our “Mommy & Me” opihi stud sets are designed to be shared across generations — a way to connect, match, and sparkle together.

💌 Message us for details or to reserve your pair — every piece is handcrafted with aloha.

09/24/2025

Today was a long day — studying, cleaning the house, all the usual things 🌺 — but what I always look forward to is making jewelry to express myself. Here’s a little teaser: my jewelry will soon be part of Makali‘i Elua at the Maui Mall!

I’ve known the team there since we were kids, and while checking out their gorgeous jewelry I asked about carrying mine…and they said yes 🤍 I’m beyond excited. Felica’s pieces are amazing — especially her mgambo seed necklaces and earrings.

Makali‘i Elua will also be at the Fair — woohoo! So if you’re interested in unique island pieces, go like and follow or drop by their store at the Maui Mall.

Meanwhile, I’m working with wana (sea urchin spines) for a new design. When my coworker came in wearing a stunning purple wana piece I thought, “I need that!” I found some with beautiful tiger stripes — smaller and slimmer, but they pair perfectly with Tahitian pearls. Can’t wait to share more soon 🌊✨

09/22/2025

I’m currently studying nutritional psychology because I plan to pursue a PhD rather than a DNP. Although it’s a longer path, this emerging field speaks deeply to me.

Driving past Gas Express in Kahului today, I felt a pull toward nachos and a hot dog — a small but vivid reminder of my childhood. When my dad injured his back at Start Soda and worked here, we often ate meals like this because it was what we could afford. Later, when he landed a job at the Four Seasons, our family finally found some stability. At just five years old, I watched him launch his tax preparation side business because he wanted to understand why he was paying taxes. Over the years — from Gas Express to the Four Seasons — he grew that tax firm entirely by word of mouth, never spending a penny on advertising.

I’ve developed GERD, so I don’t eat much these days. When I do eat, I want it to be meaningful. Seeing a man sitting on the sidewalk outside the station, I decided to share half of my meal with him. To me, food and nourishment should be shared.

Moments like these remind me why I’m so passionate about the intersection of nutrition, psychology, and service — because our histories, our health, and our humanity are all intertwined.

09/21/2025

Took Emi out for her birthday lunch after spin and body pump 💪🎉. Funny how someone of the girls from class just happened to end up at the mall too. We spent the afternoon chatting about our fur babies 🐾 and relationships. Emi is such a vibe — just look at her: furry bag, cat pillow keychain, musubi hair clip, and Hello Kitty tumbler 🐱🍙💕. She’s absolutely adorable!

09/21/2025

Stopped by Makali‘i Elua after the gym and they never disappoint. From gorgeous jewelry to fashion, electronics, and custom prints—they’ve got it all under one roof.

I’ve known Patrick since our Waiheʻe Elementary days, and I remember Felicia from Kahili Golf Course. Patrick’s dad was the longtime executive chef there. When we had sleepovers, he’d cook the best food ever—and we’d be up all night playing Legend of Mana. Core memories.

Just grabbed a pair of 14k gold-filled ‘opihi earrings. Absolutely stunning. 🐚✨

Check them out if you haven’t already—local vibes, great products, good people.

09/20/2025

please visit Claudia at Lancome. I like Chanel no. 5 but La vie est belle is definitely for a younger crowd. Claudia is so awesome!

09/20/2025

Sis and I did some major damage. 😆

09/19/2025