My Wife's Advice for Finding the Perfect Hawaii Aloha Shirt

Aloha shirt shopping can be tough, especially if you're shopping for someone else. There are so many patterns and designs, as well as quality of materials and price. So I decided to ask my wife what she looks for in aloha shirts since she's bought me several over the years as gifts. We take a look at three aloha shirts she bought me and she explains why she picked these particular designs. The first two aloha shirts are from Reyn Spooner and the third is from Kahala.
Also, I'm not sponsored by these aloha shirt brands and did not receive these aloha shirts for free. My wife bought them as gifts for me and I proudly wear them.
Brands mentioned in this video are Reyn Spooner and Kahala.
Intro - 0:00
Aloha Shirt No. 1 - 0:35
Aloha Shirt No. 2 - 2:23
Aloha Shirt No. 3 - 4:18
Filmed using the Canon Vixia G60.
#hellofromhawaii
#alohashirt
#alohashirtshopping
📷 IG - / hello_from_hawaii

[@Duhble07]

You wife has good taste dude. Go with her recommendation, it’ll grow on you. And she’ll just love it every time she sees it.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Agree. She has great taste in aloha shirts. 😁

[@brendamclean8447]

Your wife is such a doll, loved watching this video. Really cute to watch your interaction with the Hawaiian airline looking shirt lol. Your wife has great taste, loved the shirts

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo. She has great taste. Always look forward to getting an aloha shirt as a gift from her.

[@steventom257]

I love all the patterns of the Aloha shirts. Being on the mainland, I get to see a little bit of home from you guys. Mahalo and Aloha.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo 🤙

[@charliewilkins8888]

I think your wife is so beautiful and you can tell she's wonderful person. With a good heart.

[@missmilimakk2246]

Love Aloha shirts! Your wife should collab with a company and design Aloha shirts. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing the special sentiments of each shirt! Much love and Aloha to you both! Thanks for sharing!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

That would be fun. She loves Fighting Eel and a few other local brands.

[@ericinouye803]

My wife bought me a vintage Reyn Spooner pink Lahaina Sailor shirt at a thrift store in Kailua, while we were visiting my mother. Mahalo for this video.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Nice pick up. There are a few places that sell vintage aloha shirts. Those are my favorite styles.

[@chasemix808]

Great video, Chris! I buy a lot of my aloha shirts at Eco-Town select. At Ala Moana Center, ground floor, makai side. They carry Reyn Spooner, Kahala and many other of my favorites. Prices range from $15 and up and the clothing is "gently used". 💙 オーナーは日本人です.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I've seen that store. Thanks for the recommendation. I'll have to check it out.

[@naomiaki2962]

Wow Chris you are truly blessed! Loved the connection between the print selection and the special meaning the print symbolizes. Even that she researched the star crossed lovers story behind the flower and the similarities to your lives. She's a treasure ❤❤❤

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Very blessed. 😁

[@charliewilkins8888]

Thank you for doing a video about different Hawaiian shirts... I never knew they were so many different colors and styles... I want to buy a few... I live in Cali... And in Cali... Not to many people wear them... 1 to maybe 10k people do... Lol. . And they look so comfortable too... . So thank you again.

[@chriss2295]

6:12 I love this shirt! Your wife has good taste. Listen to her.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

😆 I always do

[@kalanzo]

Love Reyn Spooner!!!

[@draconian45]

My favorite aloha shirt that I own is the Kahala - Vintage Ti (Teal color).

[@charliewilkins8888]

I'm moving to Hawaii in a few months... And I have watched so far 15 of your Videos... And they are great... You have helped me learn so much... And what to expect... . I know Hawaii is a little more expensive... I now live in West Hollywood. That's in LA... And the prices are about the same... Yes Groceries are a little higher in Hawaii... I'm a vegetarian. And the things I eat are very healthy and simple... So my food budget still will be on the low side of cost... Instead of buying 3 to 4... I'll just buy 1 to 2. . Have a great Day... . And I loom forward watching more Vudeos.

[@kithg]

Nice to get to know the two of you a little better. Made me smile. I get my husband real bright aloha shirts, to wear back here in the 48. But I got his first aloha shirts in Taos, NM. Go figure! We're only in Hawaii once a year, so it has to be a good one.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Yeah, I'd recommend a couple of nice ones to bring back to the mainland. The material and designs are very good once you start looking at some of the better quality shirts.

[@stellamarina4123]

Note the front panel for the buttons.....it means it is more local style that you wear tucked in for business wear in Hawaii. A tourist shirt just looks wrong at the office.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I have a few tourist aloha shirts too 😆

[@mudasirmiyabakiidondong8777]

Hello new friend woww👍 very nice sharing place🙏

[@-plexico-]

Your wife is a great addition to the channel. Mahalo (and share)!

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Looking very nice.

[@aileensteele7298]

Fun video for you and your wife and I appreciate how true you are to Oahu designers, and, you are right, short of buying from retailers, great deals are found at thrift shops. Since we’re on Big Island we are Sig Zane fans as he opened his Hilo shop the year we moved on island. His designs speak to nature and Hawaii culture as well. No matter the designer it’s wonderful to wear something that speaks to you. 🍍🍍🍍

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. I think it's great that you support a real local store to your area. Haven't owned a Sig Zane shirt, but I know they are really popular.

[@Opai081]

My go to is Reyn Spooner in Tailored Fit. Always a good fit for me. 🎉

[@win1885]

I like brighter colors

[@annchee1329]

My favorite is the one you're wearing.........great pattern!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙 My wife picked a great design.

[@Keliiyamashita]

Reyns! The aloha shirt that’s permanently pressed😂. The Kahala Waterman’s series is awesome. Soft and relaxing to wear. An all day aloha shirt.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

The material is always nice, even after all these years later

[@Californiansurfer]

Exotical Hawaii Downey California. 1962 to 2016. Now in fullleton. great memories ❤

[@piotr4248]

Thank you for sharing your lively discussion... I learned new words from you guys you used here... (and googled for the meaning)... Pikake (symbol of romance and love), Alpaca (native Hawaiian shrub), Pakaʻa (in Hawaiian mythology, the god of wind and the inventor of a sail)... I am a half-resident on the Big Island (if owning a garden can make me one :) and from now on I will pay more attention to the design of the shirts I see there... In my native country of Poland, we have a saying for people who like to spend on clothes... we say: "It is easier to feed you than to dress you"... but of course, it is a humorous saying to have some laughter together. This content is great and appreciated very much.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Glad you enjoyed the video. My wife puts a lot of thought into the shirts she gets me. And it's nice to see that others appreciate that too.

[@piotr4248]

@@HelloFromHawaii This is the first time someone has explained the meaning behind the patterns on Hawaiian clothes... well done and a big thank you!

[@ASHEVILLEMOVINGCOMPANY]

#Aloha #Grateful 🙏 love you guys, thank you, #mahalo

[@alanyoung159]

Looking Good!!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Thanks 🤙

[@DanPostropheL]

I was there last month and found the ladies at Hilo Hattie’s under the Ala Moana Center mall to be very helpful. They talked me into the cotton shirts and I am so glad they did. So comfy. Standard Friday-wear now. Gladly, they sell online so I can order again without a trip to Hawaii. Bottom line, tho, most expensive shirts I ever bought when including travel cost. :-) :-) :-)

[@HelloFromHawaii]

😁 yeah, but I'm sure it was worth it

[@garypalmer6848]

This was a really fun video! Thanks to you and your wife!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@susanlarsen8465]

Hi Chris, I enjoy your videos; like the local perspective. Can you make a video on how to use the bus service, from buying and using a card to figuring out which bus to take to different points? (Waikiki to Laie or Kailua). Mahalo

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the suggestion. I don't usually ride the bus, but great idea. I'll add it to my list of ideas. 🤙

[@ranradd]

Nice shirts. So, Goodwill or Kahala. Next time I'm in Honolulu will try both. When I used to live there I always got Aloha shirts from Liberty House in Ala Moana. Wish there were still there.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Yeah, lots of good deals at Goodwill, although they haven't had as big a selection recently.

[@RanalynnNaipo]

Your wife has good taste. Plus I always feel that she looks at details that men don’t see. Good will always has good deals for hawaiian print shirts. And my brother does the same thing. Does your wife have a KZbin channel? She is a natural on camera. The bold colored would actually look good on you.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

She has a great eye. She doesn't have a channel, but I know she'd be great on camera.

[@gavinshiraishi6445]

I love Reyn Spooner shirts!!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙 The shirts are great.

[@daxthedza]

I feel educated! Trying to decide which slippah to go with for “formal” attire. Scott or Rainbow? Or something else?

[@gwillis01]

Hello YT video watching people. You two are a nice couple

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo 🤙

[@zaylinlynn8522]

Patterns are one thing but the collar plays a major role

[@user-fv6cd9bf8w]

I'm One of a kind no other man can look like me baby i can out dress you all in wearing my Hawaiian shirts 💯

[@benh3427]

No matter which shirt you pick, hawaii shirts should be made in Hawaii 🤙⁉️

[@kauaiboy5o]

As I grow older and also being short, I move towards the smaller patern shirts. 😃

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Good recommendation. I still prefer the simple designs.

[@brianbayer9926]

I had the classic Red Thomas Magnum one

[@raiderfrankdatank]

I just get the silk shirts from Tanoa (only)

[@tracyalan7201]

Trust the spouse's tastes, as if they bought it, high probability, they will be next to you one day, so if it was terrible, they might have you change Aloha shirts. Now, when I was on the East Coast, my mainland friends seem to lean towards what I'd say is the ugly Hawaiian shirt, which if that is the goal, it depends on the statement being made. Aloha shirts have changed over the decades, so it depends on the era that one is accustomed to. My mom used to sew for Malahini, and I grew up with the materials of that they put out when I was a small kid. My dad had lots of shirts, since she probably got a discount. Materials, patterns and styles have changed, so it depends. What I haven't seen but remember was the Safari style Aloha shirt. As we age, we also change in style of Aloha shirts, reverse prints, pull over, plastic vs wooden buttons.. Lots to pick from.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. Safari style? Interesting. I'll have to look that up. I like more vintage designs.

[@rochellesantiago7977]

I prefer to support kānaka owned businesses such as Manuheali'i, Kaulua'e Hawai'i, Keha Hawai'i, Sig Zane, etc. Their designs have a moʻolelo (story) to them. The moʻolelo of Naupaka. Naupaka is Pele's sister. Naupaka's lover is Kaui. Pele was jealous of their love. To escape Pele's fury, Kaui fled to the mountain and Naupaka fled to the sea. When you bring both flowers (from the sea and the mountain) and you put them together, they form one flower. Unfortunately, they are destined to live apart. The Kahala shirt you have on is nice.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. I'm glad my wife picked a shirt that has a story behind it.

[@jimhouston1605]

When I first came to Hawaii in 1982 I bought a couple Hawaiian shirts at Hilo Hatties and everyone laughed at me. They also educated me on Hawaiian Aloha shirts. Back then, it was probably 3 or 4 shirt makers that were well known, but my main question for you is: Buttons were how Hawaiian locals judged the shirts you wore (hand made of bone or koa). Is that no longer the case? Do the buttons no longer factor in to buying a new Hawaiian shirt?

[@chasemix808]

My dad's Aloha shirts had what were called "lava buttons". They were black with gold leaf on them. Unfortunately you don't see koa or any finer buttons these days. Most are plastic with the name of the company etched on them.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I'm not sure about the buttons these days. I think local people can tell whether an aloha shirt is "local" vs "touristy" by the design. The patterns are different.

[@jon6309]

I don’t buy them as much anymore with hybrid work from home being currently the norm also my employer has relaxed the dress code for the office and have allowed us to wear polo shirts with dark denim jeans.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Totally understand. No need to buy as much these days. But I still like some of the new designs. I've also got some nice polo shirts with local aloha shirt designs.

[@FpSNet]

Jam's World / Surfline Hawaii >

[@normandea]

Do you like cotton Aloha shirts? Or ones made of Rayon? Or other material? Just curious.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I like the cotton material best. It feels better and keeps the shirt fitted.

[@normandea]

@@HelloFromHawaii I used to like Paradise Found cotton aloha shirts, wish I could find them. Not sure if they make the cotton shirt anymore, only the rayon shirts which I'm not fond of.

[@michaeljordan5630]

So if I purchase shirts from companies in Hawaii will I be helping your local businesses?

[@jon6309]

It depends. Some of these Aloha shirts are outsourced to other countries for production and are not made in Hawaii so you help the local owner which is some help to the local economy.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I'd like to think so. The businesses are based out of Hawaii. And even though the shirts may not be made here, you would still be supporting a local brand and business.

[@sandrahintz2617]

Your wife should get her own line of Aloha Shirts 🤙🎉🤙

[@HelloFromHawaii]

That would be nice. She has a great eye.

[@mkkaneta]

Sooo expensive. Do you call them Aloha shirt or Hawaiian shirt?

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Aloha shirt

[@NJPS2023]

You guys are awesome, love your content. As an Asian American who will be moving to HI, I truly appreciate your efforts to share HI culture with those of us searching to learn more about HI (both the amazing and the not so amazing parts). I hope one day to bump into you on the island and say Mahalo and Aloha!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo. Glad the videos are helpful. Hawaii is a small place. I'm sure we'll see each other around. 🤙

[@drjojo5551]

Chris……..how about brands???

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I like Kahala, Reyn Spooner, and some other smaller brands.

[@rjmanzano0877]

da only i check for is to make sure its made in Hawaii