Mikinola

Outstanding stock, and everything – the smartly curated selection of urban West Coast, hip-​Pacific/​-​Oceanic, and professional women’s fashion; the photos of clothes and accessories for sale on Instagram and the store’s regular site/​blog; the styling of the mannequins in the store’s two window displays; the staff’s advice and insights – is a level up from other locally owned boutiques on the island. There’s a clear grasp of store brand identity and of a specific market niche at work here – some smart business sense operating. We’re not talking a Cookies, Mahina, Bamboo Sky, Eden In Love, Fighting Eel, 33 Butterflies, kind of local girls’ and women’s clothing boutique. This one is not only about buying blouses and belts and jewelry, though you can definitely purchase lovely ones here… so much as learning to style oneself to be noticed and stand apart from the crowd.
Dara is highly intelligent, style-​literate, and fashion-​savvy; if this boutique manages to succeed, it’ll mean Hawai’i ladies are finally moving away from the generic, late-​twentieth-​century sartorial choices of cute-​surfer-​girl beachwear (see most of the above boutiques mentioned; the overly safe/​femme, post-​Cinnamon Girl look); statehood-​era-​nostalgic, modernist, Polynesian-​ish outfits (Mamo Howell blanderized and RIXified into flatness); and DOE-​schoolteacher-​ish, Asian-​influenced, shift dresses with large Orientalist prints (hello, Anne Namba)…and towards something more post-​postmodern, cosmopolitan, and edgy. Check it–
The difference: Attention paid to brands/​materials that display structure and corner the finer details of design. You will pay more for clothes here than in the abovementioned boutiques, probably. Yes, a few hundred bucks for a maxi dress that’s not even silk or other luxe fabrics, seems like a lot. But do you really want something that your average career woman shuffling around the designer collection racks of Ross’s is wearing? Another appropriately dressed, professional-​looking, female clone? Or to be clothed in a fresh and imaginative and fierce way that emphasizes your individuality? For relatively inexpensive business, casual, and resort wear, the outfits sold here are of high quality… look at the list of brands commonly carried (see the above websites or other reviewers’ – who are far more fashion-​hip than me – write-​ups).
There is passion, precision, and most of all, knowledge of fashion globally and nationally, at work here. Honestly, I sometimes pass by the store several times in a half hour, just to make note of the styling in the display windows, which can serve as a «now» summary statement of current trends and their creative variations (which is probably why the store regularly posts photos of the windows, on its websites). My guess is the styling/​wardrobe-​building service (soon to be offered? already available? not clear) is quite good and well worth the $, too.
Interested to see how long this place lasts, and whether it can sustain itself enough to take the next step and expand/​diversify/​enrich the brand.

This place is awesome! Saved me for many bridal events when I was looking for white outfits. Selection is large but pieces are limited so call if you see something you love on IG! Quality pieces that won’t fall apart on you. Can be pricey so check that sale rack ladies

If you’re ever wondering what should I wear to a beach themed wedding that’s casual yet sexy and sophisticated enough to wear to an actual wedding, you should stop wondering and come here. They have such a wonderful assortment of maxi dresses, jumpers, tank dresses, tank tops and they all have that flowy, dreamy, I live on the beach kind of vibe. I always take peek after a work out and admire their jewelry collection and new products. Their mannequins are always so well put together it kind of takes the guess work out of what should I wear?! Their prices are way more affordable than Free People and the clothes kind of look the same. If you’re ever in this area, stop by. The workers are super friendly too!

Dara always has a great selection of clothes in her store perfect for every day or special occasions. She’s really good at picking up on her customers’s personal style, which speeds the shopping process up (unless you just like everything!) She also carries a lot of local designer brands, which i absolutely love. Not the most convenient location to get to, but I make the time to drive out regardless!

What a beautiful store! I stopped in today to take a second look (first time I was in too big a hurry) and I have been kicking myself all the way home for not going in sooner. I came out with two gorgeous dresses, a long gorgeous skirt and a classy top, all of which are beyond pleasant on the skin… I would like to bathe in my shopping bag ;-). The other wonderful experience I had while shopping, was the owner (Dara?). She was like having my own personal shopper with an incredible eye for what would look GREAT on me. If you’ve ever wanted a shopping trip like I just had today, grab your credit card and go drape yourself in this fashionable store, you will not regret it (just hide the receipt from your husband).

My sister in law bought me a gift card for Christmas to here. I had never stopped in here before, and it’s all the way out in Hawaii Kai. But I love going to new shops and boutiques so I couldn’t wait to check it out. The sale people were soo helpful with suggesting outfits and accessories to match! I loved everything in here! All the clothes are very classy and modern. Being a somewhat new mom, I feel my style has need for improvement lately. I found an awesome dress that I can wear out for New Years! The jewelry is amazing! I guarantee there is something for every taste and style. I will definitely be shopping there on a regular basis. The store owner Dara told me they get new stuff in all the time, so I cannot wait to see what new fashions they have next time I go!

Owner, Dara Fujio has the most fantastic taste in the latest clothing and trends. The store carries a bit of everything for everyone – from bohemian, flowy dresses and tops, to ultra modern and casual chic, easy to wear pieces. Items are well priced, and Mikinola carries a lot of local designers including Khush, Gillia, Florencia Arias, Natolee, B. D Angelo, Panacea, Bianca Iris Designs and Pure Joy Adornments.
A must see if you are in the Hawaii Kai area! Great accessories, and new items available each week! Items tend to sell out soon, and Dara is very conscious of keeping her inventory new and fresh for customers. She is also incredibly helpful in assisting her customers in finding that «perfect» outfit.

I have been a fan of Mikinola since I found it via facebook earlier this year, and have attended joint shopping events at the Florencia Arias store every so often since then, so I was happy to hear that local girl Dara Fujio opened up a brick-​and-​mortar store right in my neighborhood. Finally, Hawaii Kai has a great boutique!
The store is beautifully laid out and has a great assortment of clothing, jewelry, and accessories from Mink Pink, Khush, Tiare Hawaii, Lush, Motel Rocks, and more. Dara is also very helpful and always looks so cute :)
Check out pictures of some of Mikinola’s past and present inventory on its facebook page:
Read Lei Chic’s recent article about Mikinola’s opening here: