Leisure & Luxury

Billy Aloha and JaxSea are two brands taking Maui by storm. The designers, Billy and Jax Taylor, are partners in business and love, creating resortwear and vacation-ready essentials that can easily translate into your everyday wardrobe. If you’re looking for that barefoot luxury look and vibe that’s so coveted in the islands and beyond, look no further.

Across the islands at luxury hotels and resorts, select boutiques, as well as at the flagship store, you’ll find both brands’ chic pieces—everyday items that are at once statement-making and carefree.

Billy, the Australian-born designer of the duo’s menswear brand, is inspired by a love of punk rock, tropical vibes and modern cuts, so it’s no wonder Billy Aloha attracts a loyal following of both residents and visitors alike. Logo tees and printed relaxed-fitting button-down shirts are part rock-and-roll, part islandwear, a signature look Taylor describes as “Hollywood on vacation.” JaxSea’s selection of multiseason dresses, stylish swimwear and beach-ready basics come in a variety of playful prints, rich fabrics and timeless silhouettes.

Both brands continue to create pieces that transport you to paradise, wherever that is for you. By shopping these lines, you’ll be adding versatility to your vacation wardrobe and upgrading your everyday essentials—a perk that stays with you long after you leave the island.

-JASMINE LOMBARDI

Find the brands at their flagship store at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort and select boutiques. jaxsea.com, billyaloha.com, @jaxseahawaii, @billyaloha

Scents of Aloha

Artful Scents is the brainchild of Maui-born artist Jennifer J. Stephens, who creates functional art inspired by Hawai‘i. What started as an idea for a Christmas gift has morphed into a business—one that is spreading art and aloha throughout the islands and beyond. Think candles, soaps, diffusers, mists and wax sachets, many including local flora and fauna. Signature scents include No. 842 (guava and salted lime), Pikake + Coconut Milk, and—yes—there’s an Island Collection, which includes Lahaina (pineapple and coconut), Maui Nui (plumeria and gardenia), Island (hibiscus and tuberose) and Breeze (mango and rose).

Each item is a true work of art and labor of love, as candles are hand-poured in small batches, and flowers and herbs are hand-placed in each wax sachet in Jennifer’s Kīhei studio—all featuring beautiful labels, designs and packaging, of course. Plus, all Artful Scents products are non-toxic and free from phthalates, dyes, preservatives and petroleum.

What’s more, Artful Scents has a partnership with Paper Garden—a specialty card and gift boutique in Wailea Village—to offer candle-making workshops, where you can create your own eco-friendly, clean burning soy candle. Workshops include breakfast and coffee from Akamai Coffee Co. during morning classes, and a charcuterie box during the evening classes. All participants can also expect stunning ocean views.

Whether purchased or handmade, the products from Artful Scents make great gifts for loved ones or as keepsakes, sweet reminders of your island experience.

-JASMINE LOMBARDI

Find these botanical blends of art, craft and scent at luxury hotels and spas, choice boutiques and select grocery stores throughout the island. artfulscents.com, @artfulscents