Collection: The Queen Of the Night (QOTNʻ26)
A handful of years ago, a dear friend invited me to stay at her apartment while I was busy building Kauluaʻe. On the corner of Wilder Avenue and Halekula Way, directly across from Punahou School, this Kona boy was blessed with a parking spot and a comfy couch to sleep on. And honestly, sometimes that’s all you need.
Mostly on weekends, I’d fly to Oʻahu for craft fairs, markets, and the occasional hangout. Night after night, I grew familiar with the dinging bells and opening doors of the city buses passing by, followed by the wild crowing of roosters in the early morning. The heavy, blue velveteen curtains stretched from ceiling to floor, doing their best to keep the light out, but they couldn’t hide the sounds of the city.
Late nights working on Kauluaʻe usually meant two things: a snack from the 7-Eleven at the end of the street, and a chance to witness one of nature’s most beautiful little miracles — the blooming of the Night-Blooming Cereus, also known as the Queen of the Night.
And what a glorious sight it is. 🌙🤍
You see, this flower has always been a favorite back home in Kona. Along Aliʻi Drive, there are a few rock walls where these incredible blooms draw locals and visitors alike, all hoping to catch a glimpse of their wondrous flowers and gorgeous petals opening beneath the moonlit sky.
There’s something special about a flower that waits until the world grows quiet to reveal its beauty. You have to be there at just the right moment, and if you’re lucky enough to witness it, you understand why people stop, gather, and admire something so fleeting.
Funny how, in the middle of all those late nights, long weekends, and hard work building a dream, some of the most memorable moments are the ones you never planned for.
Sometimes, all it takes is a borrowed couch, a late-night snack, and a flower blooming in the moonlight to remind you how beautiful the journey can be. 🌙🌺
Our newest design, The Queen of the Night, is a tribute to my dear friend Jocelyn — honoring her tireless commitment to our lāhui, her generosity, and her endless patience and support for this sometimes-annoying boy from Kona.
Jocelyn, mahalo for opening your home, for believing in me, and for being part of this journey in ways both big and small. Some gifts are made of fabric and thread, but the stories and the people behind them are what make them truly special.
And of course, I have to keep giving you the best presents. What can I say? Annoying boy from Kona, reporting for duty! 😂❤️
The Queen of the Night — a little beauty, a lot of aloha, and a whole lot of gratitude.