LIHU‘E — When Kristy Kinimaka was 6 years old, her grandfather told her the meaning of aloha could be summed up in two words: “Be nice.” Kinimaka — a well-traveled, college-graduated single-mother — never forgot what her grandfather told her,
LIHU‘E — When Kristy Kinimaka was 6 years old, her grandfather told her the meaning of aloha could be summed up in two words: “Be nice.”
Kinimaka — a well-traveled, college-graduated single-mother — never forgot what her grandfather told her, and now wants to share the aloha she learned from the legendary Percy Leleo Kinimaka, who died May 11, 1989.
“Live Laugh Aloha is a simple reminder to live life to the fullest, laugh as much as possible and share aloha in all we do,” she said. “Ultimately, we’re not here for a long time, so let’s be here for a good time.”
Live Laugh Aloha, a line of clothing and accessories, was born six months ago, and is quickly increasing its popularity. But there’s a catch: It’s only available online and at special events throughout Kaua‘i, making it a prized possession.
Kinimaka said she always liked the saying “live, laugh, love.”
“One day it just hit me,” said Kinimaka, adding that she replaced “love” with “aloha” because the Hawaiian word has many more meanings than just love.
The next event in which goods from the brand will be available is also the line’s first exclusive event.
“Live Laugh Aloha Friday” is the brand’s six-month anniversary, to be celebrated this Friday at Tiano’s on Rice Street in Lihu‘e.
The event will coincide with a date too special for Kinimaka. May 11 is the anniversary of her grandfather’s death, and also the day Bob Marley, who needs no introduction, died in 1981.
As a teenager Kinimaka fell in love with Marley’s melody and lyrics. Later, in 1999, she moved to London, England, and was a regular at reggae clubs in Brixton and Ladbroke Grove, and read Marley’s entire biography at Notting Hill Library.
Friday’s event at Tiano’s will occupy three rooms at the nightclub: One with local reggae band Revival’s live performance, one with club music and the last one will be transformed into a Bob Marley VIP Lounge.
A cover charge of $5 gets you in, and you may even walk out with one of the prize giveaways that will be going on all night.
Somewhere not too far away, Percy Leleo Kinimaka and his old buddy Duke Kahanamoku, the Ambassador of Aloha, may be watching the young Kinimaka spread the most important lesson she has ever learned: “Live, laugh, aloha.”
Check out www.alwayslivelaughaloha.com for more information.
