Aloha Northwest was founded by Tanya Carnahan. Her family moved a lot as she was growing up, but the years spent in Kona as a kid changed her life forever. Being a deeply relational person and a nature lover, she thrived in the sunshine, waves, and community there beyond anything she had experienced growing up in other cities.

On a recent trip back to the Big Island, after being gone for many years, she realized how many of her friends there are working hard to make a living in their jobs, while also pursuing their art through jewelry making, photography, painting, resin work, weaving, etc. She was also drawn to the colorful fashion vibes in every locally-owned clothing, décor, and jewelry boutique, along with the ever-present inspiration of nature and wildlife in so many of the brands & artwork.

While walking through a pop-up street market on Ali’I Drive, an idea was born, to give back to her beloved Kona, support Hawaiian culture and artists across the islands, and bring the rainbow hues and natural inspiration of Hawaii-sourced fashion, art, home décor, and jewelry back home to where she lives in the Pacific Northwest.