Kahala: A Nostalgic Mini Drop Inspired by Late Summer in Hawai‘i

Meet Kahala, by Tai

Some places hold a kind of magic, a nostalgia that lingers long after the moments have passed. For me, Kahala Mall was one of those places. After school, my friends and I would walk there, wasting time between racks of graphic tees at Wet Seal, sneaking into PG-13 movies, and loading up on candy from stores that have since disappeared. The mall has changed, but the memories are vivid—the colors, the playful energy, the feeling of endless possibility. That spirit is woven into our new Kahala print.

This exclusive mini drop is a funky 90s floral, bringing in elements of retro Hawai‘i with a fresh, modern edge. The dark floral background is deep and rich, setting the stage for bold, vintage-inspired hibiscus blooms. If you look closely, you might notice the colors echoing the hues of Kahala Mall’s iconic carpet—greens, reds, and blues reimagined in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

In true Tai Swim fashion, many of the pieces in this collection feature retro piping, a nod to the vintage swimwear of the late 90s and early 2000s. The result? A collection that feels effortlessly cool, playful, and just a little rebellious—like slipping into a movie you weren’t quite old enough to see.

Kahala launched early at the Hawai‘i Swim Show Vendor Showcase, where it was met with excitement from those who know and love the feeling of a late-summer adventure. It’s the kind of bikini that makes you want to hop on a boat, bask in the golden hour glow, and soak in every last bit of summer before the season shifts.

This is a limited capsule collection, meaning once it’s gone, it won’t be restocked. Just like those afternoons at Kahala Mall, it’s here for a moment—a fleeting, perfect memory in the making.

Be part of Tai Swim’s nostalgia trip. The Kahala print won’t last forever, but the feeling will.