Tai Swim's Pīkake Collection: A Love Letter to Hawai‘i’s Most Beloved Bloom

At Tai Swim, every print starts with a story—one that's personal, local, and often hidden in plain sight. Our newest collection, Pīkake, is no exception. This dreamy white-on-green floral is inspired by the delicate yet unmistakable scent that drifts through the air during Hawai‘i’s winter months. If you know, you know.

Pīkake (pronounced pee-kah-keh) is the Hawaiian name for jasmine—specifically Jasminum sambac, one of many jasmine varieties found in the islands. Known for its intoxicating fragrance, the pīkake flower has deep roots in Hawaiian culture. It’s long been used in lei-making, often strung into strands worn during celebrations, ceremonies, and romantic moments. The name "pīkake" itself was reportedly chosen by Princess Ka‘iulani, inspired by her love for both the flower and peacocks, which roamed her family’s estate in Waikīkī. That royal connection gives this humble white flower a quiet sort of nobility—and that’s exactly the energy we wanted to capture in this collection.

The Pīkake Collection blends vintage and modern, bold and soft. We brought back retro cuts like the Sara One Piece, complete with contrast piping and an open back cutout that feels straight out of the '70s surf scene. On the skimpier side, we’ve got the Joelle Set—an ultra-minimal cut for the bold. And for our sporty girls, the Mariah Set is made to move with you from beach runs to reef dives. There's truly a little something for everyone.

As always, our prints are personal—like a little secret within the islands. They’re love letters to the details that only locals might notice: a certain scent in the air, a pattern in the sand, a pua behind the ear. Pīkake is a flower you don’t just see—you feel it. And this collection is our way of honoring that.

With aloha, always—
Tai Swim Team