Customers of Pakaloha, translated as Raindrops of Love, can expect to find real customer service from Julie and her caring team members when visiting their store in Hale‘iwa. Customers leave the store confident they have found the perfect sexy Brazilian bikini to showcase their body in the best way possible. But it’s much more than that for the Pakaloha team; itʻs about providing the best care for their customers and for the environment.
“We provide quality swimwear for the surfing community. Our bikinis are built for the barrel. Our surf suits and rash guards are SPF 50,” Julie said. “We are very passionate about educating visitors about toxic versus reef-safe sunscreen. We even offer a ʻtoxic sunscreen trade inʻ at our Haleiwa store. Anyone can bring in their toxic sunscreen and receive 20% off the reef-safe sunscreen we sell and 10% off swimwear.”
Personalized Pakaloha Service
Pakaloha customers can expect a personalized approach to shopping. “Bikini shopping isn’t easy for everyone, so we are pleased to hear customers express that we helped make their shopping experience as seamless as possible,” Julie said. “We get a good laugh — along with our customers — anytime someone puts a pair of bottoms on backwards or a top on upside down. Yes, it happens more than you think!”
What has been Julie’s secret to success over the past decade? “It’s my employees and staff, good business patrons, and loyal customers. Our business is owned and operated by all women, but not on purpose; it just happened that way!”
Emerging from Tragedy
Julie’s sense of joy and sincere appreciation for all that she has in her life comes through loud and clear, despite having lived through the tragic loss of her other store in the Maui wildfires last year. Others may have found the experience crushing, but Julie’s positivity and optimism has kept her moving full speed ahead into the future.
It has been said that when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Julie has taken this saying to a whole new level. “I can make a mean pumpkin pie out of avocado and carrots.” This has become a new metaphor for her life to inspire others.
“After losing our main store on Front Street and warehouse in the Lahaina fire, we want to reopen a store on Maui. In the meantime, we continue to share the Pakaloha experience with those who visit our Hale‘iwa store, and those all over the world can experience what we have to offer through our website. We welcome online orders and offer international shipping.” Secret tip: Get 20% off in store or online with the code SHAKA20.
Overflowing with Generosity
Undaunted, Julie and her husband, Johnny, just keep on giving. “My husband and I provide a place for community events like yoga, breath work, and sound healing. We also donate to Women Helping Women, Paia Youth Club, the Surfrider Foundation, Lahaina Strong and our Lahaina staff.”
Pakaloha is a small company that is big on service and has big aspirations. “Hale‘iwa is very much like the old Hawai‘i with small retailers,” Julie said. “If we had our way, we would keep it that way…keeping small mom and pop shops, no big brand store names.”