Those visiting Volcano, Hawai‘i, should keep their eyes open for the most unique repurposed school bus, known as the Aloha Folk (@thealohafolk) skoolie studio and shop on wheels.
Chanelle Kanani Kukona PHOTO BY KIANA BOURNE
“I think there’s something magical about being able to visit the Aloha Folk skoolie studio in person,” explains curator and designer Chanelle Kanani Kukona. “It feels like a warm, gentle embrace of aloha. People are greeted with a hug as they hemo, or take off, their slippers and walk up the steps, passing through a beautiful macrame wall hanging. They hear the sounds of native birds singing and a peaceful wind chime blowing in the wind. We usually end up talking [to our guests] for hours, as if we were old-time ohana and friends.” Filled with one-of-a-kind aloha camo and denim jackets, vintage mu‘umu‘u and aloha shirts, and upcycled aloha pillows, all items are made from vintage fabrics and clothing. What started as a hobby turned into a business once she posted on Instagram and people wanted to buy her creations. “I always had a passion for anything vintage aloha with a bohemian flair to it,” says Kukona, who handles everything from curating the fabrics and vintage home goods to designing and sewing. “I started selling my favorite handcurated finds on Facebook marketplace and Instagram and decided to turn my skoolie into a mindful creative studio and shop on wheels.” While rummaging through vintage blankets, baskets, tea cups and coasters, you never know what kind of treasures you’ll find.
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