A creative at heart—NOHO HOME founder Jalene Kanani Bell talks fall releases and shares her top O'ahu picks for all things home and lifestyle.
Textile designer Jalene Kanani Bell’s life has been bathed in creativity—from her time as a hula dancer in Don Ho’s iconic Waikiki shows and a Governor’s Model and ambassador of aloha to watching her mother’s business, Wailani Originals: Hula Girl Creations, flourish and her own foray into design with Jalene Kanani Inc. Witnessing untapped corners in the interiors industry, Bell launched NOHO HOME, a line of bedding that features her sophisticated interpretation of islandcentric prints. “In ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, noho, amongst other things, means to be, to dwell or to come from,” she says. “Home means different things to different people and is not always a physical four walls—it’s a feeling. I moved around a bit, so home for me is going to my friend’s house at 5PM and smelling food on the stove. Home is being at canoe practice every day. Home is a feeling you experience and one that you want to continually cultivate and surround yourself with.” With new NOHO HOME textiles and products on the way this fall, the creative director reveals her top O‘ahu picks.
“I still sleep with my first production samples because they just keep getting softer. Cool enough for my husband yet warm enough for me. The design is meaningful and connected to my culture while adding a contemporary stylish feel to our bedroom.”
“I love the test kitchen and changing menu. Chef Reid Matsumura is always willing to whip up a little something special that hits the spot.” 685 Auahi St., Honolulu
“Whenever I have an on-camera appearance, I head over to Kahulaleʻa to grab something stylish and new.” 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Ste. 3259, Honolulu
“The ling hing-infused tequila is so good you can sip it over ice all night.”
“Enjoy entertainment from many of Hawaiʻi’s most talented artists up close and in a more intimate setting. I’m excited for the opening of its new location in Waikiki.” 91-5431 Kapolei Parkway, Ste. 1001, Kapolei
BISHOP MUSEUM’S J. WATUMULL PLANETARIUM
“I grew up visiting the Bishop Museum, and the planetarium show is still one of my favorite things to do while I’m there. I love learning the stories our universe has to tell us.” 1525 Bernice St., Honolulu
Photography by: NOHO Home photo courtesy of brand; Redfish photos by Chris Rohrer; Kahulale'a photo by Blake Abes; Kapena Tequila photo by Kyle Wright; Bishop Museum photo by Bernice Pauahi
