3 Major Trends We Saw on the Runway at the 2023 Hawai’i Swim Show

Check out some of the biggest style takeaways from this year’s event and get to know the brands behind them.

Elizabeth Wentwoth | Sep 12, 2023

Selina Rae Runway Show.

KAAYLS PHOTOGRAPHY

The Second Annual Hawai’i Swim Show took place this past weekend at The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa. The three-day event consisted of an opening night invitational followed by two days of VIP designer showcases.

The opening night invitational kicked things off with a bang, with 10 small, local and native Hawaiian-owned businesses. Designed to bring exposure to the local community and support small businesses, the hand-picked brands set the tone for the weekend by representing Hawai’i and Hawaiian culture in a vibrant way.

Brands that participated in the Opening Night Invitational included

Kaiona Swimwear,ADA Swim

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The following two days of VIP designer showcases continued the high-spirited energy that the weekend began with and exhibited fashion-forward and innovative designs. VIP designers included

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The second annual Hawai’i Swim Show showcased many unique and striking styles, from one-pieces to bikinis to resort wear and more. With sustainability at the core of the showcase, check out the biggest trends seen at this year’s event and get to know the brands behind them.

Island-Inspired Florals

The islands of Hawai’i are some of the most beautiful in the world, providing endless inspiration to designers. This was seen throughout the entire weekend in prints, colors, and even the incorporation of real flowers.

JAXSEA Runway Show.
KEATEN KAMAKAIWI @kamakaiwi.keatan

JAXSEA designs swimsuits to evoke a sense of warmth and energy that embodies a holiday state of mind. Through tropical motifs and paradise-inspired details, each swimsuit embraces the spirit of Hawai’i.

Laʻikū Hawai'i Runway Show.
KAAYLS PHOTOGRAPHY @kaaylsphotography

All Laʻikū prints are inspired by tropical plants and the captivating nature that founder Brianna Carrillo is surrounded by living on the island of Maui.

Leikinis Runway Show.
KEATEN KAMAKAIWI @kamakaiwi.keatan

Leikinis designs swimwear that represents a piece of Hawai’i and the local lifestyle. Leina Palama's mission as a fashion designer is to spread aloha (love) through each of her pieces. She wishes for everyone to know that it’s never too late to start over again, pick yourself up and strive until the end.

2BDesired Runway Show.
LEEANA AMENT PHOTOGRAPHY @leeana.jpg

Based out of Honolulu, 2BDesired makes swimsuits for women to feel their most confident, no matter what stage of life that they are walking in.

Evamele Swimwear has island-inspired prints that convey the natural beauty of Hawai’i as well as the wearer. The brand offers swimwear for everyone, from bikinis to swim trunks to children’s swimsuits.

ADA Swim Runway Show.
KEATEN KAMAKAIWI @kamakaiwi.keatan

Founded by Bethany Osborn, ADA Swim creates high-quality and sustainable swimwear that is equally stylish as it is long-lasting. Once handmade in a house full of young adults, to now being ethically handmade in Indonesia, each swimsuit is made with the goal of leaving as little of an environmental footprint as possible.

Tiare Hawai'i Runway Show.
KEATEN KAMAKAIWI @kamakaiwi.keatan

"Made With Love For the Planet" is Tiare Hawai’i’s mantra. The brand creates beautiful designs using plant-based, vegan, cruelty-free and completely organic materials such as banana, bamboo, eucalyptus, pineapple and mulberry bark silk.

Cut-Outs

Cut-out swimsuits were seen all over the Hawai’i Swim Show runway. From subtle to skin-baring, they make for an inarguably eye-catching suit.

Kail'ea Swim Runway Show.
KEATEN KAMAKAIWI @kamakaiwi.keatan

All suits by Kail’ea Swim are handmade on the Big Island. This environmentally conscious practice makes each swimsuit not only unique, but of the best quality. The brand also offers the option to design your own custom bikini by choosing from a range of fabrics, styles and sizes.

Leimakani Runway Show.
BAI PHOTO @baiphoto_

Founded by none other than Hawai’i Swim Show cofounder Kali’a Wasson, Leimakani is a brand designed to inspire and empower all women. The brand is known for its versatile styles that are adjustable and flattering on every body type.

D.VNE SWIM Runway Show.
ANGELINA DEVERS @lalaloopsis

Each collection by D.VNE SWIM is handmade by founder Daviane Carlos. The sustainable brand is known for its luxurious bikinis that emphasize the female form.

Island Swim Runway Show.
KEATEN KAMAKAIWI @kamakaiwi.keatan

Island Swim expresses the importance of preserving the places we love with each design. The label is single-use plastic free and uses only recycled natural fiber and material for all products. Founder Lilinoe Wedemeyer is a self-taught seamstress and incorporates handpicked shells found while free-diving and walking along the shores of Hawai’i into her swimsuits.

Selina Rae Swimwear Runway Show.
KAAYLS PHOTOGRAPHY @kaaylsphotography

Selina Rae Swimwear is made from high quality, buttery fabric that fits like a glove. Known for vibrant hues and unique cuts, each design is as wearable as it is unique.

Coral Swimwear X Runway Show.
KEATEN KAMAKAIWI @kamakaiwi.keatan

Coral Swimwear X focuses each collection on a creative theme, portraying a take on the current and upcoming fashion trends, making the brand’s suits modern and distinct.

Long-Sleeved

This past weekend confirmed that long-sleeved swimsuits are most definitely in. The sleeved styles proved that extra coverage is extremely wearable and fashion-forward.

Family-run brand Sienna Swim offers swimsuits that will become a staple in your swimsuit rotation. From chic silhouettes, like the Malibu Surf Suit, to luxe fabrics, each style is both modern and timeless.

Kaiona Swimwear Runway Show.
KEATEN KAMAKAIWI @kamakaiwi.keatan

Kaiona Swimwear believes that ocean is a way of life, making swimsuits that prioritize sustainability and the care of our oceans. The brand delivers functional yet fashion-forward styles designed to stay put during a cliff dive and be comfortable enough for all-day wear.

Hanakini Swimwear Runway Show.
KEATEN KAMAKAIWI @kamakaiwi.keatan

Designed on the island of Maui, Hanakini Swimwear turns manmade waste (such as plastic bottles, fishing nets, fabric scraps and industrial plastic) into fashion by using recycled fibers and plastic. The label is characterized by its earth tones and hand-drawn prints.

Rhea Bikinis Runway Show.
KEATEN KAMAKAIWI @kamakaiwi.keatan

Rhea Bikinis is rooted in the belief that fashion can be both chic and conscious. The brand specializes in creating eco-minded, high-quality swimsuits that keep up with all ocean-centered lifestyles.

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Published Sep 12, 2023

ELIZABETH WENTWOTH

Elizabeth Wentwoth is an Editorial Intern at SI Swimsuit. She is currently completing her Bachelor’s degree in Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Growing up in New Hampshire, Elizabeth has always loved spending her free time at the beach and hiking. She also loves to cook and bake, experimenting with new recipes whenever she gets the chance.