They use a lightweight `fiberglass’ frame, which is stronger and more flexible than metal. It opens and closes well and has not bitten off any of Peachy's fingers, like lesser parasols or umbrellas could and have. The wooden handle & shaft is custom artisan tooled to resemble bamboo. The canopy arch is 36”, and the length of the umbrella from tip to the end of the handle is 29”. They fit easily into overhead airplane bins for travelers.
Annie does all the creative design specifications and purchasing of island style fabrics in Hawaii, where she has lived for 30 years. She hand-designed her `Umbrellas Hawaii’ brand logo , which has been made into a colorful woven label which is attached to the `closure strap’ of the sun-umbrella. There is a woven `wrist strap’ attached to the handle for carrying convenience when closed. The manufacturing is done in China.
We are definitely ready for more of a summer feeling, and we bet you are too!
Umbrellas Hawaii is Recommended by Whom You Know!
Annie tells Whom You Know:
I launched our brand in 2008 @ `The Great Aloha Run’ in Honolulu, Hawaii. It was a `marathon run’ event for various charities in the islands. So that was my first exposure. I step into the public for just a couple of local events each year such as at ` The Queen Emma Summer Palace’ or `The Merry Monarch Festival’ on the Big island. And i donate my `sun-umbrellas’ to various fund raisers in the islands such as `American Cancer Society- Hile office’, `Habilitat Hawaii’ , `Japanese Cultural Center’ and others.
The idea was originally inspired in 2006 when I was experiencing sun damage skin problems. As a porcelain potter & tile artist for many years, I was naturally drawn to a creative challenge. That being, how to protect my skin from overexposure to the tropical sun, without having to apply sunscreen everyday.
Here in Honolulu, we see umbrellas being used all the time for sun protection. With my research into fabrics, I realized regular rain umbrellas were not blocking UV radiation.
I was fortunate to find in my research the `UPF 50+’ ’ fabrics, and the completed idea blossomed. As an artist I wanted to make a beautiful, but a very functional product that reflects my love of the island life. So, the vibrant tropical fabrics we have here in Hawaii were a natural fit for my idea.
My `sun-umbrellas’ are sold in Hawaii in several shops, but my online presence is the main marketplace. I wear all the hats in my business, and so have direct contact with my customers, who greatly appreciate the personal touch. It means a lot to me as well , knowing that people are enjoying and benefitting from my creation. We have been selling some of our selections on `Amazon’ for 4 years now, and have sold `sun-umbrellas’ to individuals in almost all of the 50 states. Plus we have occasionally sold to other countries, but the cost to ship outside of the US from Hawaii though is a bit much.
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