Hard-to-get Island Kili bags

You might remember Jackie Onassis carrying one of these, or maybe a young woman in the Cook Islands walking to church, but once you've seen the Island Kili bags, you won't forget. They are the epitome of island class. Originally made by the islanders from Bikini Atoll, the intricate weaving of young coconut leaf fibers is all done by hand. In Polynesia, the fibers are called niau blanc.

Inside the bag you'll find a layer of classic 1/4 inch wide lauhala strips woven together to insulate. The top of the bag is attached at one end and opens with a flip of the lid. Woven handles complete the look.

Its perfect for any time of year, but even better in the warm summer months. The bag is light so its easy and effortlessly taken from place to place. Store your iPod or iPhone, essential makeup, travel lotion or pareo. It lifts casual island style to new elegance.

Check out the 2 sizes available priced $48 for the small and $72 for the medium. It'll make you feel like booking a flight just to stroll through an island getaway or Hawaii Vacation. If you can afford a little pampering, take the trip. If a trip is a little out of range, save up. It's worth it. In the meantime, this Island Kili bag will keep the islands fresh in your mind every time you pick it up or get compliments and jealous looks.

New Mahana Pareo color - Nave Nave Purple

Don't look for a Hawaiian sarong? Or even an Indian batik sarong? The Tahitian pareo with its vivid colors, comfort and ease of tying to fit your style is the must-have item this summer. Check out the colors, cuts and sets. And look for seasonal colors throughout the year.

Soft and melodious are just a couple of words that can describe our new Nave Nave Purple Mahana Pareo. This Tahitian pareo or pareu in Tahitian, is one of our classics. Add in the two tones of purple and you have a great summer look that is both comfortable and functional.

It's the perfect beach coverup that is light enough to pack away in your purse or small beach bag without a thought about weighing you down. Made from 100% cotton, it breathes effortlessly.

The hand dyed material features a uniquely Tahitian look by adding in the Tahitian tiare motif and photosenitive ink where the suns rays sets the colors and creates variations by highlighting and imprinting designs above and below the fabric. The pareo can hug your body as close as you want or flow freely in the slightest breeze.

Miss Tahiti 2009 invites voting by phone

The 2009 Miss Tahiti beauty pageant will be awarded later this month in Papeete, Tahiti. Twelve young women from every corner of French Polynesian are vying for the coveted title.

This year the pageant has opened the beauty pageant to include the public in deciding who will be this years Miss Tahiti. Residents may call (36 70 15) in to a special line to vote for their choice (fees apply). The results will be factored in and added to the results of the judges.

This years competitors include:
Mereani Meyrand - Rangiroa, Sage Averii - Punaauia, Heirai AVAEORU - Rapa, Hinerava Ohu - Marquesas/Rapa Nui, Tapeta Purakaueke - Moorea, Niuriki TEREMATE - Punaauia, Poerava VOIRIN - Bora Bora, Heimata LUCAS - Papeete, Maiana MU - Raiatea, Tatiana FAAEVA - Huahine, Puahinano Bonno - Marquesas, Moïne DELIGNY - Paumotu

Last years Miss Tahiti, Hinatea Boosie, will hand the crown over in front of a live audience. The winner will go on to represent French Polynesia in the Miss France competition.

Marquesan exhibit continues in Pirae

The 28th exhibition of Marquesan art has started at the Aorai Tini Hau Hall in Tahiti's north coast Commune of Pirae. Many art objects created by the talented people from French Polynesia's northernmost archipelago, the Marquesas Islands, can be seen until June 7.

More at Tahiti Presse

Sneak Peek at our new look

Since our beginning we have been looking for an iconic image. Well, at Black Pearl Designs, we think we have found it... or rather her. Meet Tehani.

We'll be introducing her throughout the summer and celebrating the new addition to our ohana. She's great! Sassy, intriguing, enchanting and a little sultry. Our tiare bearing vahine is sure to attract attention. Take a closer look and you'll notice she is wearing our signature Tehani pareo.

With her introduction, we'll be adding in some great new products, handicrafts, hard-to-find and one-of-a-kind Polynesian artisan works. Check back often as we grow.

New designs from artisan Patu

With our recent trip to Tahiti, we hooked up with several premier artisans. Patu, an accomplished Marquesan style tattooist and carver, loves to create new designs, he's more than willing. He already is in great demand and creates our popular carved Tahitian black pearls for us already. After showing us his most recent work, we knew we were going to add more of his work to our offerings.

We're introducing three new pieces that Patu created. The Tuianu necklace, Menemene necklace, and the 'Oeha necklace. All three feature intricate carvings balanced out with the ever present Tahitian black pearl.

The Tuianu necklace, a favorite style in Tahiti creates interest not only from the tattoo carvings but also the classic shape and criss-cross weaving of black satin rope tying a pair of hanging black pearls. Each piece, of course, is unique, not only because of the carvings and black pearls, but also because of the varying hues of the shell itself. If you want to make a fashion statement with an accessory, this is a great way to do so.

Patu pays special attention to the designs he carves on the Menemene necklace. Using what he has learned from growing up surrounded by carvers and artisan, he combines both new and old styles. The classic shaped round shell is definitely a focal point, but don't forget the black pearl.

'Oeha simply means rectangle. But the carvings and design of this necklace is anything but simple. Traditional Marquesan carvings are hand carved into the mother of pearl shell. A separate shell piece is attached below and a black pearl follows. The vertical look is stylish and slimming.

As our budget for artisans gets larger, look for more great and creative works on our website - Black Pearl Designs.

Never a better time to book a vacation to Tahiti

Just coming from a trip to Tahiti, I'm already ready to make a return trip. And seeing some of the rates and offers makes me want to book a flight. If I only lived on the mainland, this would definitely be our next family vacation. But I'll have to settle on living here in Hawaii...

Actually, after going to Tahiti, I've learned to appreciate our country even more. Tahiti is great, but there's nothing like home.

Anyway, I've been getting several emails with offers for Tahiti vacations offered by Air Tahiti Nui. I've seen rates as low as $366 (one way) and vacations (including hotel) as low as $898. These are unheard of rates. But after seeing first hand how low the occupancy rates are there, I'm not surprised.

Tahitian dance costume looks from HIVA

Take a look at some of the costumes traveling with the show - HIVA led by Tumata Robinson. She has taken her Tahiti Ora traditional dance group international with performances of its "Hiva" show in France, Canada and New Caledonia.