Hi friends! I was away on a short holiday in Hawaii this week.. so I did not get to write my usual post. I was at the most charming old school beach hotel, The Mauna Kea on the Big Island. I will share more about it on next week’s post, but I had four days of beach reading (one day of hiking), and some great people watching. I spied so many cute beach totes, I made a note of them.. So on today’s abbreviated post- a few of cutest the beach bags I saw in Hawaii, or similar..
This is the Mauna Kea..It has the most perfect crescent beach and I can’t wait to tell you more about it next week…
On my radar.. Hawaii beach bags edition…
Descriptions below with links or click on the photo..
The cutest mom had this ClaireV crochet tote with green handle. Great for all summer, and beyond.
I added this KULE cable knit tote because I am obsessed with it! I saw a few gals with the plain KULE totes at the airport.
These Hat Attack Provence totes are lovely with the interior in a contrast color and cute hanging charms.
Vanessa Bruno totes from France always catch my eye- and this one with the pom poms I found here on sale.
I love this soft woven tote from Mango with a zip interior and cute leather strings..
This has a cute shape and vibe with the striped Mar Y Sol.
I often see these Naghedi Totes all over and someone had this pretty lilac color for a beach bag. It’s pricier bag, but made of neoprene and can wear well and hold a lot. this size goes over the shoulder too.
I also adore these Medina totes by Mersea. I have the medium, which you can use for everyday bag..but the large is the perfect beach size.
Not seen on the beach, but noteworthy…
I adore this Jute tote from Suzane for the beach- travel, anything this summer.. It also comes in a marine and red garden flower.
Feedback on a bag..
A few weeks ago, I shared this bag from AllSaints which looked darling online. I finally bought it for the trip and disappointingly, it’s going back..
Though, it’s very cute, it has a very stiff almost hard shell shape. I really wanted to keep it, but I want a more flexible bag. It almost felt like pieces could chip off on the edges. Also disappointing.. the straps are not leather, and I’m not sure how they will hold up. I just thought I’d give my review on that one and apologize, as sometimes I don’t actually get to see the things I share here in person..
Someone else may love it that way though, and it has a cute look and is a highly rated.
My Beach Reading
I read Pineapple Street on a recommendation from Juliet and a few others.. It was an easy and enjoyable read, but it gave me a lot of food for thought -especially about the family in the book, and the privilege the next generations have. Interesting reading this while staying at a resort seeing many multi-generational families together..
This is the article about young people with inherited wealth, that inspired Jenny Jackson to write her book. As we become a world of more have and have nots, it’s interesting where all the accumulated wealth will go. It’s good to know a lot of the younger generations want to fix the world with some of it. Anyone else who read it have thoughts?
Below a few pics I shared on Instagram..
The tote bag is free if you stay at the hotel.. I found the flower Trina Turk coverup at TJMaxx of all places.. Love her things for Hawaii, same one slightly different flower pattern on super discount here. – $15 for a beautifully made and over $100 flattering coverup in a very stretchy and comfy swimsuit material. I think they have many of her things now from previous seasons and the quality is amazing for the price, so I’d snap them up.
More choices of this easy style here (some also on sale.)
Back soon with all the details on my trip.. I hope you are enjoying the first week of summer!
If you missed last weekend’s meander, I shared my June inspiration board, a comfy strapless bra, some great coverups and more..
Have a lovely weekend,
Kim
Please visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
PINECONES AND ACORNS
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Several bloggers have recommended Pinneapple Street. I started it and got almost to the end and did not finish. No depth to any of the characters.
Don’t understand why people recommend this book.
I love your style, BTW. Great blog.
Hi Melissa! Thank you so much.
I thought it was a great vacation read. I had the same issue with the characters. I did feel Sasha, who did not come from money, was very relatable!
That’s a lovely hotel with a beautiful little beach. We stayed there years ago and I loved it!
Sally I think this beach is one of the best anywhere. I agree it feels small and special at this resort. I talked to a woman who told me she came there on her honeymoon many years ago and it once was $60 a day and two meals included- if you were a honeymooner!
Ok need a link for the bag that has that white flower on it which you are holding in the picture. Hope you had fun on the Big Island.
Thank you we had a great time.. The bag is given to you if you stay at the Mauna Kea and they don’t sell them. I tried to search for one. They are burlap and can hold a lot. You may have luck calling the hotel and housekeeping might sell them. x
We stayed there several years ago! Grounds, beach were beautiful
and it looks like it still is! Fun trip!
Love the beach bags you have shown.
Thanks Char! Luckily the Mauna Kea hasn’t changed and I hope it stays that way!
Kim, it sounds and looks like you had a wonderful vacation. What a cute little beach!
Love your cover-up!
I’ve not been to the Big Island, we have been to Maui several times but that is about it. I will be honest, it is such a long trip from the East Coast so it is not at the top of my list of places to fly too. The last time it took 17 hours, with flight time and layovers.
Beach bags are my favorite accessory of summer. You can take them to the beach, pool, market or to use on a daily basis.
I hope that you have a wonderful weekend Kim! Looking forward to hear all about your trip!
xo Elizabeth
Thanks so much Elizabeth! Wow that is a long way. I know i was talking to a family from Boston and they had two six hour flights. I guess we take it for granted we can get there in five hours.. I know beach bags are so good right? I use them all summer for my bag too. xo
The hotel sounds great… and what a perfect beach! I got a fabulous pair of Trina Turk lightweight floral pants , at TJ Maxx. The are always in my suitcase with a silky camisole for my Hawaii trips- which luckily are about every other week!! I loved the beach tote recommendations- although I’m trying to hold myself back from any more totes for a while!
So many cute bags. Been to the Big Island and always so much fun. I want to mention I just saw the movie “ Past Lives” a Korean film about young love so touching and beautiful. Highly recommend it.
Hi Kim,
Mauna Kea is beautiful, the beach looks special.
You look adorable in the swimsuit cover. Perfect for Hawaii. You find the cutest things along with the totes.
Sounds like you had a relaxing time.
Welcome back to the real world.
Hi Katherine! Thank you so much.. I felt lucky to stay there. I had fun searching for all the totes I saw! xx
My family use to go there every January !My Aunt and cousins!
Xxx
We were just in DC and everywhere I looked, women from all walks of life were wielding brightly colored handbags of varying designs and quality with outfits of all types. I also spotted many tote bags and Japanese knot bags. I love that checkered tote! People watching is such great fun and post pandemic I found myself more inspired than usual- it really feels like people will always be drawn to certain trends, but are really tuned into dressing for themselves now more than ever and with a hint of joy and hope. I saw a very wide range of looks from all decades, standard American garb and athleisure and more excitingly a lot of playful combos like complimentary pieces from different decades or more serious attire with a splashy bag. Glad Hawaii was fun!
Hi Nicole love that you noticed all the cool bags! I know lots of colors and knot bags. Agree people are definitely dressing for themselves and not following trends. Love that you noticed! I’m into street style and cool individuals! xx