Kaua’i resident Beth Kraimer started a business because her dog, Tiki, was chasing chickens and needed a harness but didn’t like the ones on the market.
Now, Aloha Paws Kauaʻi, which sells Tiki-approved dog harnesses, is 3 years old. This week, the Kaua'i business made its inaugural appearance at the Made in Hawai’i Festival in Honolulu. The half booth, 1917A, sells pet harnesses, hula skirts, bandanas, and bow ties in pawsitively vibrant designs featuring pineapples, surfboards and plumerias.
“This my first time,” the designer and business owner said. “I’m so excited I can’t even sleep. … I just kept sewing until it was time to go.”
While Aloha State Daily chatted with Kraimer on Thursday, shoppers stopped to ask if there were fashion pieces big enough for a pit bull. Inside the booth, Kraimer has a photo album that features dogs of all sizes — and even a bunny — modeling alohawear.
A pit bull smiles for the camera while wearing Aloha Paws Kaua'i. (Katie Helland) 
A rabbit models Aloha Paws Kaua’i. (Katie Helland) 
The Aloha Paws Kaua’i booth has a photo album featuring pictures of pets wearing its fashion. (Katie Helland)
Tiki herself, styled by her owner in a purple pua harness with coordinated lei, was also there to meet shoppers.
The Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism sponsored 28 local businesses, including Aloha Paws Kaua’i, to participate in its DBEDT Hawai’i Made Pavilion.
“I applied — told them I vended for a couple years on Kaua’i and things are just exploding in Kaua’i — and that I would love to do the Made in Hawai’i Festival,” she said. “And I can't believe they offered it.”
Initially, she brought three suitcases of merchandise, but two more arrive tomorrow, she added.
Made in Hawai’i Festival brings more than 800 local vendors, including artists, makers and entrepreneurs to the Hawaiʻi Convention Center for four days: Thursday, Aug. 20, through Sunday, Aug. 23. Last year, the event drew about 70,000 visitors and vendors reported just under $10 million in sales, as previously reported by ASD.
Tickets for the Made in Hawai’i Festival are $20 for Friday, Aug. 21; $9 for Saturday, Aug. 22; and $8 for Sunday, Aug. 23. Shopping is open from 6:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Friday; and 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturday and 7 p.m. on Sunday. Details.
Follow Aloha Paws Kaua’i on Instagram or shop designs on Etsy.
Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
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