Guest Blog: Arlie Glass – Maker of Glass Jewelry & Home Goods

December 13, 2021

I’m Arlie, the maker behind Arlie Glass. My glass pieces are all handmade by me in my little home studio in Haleiwa on the North Shore. I first learned how to blow glass, also known as flame-working, in 2009 at Virginia Commonwealth University. I took an elective in the crafts department, made some glass jewelry and was hooked! In 2016 my husband and I moved from the East Coast to Oahu after visiting and falling in love with the spirit of the islands. My work is inspired by the bold colors + natural forms found in paradise and most recently, Pua Kenikeni lei. I feel incredibly lucky to live and work here… I aspire to create work that celebrates Hawaiian culture and can be passed down through generations. You can follow my instagram to see more of my glass work, my studio process and access fun sales! 

There are so many amazing local businesses and places to explore on Oahu. I could write a novel but here are a few! 

Eat / Drink: 

  1. Brunch: Hau Tree Lanai at Kaimana Beach Hotel in Waikiki – A terrific Bloody Mary and breakfast spread + the modern island decor and beach front seating is so beautiful. 
  2. Lunch: Taqueria El Gallo Rosa in Kailua – These guys make everything in house with the freshest ingredients. If you’re looking for an authentic Mexican experience on Oahu, this is it! 
  3. Dinner: Beach House by Roy Yamaguchi at Turtle Bay Resort – So ono! Always incredible service. Something for everyone, they even have a prix fixe vegan menu. We love to dine here then take a long walk along the beach trails at the resort. 

Beaches / Hikes: 

  1. Kaena Point – You will most likely spot a monk seal or two once you hike to the point. There’s albatross nesting and striking views in every direction. 
  2. Waimea Valley Botanical Garden – This garden is so lush with tons of little pathways to explore. Hike to the end of the main paved road and you can go swimming in Waimea Falls. 
  3. Waimanalo Beach – Before we moved to the North Shore we lived on the east side and spent all our beach days here. 3 miles of white sand with views of the Mokulua islets (aka The Mokes) to your left and Manana Islet (aka Rabbit island) to your right. 

Boutique places to shop: 

  1. Awa + Olena in Kaimuki – The owner Amanda pairs her unique jewelry line with local sourced wellness products here. Located on the second floor, it is an unexpected gem of a shop! 
  2. Protea Zero Waste in Kailua – The first zero waste shop in Hawaii. You can bring your own bottles and fill up on all the amazing home and beauty products. The ladies that run this shop have eliminated so much plastic in our lives. Inspiring! 
  3. Lulu’s Lei & Bouquets in Haleiwa – The sweetest little north shore florals and gift shop. Order a beautiful pikake lei or mommy & me matching lei po’o. They have a bohemian aesthetic that I love. 

Favorite flowers:

  1. Obviously, Pua Kenikeni! My family and I just planted a tree. It’s slow growing but I am already daydreaming about all the lei I will make for birthdays and graduations. 
  2. Blue Jade – this vine produces the most amazing shades of turquoise.. it is truly otherworldly. The first time I saw it in person, I couldn’t believe my eyes. 
  3. Anthuriums! I love how many different varieties in colors and shapes there are. 
  4. Hybrid Hibiscus – again with incredible colors… My favorites look like tie dye. 

Some more of my work below!