‘Ohana Hale Marketplace Vendor Spotlight: Tanoa Hawai‘i
Despite multiple lockdowns and travel restrictions limiting tourists, local businesses at Ward Village’s ‘Ohana Hale Marketplace persevered through (a very long) 2020. Here’s the story of apparel company Tanoa Hawai‘i.
May 21, 2021
Specializing in men’s, women’s and children’s apparel that feature Polynesian- and Samoan-inspired designs, clothing store and fashion brand Tanoa Hawai‘i has operated out of ‘Ohana Hale since the marketplace opened in 2018. When pandemic-related restrictions led to closures at ‘Ohana Hale throughout 2020, Tanoa owners Aaron and Cindy Forsgren were surprised and a little puzzled. “My thought was: If it’s safe for people to go to Costco or Walmart, where there are thousands of people shopping, how can it not be safe to visit a small business like ours, with five people in the store?” asks Aaron Forsgren. “We’re not asking for a handout from the government. W