Inspiration

Most days in the back of the valley, the clouds kiss the mountain tops and wisps roll down their sides as if the cosmos were gracing us with their presence. In Hawaiian, the word Mānoa means lush and deep, and both are perfect descriptors for this jungly Honolulu neighborhood microcosm. Rain washes over almost daily, but the sun is often present — creating a perfect alchemy for abundant rainbow sightings. These frequent showers give way to vibrant greenery, and in turn the two leave the air drenched with moisture and perfumed with local flora. Backyard Citrus trees, Jasmine along walkways, Wild Ginger flowers by the stream, heady blossoms of Plumeria, Puakinikini, Passionflower and Champaka from neighbors’ trees all intermingle with the scent of sweet and musky damp earth rising up off the ground. The essence of any place is effervescent, and to bottle it is an enigmatic task; yet my love for this valley has entranced me to encapsulate even the tiniest fragments of her spirit.

Formulation

Manoa Mist is my interpretation of the valley at dusk: the intoxicating night bloomers are all just beginning their dance across the air, over the verdancy of the day. The sky is streaked with soft purples and hot pink clouds reflecting the setting sun, the birds and geckos sing harmonious symphonies, and the most gentle drops of rain anoint the air. The Mist is a blend of Hawaiian grown & distilled hydrosols of Sandalwood & Vetiver, infused with organic essential oils of Orange & Cardamom and absolutes of Jasmine & Pikake. A fresh, floral scent with a bit of musk and spice, this atmosphere spray can be adorned on your skin as well as amongst your space.

While this versatile spray was designed to capture Mānoa in a more broad stroke, the scent itself so closely resembles one of my most favorite yet utterly un-capturable local flowers: Awapuhi, or Shampoo Ginger. This wild ginger flower is most often found by the sides of jungle waterfalls, and her fuchsia-colored flower exudes a divinely aromatic clear sap that can be used as a shampoo and wash. You may have to go trekking along a mountain stream for Awapuhi if you want the authentic experience, since the sap is not stable and can’t be preserved — but in the meantime, enrapturing yourself in Manoa Mist might be the closest thing to a Shampoo Ginger shower under a waterfall that you could find in a bottle!

Ritual

Spritz yourself — face, hair & body — to revitalize your senses and softly perfume. Waft in a room to reinvigorate and reenergize the air around you, and fill your surroundings with tropical lushness. 

Please note that separation of the essential oils and hydrosols is natural, and the golden-to-amber colored oils tend to hang out at the top of the bottle and around the atomizer. Simply shake well before each use to bring them all into harmony! 

Ingredients

*Hawai'i Grown | ºOrganic ~ *Sandalwood Hydrosol / Santalum paniculatum, *Vetiver Hydrosol / Chrysopogon zizanioides, ºOrange Essential Oil / Citrus x sinensis, Pikake Absolute / Jasminum sambac, Jasmine Absolute / Jasminum grandiflorum, ºCardamom Essential Oil / Elettaria cardamomum

Vessel

Available in a 1 oz, 2 oz or 4 oz glass bottle with spray atomizer. Please repurpose or recycle your vessel after you've enjoyed every last drop. Our labels are printed on 100% recycled paper. 

Shelf Life

This elixir is most potent within one year of purchase.