Salty Western is inspired by the lush textures in nature, wild ranch lands, and the untamed seas of Hawai’i Nei. Committed to leaving a sense of this nostalgia in every piece, all of our products are handmade with fine quality leather and materials. Our pieces are crafted for the wild ones, with wanderlust in their eyes and adventure in their hearts. Whether you're wandering valleys of the Hawaiian Islands or shores of foreign destinations, Salty Western is along for the ride.
The introduction of breadfruit to Hawaii is very fascinating where it was brought over by the Polynesians about 500-700 years ago as part of their canoe plants to grow on the islands. Grateful for Kū's sacrifice, generations of Hawaiians have regarded 'ulu as a symbol of resilience, perseverance, and security, often revering 'ulu trees as kinolau (embodiments) of Kū. An 'ulu tree is still often planted when a child is born to ensure a lifetime of nourishment.
'Ōlelo No'eau
Lālau aku 'oe i ka 'ulu i ka wekiu, ike alo no ka 'ulu, a hala.
You reach for the breadfruit away at the top and miss the one in front of you.
Why is ‘Ōhi’a Lehua so important? Well it is one of the first plants to bloom on barren lands blanketed in lava, which creates the canvas for all other foliage that we as humans need to survive here in Hawai'i.
More than a million ʻōhiʻa trees on Hawaiʻi Island have become infected by one of two fungal species and have died. The disease caused by these fungal species has been named Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death; trees on other islands have also been infected. It’s among the top concerns as there is currently no cure.
So in dedication to raise awareness and supporting our local non-profits, a portion of the proceeds from the ‘Ōhi’a Lehua prints, drawn by Lacey Matsumoto, embossed onto Salty Western leather goods will be donated to protecting this tree from the Rapid ‘Ōhi’a Death.
Help prevent spreading Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death:
Avoid injuring ʻōhiʻa.
Don’t move ʻōhiʻa wood or ʻōhiʻa parts.
Don’t transport ʻōhiʻa inter-island.
Clean gear and tools, including shoes and clothes, before and after entering forests.
Wash the tires and undercarriage of your vehicle to remove all soil or mud.
So in dedication to raising awareness and supporting our local non-profits, a portion of the proceeds from the ‘Ōhi’a Lehua and ‘Ulu prints embossed onto Salty Western leather goods will be donated to local non-profits which support reforestation and spreading awareness.
Mahalo for your support and contributing to Hawai’i’s endemic plant survival.
Let’s give more than we take. Hawai’i is home.
Inspired by the beauty of Hawai'i and a lifestyle constant of wanderlust. For everyday and every adventure, our pieces are made for wherever you're going right now.
Creator of Salty Western, Taira Barron, has taken her love for land and sea and focused that passion into each design. Every piece in our collection is handmade. Follow the link below to take a behind the scenes look into her creative process.