Our Past:  Waikiki Aloe opened its first store in Kuhio Mall in October of 1980, introducing Aloe-based, oil-free, water-based tanning and after sun products to Hawaii and the world.  Customers were able to watch us fill and seal our tubes and bottles in our glass-enclosed factory in the store.  The initial store paved the way for subsequent locations at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, International Marketplace, and Hyatt Regency. Ultimately, the business established a factory and retail presence at 2168 Kalakaua Avenue, situated adjacent to Prada and other luxury retailers.   We occupied that location for nearly 20 years, eventually adding Crocs shoes to the store to help pay the continually escalating rents.  As it became increasingly evident that Kalakaua rents would only  continue to go higher, I made the tough decision to close the retail store and concentrate on mail order, wholesale and export, by moving my offices to the Waikiki Shopping Plaza and the Waikiki Business Plaza.

Our Present:  It has been nearly ten years since the Kalakaua store closed, and my loyal, dedicated customers continue to order products via our website and toll-free number.  Recently, I have finally relocated Waikiki Aloe’s business office to the Ilikai Hotel, sharing the office space with another business I have owned for the past seven years:  Dave’s Ice Cream at the Ilikai.  The Mail Order continues to do well, although I have decreased the number of products to only our best-selling, high volume items.  The website is being updated with our latest offerings.  In time, I hope to bring a few items back that many customers keep asking for; especially our Lip Balm.

Our Future;  While I do not intend to retire soon, my daughter Cherisse—featured in our catalogs and online from the start—will likely continue Waikiki Aloe’s legacy.   She would like to add a few items and improve on some of our formulations to use more “clean” ingredients, paying particular attention to ingredients and colorings commonly used in the cosmetic industry that can prove to be toxic. These changes will be implemented gradually, with the understanding that this new strategic direction will continue to develop over time.   Know also that there are plans to add a sun product designed especially for golfers, and those who work outdoors.  These are exciting times for Waikiki Aloe in this ever-changing skin care and tanning world. 

During this time, the revised abbreviated website is designed to streamline the ordering process by accurately displaying the available offerings. We are still honoring our Aloe Club Membership Program. Spend $200 on accumulated mail orders and you will be enrolled automatically and receive 10% off all future purchases!

Aloha for your confidence and trust in our fine line of Aloe based products.  We continue to appreciate your continued business.  Mahalo Nui Loa!

Aloha, 
Valerie Lamoureux