DeStash Hawaii: Da Ultimate Stash of Uniquely Hawaiian Thrifted Finds

“Surround yourself with what you love. My shop is my studio, like an extension of my home.”
- Aunty Lei, Owner (DeStash Hawaii)

When I opened the door to DeStash Hawaii, it was like a wave hit me.

I was swept away to a place somewhere between Hawaii’s colonial past and its fantasy future, washed up on a secret island where vintage lace gowns share space with fantastical beasts knit from repurposed yarn. On this island, thrifted treasures line the many shelves and once discarded fabrics, clothing, dishware and more find new life under owner Valerie “Lei” Batty’s artistic eye.

Indeed, finding DeStash is much like searching for hidden treasure. I spent a while circling the block in search of the small shop/studio, which opened in 2018 on the outskirts of hip Kaka’ako and is tucked away under a staircase in a strip of South Street stores. Parking is also limited, with a single space in which customers can park. However, much like a treasure map, finding the “X” that marks the shop was part of the fun, and DeStash certainly delivers the payload. From ceiling to floor, this thrift store and craft studio is packed full of creations made by retiree-turned-entrepreneur Lei Batty (known as Aunty Lei) and other local artists. Throughout, there are vintage items that have been rescued, repaired, and are ready to be loved again. Professional grade sewing machines line the wall, used by Aunty Lei to teach the next generation the “craft of crafting.” The selection is eclectic but adheres to themes like Hawaiiana and East Asian design, a reflection of the creator herself who was born and raised in Hawaii with Native Hawaiian, Japanese and Chinese roots.

Most surprising for such a multi-purposed and carefully curated space, DeStash’s humble origins lie in a closet that simply grew out of control.

“I started decades ago, combing thrift stores like Savers and fixing [vintage clothing] up, reselling it online,” shared Aunty Lei, “It was my husband who originally inspired me to make a brick and mortar business out of it; he helped me find and rent this space.”

After retiring and downsizing to a smaller condo, Aunty Lei’s “stash” of goodies was starting to take over her home and her life! By renting a retail space, she could share her stash of local thrifted treasures and labors of love with the world. She is also actively engaged with her community, helping out and attending craft classes like lauhala weaving at Pacific Gateway Center’s Na Kupuna Makamae Community Center. In 2020, Aunty Lei hopes to focus more deeply on what she loves the most: transmitting the art of upcycling through her sewing workshops.

Visit DeStash Hawaii at www.destashhawaii.com and look out for upcoming workshops, like Mohair Teddy Bear Crafting, by following on Facebook and Instagram.

Shop/Studio Space: DeStash Hawaii | 736 South St. #103 | Honolulu, HI 96813 (call ahead: 808-200-7874)