Who We are
At Tropical Tantrum, our biggest goal is to share the beauty, warmth, and aloha spirit of Hawaii with everyone who steps into our world. We’ve been doing just that since 1987—introducing people from all over the globe to vibrant, hand-painted batik clothing inspired by the laid-back charm of Kauai.
You’ll find us nestled in two spots on this beautiful island: Historic Hanalei Town and Old Kapa’a Town. Our boutiques aren’t just shops; they’re like open invitations to experience the real Hawaii—where classic island vibes blend perfectly with fresh, modern style.
What We Do
For You
We don’t just make clothes; we craft pieces that capture the magic of tropical sunsets, ocean breezes, and the genuine hospitality Hawaii is known for. Every garment starts with undyed rayon—an eco-friendly fabric as soft as silk—and is transformed into wearable art through detailed batik techniques.
- Handmade Batik Apparel: Our master artisans hand-paint, stamp, or screen-print each design, making every piece truly unique.
- Inclusive Styles & Sizes: Whether it’s a casual backyard party, a lively luau, or a beach wedding, we’ve got you covered with dresses, aloha shirts, and resort wear for all shapes and sizes.
- Personalized Service: We offer free custom alterations to ensure every outfit fits like it was made just for you (because, honestly, it was).
- Hawaiian Consult: There is nothing like understanding the beauty of the laid back culture in Hawaii. Come in and we can talk about all the Hawaiian occasions perfect for our Hawaiian clothes. Whether it’s time to dress up for a wedding, attend an outdoor ceremony like a luau, or even just laying by the beach. We can talk about the things to do in Hawaii and where to show off your new Hawaiian look!
Discover Our Island Locations
Hanalei Boutique: Right in the heart of Historic Hanalei Town, our first location showcases the original Tropical Tantrum vibe. Stroll in, browse our exclusive designs, and soak up the timeless spirit of Kauai’s North Shore.
Kapa’a Boutique: Over in Old Kapa’a Town, you’ll find our second shop—a hub for our latest collections of batik dresses, Hawaiian shirts, and accessories. It’s a lively spot that captures the heart of Kauai’s local culture.
No matter which boutique you visit, you’ll feel that same welcoming aloha and a passion for authentic Hawaiian design that’s guided us for more than three decades.
Hanalei Store Location
Kapa’a Store Location
What is Batik? What is it Made Of?
The Art of Batik
Batik is an age-old technique where hot wax is applied to fabric before dyeing, creating beautiful, intricate patterns. At Tropical Tantrum, we bring batik to life in three unique ways:
- Hand-Painted Batik: Our artists use a handmade funnel brush to apply wax, outlining each motif by hand.
- Hand-Stamped Batik: We use custom copper stamps to layer wax in fun, tropical or abstract patterns.
- Hand Screen Printing: With artisan-crafted screens, we carefully layer bold dyes onto the fabric for crisp, eye-catching designs.
We choose natural rayon for its soft, breathable qualities, making it ideal for warm island weather and everyday comfort. It’s also more sustainable than many synthetic fabrics, so you can feel good about wearing Tropical Tantrum pieces.
Sustainability and Sun-Dried Colors
What really makes our batik process special is our reliance on the sun—known in these parts as the Matahari—to set and dry our fabric colors. We wait for clear skies so that each shade can reach its brightest potential. This extra step not only protects our island’s environment but also ensures every garment has that signature Tropical Tantrum radiance.
Join the Tropical Tantrum ‘Ohana
From the very start, our mission has been to celebrate Hawaii’s beauty by weaving aloha into every thread. We’re thrilled to share this journey with you—whether you pop into our Hanalei or Kapa’a boutiques, shop our online store, or simply spread the word about our handmade Hawaiian designs.
Thank you for being part of our Tropical Tantrum family. We can’t wait to help you find (or customize) the perfect piece that brings a little slice of Hawaii wherever you go. So come on in, say “Aloha,” and discover the joy of batik clothing done the authentic, Hawaiian way!
