Maoli Perfumes, a perfumery based out of Washington, was created when the Hughes family left tropical Hawaii for the rainy Pacific Northwest. Their two young children, Kai and Kalani, were homesick for the beaches and heat of the islands where they spent their first years and asked their mother if they could make “their own cologne that smells like sunshine.” Their mother studied natural perfumery with the boys and Colonia Dulce eau du cologne was born.
Colonia Dulce smells intoxicatingly of “sweet wild lime, juicy Ka’u Gold oranges, pink grapefruit, orange blossoms and hand-picked pikake. Balmy notes of vanilla, nuances of cacao, caramel and coconut milk never overwhelm but rather comfort with their delicate sweetness.” I first noticed the citrus and pikake scents upon opening the sample and I was delighted, as pikake always reminds me of my grandmother’s home in Hawaii.
Maoli, which means real or true in Hawaiian, is also the philosophy behind their dedication to honoring the art of natural perfumery by making real perfumes. Created for kids and those who are young at heart, Colonia Dulce is made with pure essential oils, certified organic and made without synthetic ingredients. It is also vegan and never tested on animals. Maoli also donates portions of its proceeds to various non-profit organizations. They are also committed to responsible packaging and the environment.
Maoli is a true family business, with dad doing the graphic design work, mom helping with office management, and Kai and Kalani mixing the cologne, as well as packaging and shipping orders.
Deluxe samples are available for only $5 and a 1 oz bottle is available for only $28, available online only here.
