Lola Pilar

Lola Pilar Hawaii creates fine art and Italian silk scarves using photography from Hawai‘i-sourced flora, arranged into designs inspired by vintage Hawaiian quilts. Kristen Reyno of Lola Pilar Hawai'i grew up on O‘ahu surfing, hiking and enjoying the life of living in paradise. Being surrounded by so much beauty, she started capturing images of her colorful environment and a passion for photography blossomed.

Her inspiration grew from snapping shots of the sea, mountains and vibrant flowers in Hawai‘i. This eventually led her to Brooks Institute of Photography in Ventura, California where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Film, and established a career with a major surf company as a staff photographer.

Kristen had a dream of being able to capture the world in unique ways to bring joy to others, so she moved back home to O‘ahu to open her own photography business. Her love for Hawai‘i’s local flora and fauna, coupled with her training in product photography is what planted the seed for her fine art series.  Kristen wanted to honor her home’s heritage, but in a contemporary way. She drew creativity from vintage Hawaiian quilts and her love of flowers, and started photographing. 

Each flower-quilt design involves sourcing fruit and flowers from various aunties' backyards, in addition to lei and fruit stands throughout Hawai‘i. Some works of nature are deserving enough to knock on doors! The meticulous manicuring and careful placement of flowers can take hours before photographing each final image.  Her hope is to bring a smile to your face and invite our island’s lush nature and beauty into your home. Most importantly, her pieces are all a labor of love.