Talk Story with an Advertiser: Jungle Love

Becky Peterson opened Jungle Love in Pāhoa in 2004 in Pāhoa Marketplace. Being an artist, and also very involved in the local art community, Becky felt it was time to have her own business. She came up with the name Jungle Love because she wanted people to remember the name, and there was a popular song entitled “Jungle Love.” Everyone liked the name, so it stuck.

Becky says, “I wanted to create a place where people would be surrounded by art and a place where artists can showcase their art without expensive gallery commissions. I also import many of our other items. I am all about responsible and fair trade products. I import clothing that is made out of natural fibers. We also carry many other unique and responsibly sourced products.”

In her fifteen years in business, Becky’s vision has been to have an eclectic mix of items to share with residents and visitors. Even the décor and displays are unique.

In 2014, Becky expanded with a second store in Kailua-Kona. Managing two stores so far from one another proved difficult, so when the Kona store’s lease ended, she found the perfect spot in downtown Hilo for her new second location. Regarding the Hilo location, Becky mentions, “We have lots of space in the back where we’ll be doing art and wine events, and maybe even art classes for kids on Saturdays.”

Becky searches worldwide to find affordable clothing and jewelry; things you won’t see anywhere else. She says, “I want people to come in and have a fun experience. We have apparel from India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Nepal. I work directly with the villages so there is no middleman.” Other popular items are toys, local art, prayer flags, dream catchers, tarot cards, essential oils, soaps, locally-made incense, and Indonesian carvings.

There is also natural kitchen ware (alternatives to plastic), local herbs, percussion instruments, kids’ clothing, hair accessories, hand-stamped bedspreads from India, hammocks, scarves, sarongs, jewelry, and bags. They even silk-screen their own t-shirts! They also have smoking accessories, crystals, rocks, and tie-dyed clothing and apparel made from recycled silk saris.

Jungle Love is a magical, affordable, fun place for adults and kids that you can count on to find something for everyone, including you!

Jungle Love Hawaii
Pāhoa: 15–2660 Keaau–Pāhoa Rd. 808.965.7775
Hilo: 302 Kamehameha Ave. 808.934.7775
facebook.com JungleLoveHawaii