When this California native got the unexpected call from her landlord—30 days to leave the family’s beloved home of five years in the dreamy beach town of Encinitas—a wild idea quickly bloomed into a life-changing reality. The slower paced, free-spirit pull of Maui softly beckoned, and Cassandra Ahava listened. Together with her husband, they sold nearly everything and uprooted their lives to raise their three wildflowers in the idyllic paradise of Hawaii.

Meet Golden Girl // Cassandra Ahava

You’re now a family of 5! Spill the highlights! Tell us about your sweet crew.

My husband and I had the classic “love at first sight” experience. Once we got that sorted out, we got straight to adventuring.. marriage… kids… more kids… more adventuring. We love the water—surf, swim, snorkel, ocean, river, lake—we’re there! After a life built in San Diego, we answered the call of Hawaii. Surfing is our greatest joy, but we also spend a lot of time in the forest, playing music, making art, cooking & being silly. We’re the family that has a ridiculous song and rap for everyday tasks—no shortage of laughs over here. Our newest addition may be the silliest of us all though! I love to document the beauty of our everyday life through photography. You train your eye to see there’s always beauty—every single day—even the rough ones.

From surf city to island wild, What was the motivation behind the big move?

Just over two years ago we booked one way tickets to Maui! My husband and I are multigenerational california kids and never imagined we’d live anywhere else. After a few big (and many small) signs, we couldn’t deny the pull. Everywhere we went Maui seemed to be tapping us on the shoulder. Strangers randomly stopping to chat us up about the island, job offers, bumper stickers, songs—MAUI was everywhere we looked, so we decided to take the leap. We sold the majority of our belongings, put the precious goodies in storage, and boarded the plane with just six suitcases and a fresh start. It wasn’t easy—starting over never is—but we’re growing roots and we couldn’t be happier.

So how’s it going?!
What do you love about living in Maui and what do you miss about Encinitas?

Maui is breathtaking. I’m in awe everyday just driving to the grocery store—passing by the cows eating green grass on the bluffs and kids playing basketball on the courts at the beach—the lifestyle here is a match for how we live and how we want to raise our kids. We spend every day outside. Life is just the right speed for us here. A huge part of our heart will always be in California—each place just holds its own magic. I do miss getting in the car for a spontaneous road trips, and it’s not easy living an ocean away from family, but luckily we’re just a short flight from each other and no one complains about visiting either spot.

There’s something uniquely special about raising boys (trust us—we’ve got five between Christiane and me!). As you raise your sweet little fellas into young men, what core values do you hope to shape in their character along the way?

We have two sons ages eight and five. It’s such an honor to raise good hearted guys. Instilling consideration, kindness and respect have been core values for us. We really want to maintain the magic of childhood. We’re not in a rush to have them grow up, be overly busy or “know everything” sooner than they need to. We aim to live with slowness & intention. We’re a low media family but do family movie nights once a week. We surf, fish, hike and play, with big conversations around the blessings in our life. We have hard conversations and practice doing something good out in the world to help them really see, feel and help. Faith, respect & gratitude are important values in our family. We aim to create a safe family environment to ask big questions, explore their personal relationship with big concepts and understand that not everyone needs to be the same. Biologically, most boys are so physical, so some rites of passage have been important for them too! We are exploring that more as they get older.

“We really want to maintain the magic of childhood as well. We’re not in a rush to have them grow up, be overly busy or “know everything” sooner than they need to.”

Do you have a compass in mothering? Who or what do you look for when you need parenting guidance or support?

Honestly, after three kids, I really trust my gut now, but in the beginning, as an only child myself, I really had no clue and I felt overwhelmed. I looked to specialists like Dr. Becky, Mr. Chaz & books like Hunt, Gather, Parent. I have a lot of gratitude for my first born because we’re both learning a lot alongside one another. I also love the Waldorf philosophy—it's all about honoring the spirit of the child. Each kid is coming in with unique gifts, and, as a parent, I believe it's our job to see those gifts and lift them up. We homeschooled for kinder and 1st grade, then my son said “I wanna go to school now,” so we’re doing that. It’s my job to support their journey regardless of my preferences (within reason hehe). I stay humble, I say sorry when I mess up and I keep strong boundaries. I’m always learning!

You live in an outdoor paradise now! What are your favorite things to do around the island with your boys and sweet baby girl?

Beach beach beach! We are so grateful to have year round warm water swimming. The boys have become fishing obsessed and we are learning a lot to keep up with them. Tide pools, snorkeling, fishing, surfing, hiking and biking in the forest, cold plunging in the river—Maui has so much diversity, everyday here is an adventure!

What are your daily beach bag essentials?

My vibe is functional, but make it quality + cute. For example this oversized beach blanket that has like a hole in the middle to insert an umbrella. I also love Slowtide beach towels for the kids and this beach chair. It’s chic, insanely comfy and not clunky or hard to carry when you’re already carrying it all! Oh, and of course my Goldie Cooler Bag ;)

Mom & Kid ‘Fits—What brands are currently in your wardrobe edit.

My style has shifted a lot since moving here because the environment just calls for different things. I’ve found a lot of island approved clothing from brands like Golden Brown the Label (heirloom vintage inspired pieces), Coniglio Palm Beach (revolutionary one size fits), Daughters of India (effortless dresses), Maurie & Eve (ideal breezy sets), MATE the Label (organic lounge + activewear), Jungmaven (that vintage feel but new), Junk Food Clothing (best reproduction band tees), Jen’s Pirate Booty (cotton gauze everything), Savannah Morrow the Label (silk, bamboo, elegant) & Maison Hotel (french bohemian vibes). I spend most of my time in bathing suits which, for me, had been hard to find with a bigger chest – love Monday Swimwear – expansive sizing & every top has tie closure for a custom fit. They have great linen sarongs too! I also just ordered a good surf suit from Abysse! The colors are perfection.

The boys current favorite brand is Ghanda—retro Aussie surf vibes! Having a daughter has opened up some really fun makers like Noni the Label—breezy bubble rompers & crochet sets. Noni the Label is even making some mama + me sets now. Other brands we love include Misha & Puff (eclectic knits), Tiny Cottons (all cotton), Spicy Dugong (vibrant tropical funky), Seaesta Surf (best boardies), Rylee + Cru (unique + functional), Twin Collective (mama + me denim), Quincy Mae (natural fiber baby staples), Fostered Collection (100% cotton jogging sets), Suede Daze (retro inspired marketplace) & more. We love supporting real families making their unique designs come to life!

You are sending your boys to Waldorf Maui. Why did you choose this school over other private or public schools on the island?

Oh, the second I saw the campus I teared up! I want to go there too - ha! The campus is a historical site located on the slopes of Haleakalā. The grounds are enchanting—lush gardens, ocean views, kids playing like the good old days! Academics are enriching with an emphasis on handwork, music, art and such to compliment main lessons. One example is learning origami alongside mathematics. Our older son is learning three languages in second grade that honor the culture here and he’s thriving! Additional subjects include woodworking, gardening, cooking, hula—learning is fun & engaging. Waldorf really honors that.

We’ve been seeing the cutest little clothing line, Sundrops hitting our insta feed! Tell us all about this new brand!!!

Yes! Sundrops is a family collaboration. It all started with conversations like “what if we made a shirt with (insert idea) on it!” So I was like you know what, I can do that! I work as an artist, graphic designer and brand consultant—why not shift it to our very own goods? I want to show the kids that we can do hard things, we can bring our creativity to life. Another big part of my mission with sundrops is printing goods on 100% cotton / natural fibers in a world of plastic textiles. We’re launching with a lot of vintage inspired designs printed on tees, hats and patches. Lots of 1970’s Hawaii and California inspiration. Stay tuned!

What is the style of your home? Did any special pieces make the move to Hawaii with you?

I was a longtime collector of vintage, antiques and other goodies. It took a lot to let it go before our move here. We didn’t need to let it go, but it felt like a fun way to clear the slate before a life changing move! We’re still rebuilding our collection here, just quality over quantity. We have a mix of midcentury modern, bohemian, tropical, and eclectic going on. If we like it, we get it! I love linen, silk, velvet, wicker, wood and brass—the trees on island provide incredible wood pieces. Oh! And good ceramics, pottery, and lots of instruments!

There’s a shift here from the endless estate sales and thrift finds of California. In California, there are pieces that find their way from all over the country, whereas everything here has either been locally crafted or somehow found its way to the island with great intention. I mean, if it has travelled across the ocean to get here, it must be special! We like to imagine the story behind why something was brought here.

Teach us your thrift tips! Where are your favorite places to shop for home interiors?

I love local markets, artisans and makers. Hawaii has an incredible amount of creative people. There’s also a lot of Japanese & Balinese furniture which I love. I really do adore the act of shopping in real life and supporting local makers but if I can’t seem to find what I’m looking for there are a few online shops I’ll turn to. I love pottery from east fork—my kids have dropped the mugs countless times and they never seem to chip! They’ll do seasonal color drops too which is so fun. I prioritize natural textiles, so quince is my go-to for great linen, silk and cotton bedding. I love Revival & Lorena Canals for washable rugs without compromising style. I’d say a big part of our home vibe is lighting—we have warm lightbulbs from boncharge which is such a huge mood shift. Nice, warm light all the time, paired with lamps your grandmother may have had and little pieces of art keep our home island cozy.

What products or rituals make you feel your best in motherhood? You know, that thing that just makes you feel elevated, feminine or simply good.

I LOVE SKINCARE. Skincare is my “I’m tired but I need a minute” mama hack. My favorite brands are Soft n’ Fat, Primally Pure, Monastery, and Living Libations. I love my gua sha, facial cups and reflexology wand. I subscribe to Beauty Shamans skinwithin studio where she provides you with a huge library of facial massage, gua sha tutorials & beyond! An easy way to wind down, get cozy in bed and still give myself some love… especially if I’m wrapped up post bath in a silk robe! I recently purchased the Mermaid Brush from Burbur which has brought me a lot of joy— white boar bristles + wood = dreamy vibes and it actually works! My hair so silky!

Simple pleasures…

Watching my children play. Putting on a good record. A warm cup of coffee. Nice warm light. Playing my guitar.

The snacks you carry…

Dates & butter, Fresh mangos, lychee, beef sticks!

I hope my children remember their childhood…

With love, with a smile, with heart and laughter and magic.

Favorite place to hang with your crew…

In my room! All of us snuggled up in our big cozy bed.

Raising Wildflowers: How a One-Way Ticket Led This Mama and Her Crew to the idyllic Paradise of hawaii