Ohana Mahaalo Hong Kong/Taiwan Scents

It has come to my attention that no one has written about the Hong Kong and Taiwan exclusive Ohana Mahaalo fragrances (at least, not in English), despite the fact that the second ‘season’ of scents have already been launched.

Thus, I have taken it upon myself to translate the descriptions for anyone looking into them - as these have been released exclusively with Chinese descriptions - not even having Japanese translations despite its brand origins. 

Chinese descriptions read like poetry, and lots of idioms have no direct translations. 

If you think that perfume descriptions are normally pretentious – prepare yourselves for some next level use of imagery; because as I’ve told Liza, I sound like I’m writing to my faraway lover conscripted to war in ancient China.

Season 1:-

Lilia Kaui // “for the melancholic you”

Egret drifting leisurely amongst lilies, graceful and delicate as a maiden

As your spread your wings, please spare a look for me

To see whether the full moon, shining over my hometown, is as bright and clear as it had once been

The immaculate pure white of jasmine and lily of the valley, blooms within deep layers of rose

Such is the scent of my melancholy

Notes: jasmine, rose, lily of the valley

Pea Pomaikai // “for the fortunate you”

There’s a crescent that sits at the center of my chest, a precious pendant, gift from my mother

Tonight, as always, the scent of honey overflows as I fall into sweet slumber

Following the wafts of fragrant honey, strolling through the woods

Fresh roses mingle with honey, as vanilla brings forth stolen sweetness

Foretelling awaiting fortune

Notes: honey, rose, vanilla 

Season 2:- 

The second season of HK/TW exclusive scents have been inspired by local HK attractions.

Hula Punahele (inspired by Hong Kong Disneyland) // “for the carefree you”.

My happiest moment was when I saw your laughter under the sun

As I don my fanciest hula skirt, I chase after that brilliant smile again

The joyful sweetness of raspberry that cuts through elegant white flower and violets

You are the idol that lights up my world

Notes: raspberry, white florals, violet

Uluwehi i’a (inspired by Ocean Park) // “for the inclusive you”.

Tropical fish, with your rainbow patterns and

Hints of prideful arrogance as you colour the vast blue sea

The gentle ring of tentacles from sea anemones will be your safe haven

As breezes of orange flower, and delicate rose

Sink into warm amber, as if within a gentle and inclusive paradise

Notes: rose, orange flower, amber

If Light Blue sells well in America because laundry detergent is their designated clean scent, just as Cool Water sells in the UK – these shampoo scents are the standard for many, if not most, Japanese OLs and high-schoolers. 

Ohana Mahaalo scents sell well because it caters to its market accurately, but to most fragrance heads outside of Japan (and even South Korea, whose road shops are filled with baby powder-centric sprays), you’re likely to find the blends too linear and soap-like. 

Albeit, well packaged, aldehydic (if you’re into that), and mass-friendly.