Custom orders available for famed Bete muumuu

There was a time when I had four or five Bete muu in my closet — back when Aloha Friday was still a popular tradition and Betes were the standard for classic women’s alohawear. My favorite was a festive red-and-green plaid, scoop-necked version that saw me through almost 20 Christmases.

Then Macy’s stopped selling them. I was elated to discover a small selection of Bete fashions at Na Mea Hawai‘i but never found a replacement holiday muumuu. So I went without until finally asking store owner Maile Meyer whether the Bete ladies — sisters Nola and Linda Nahulu, who took over the business in 1994 — accept custom orders. Yes, they do! In fact, every Monday and Friday from 1 to 5 p.m., a Bete rep comes to the Ward Warehouse shop with swatches and tape measure to take orders. You can even supply your own fabric. And if one reason you stopped wearing long muus is because the hem kept getting caught in your office chair, try the demi length that hits below the knee.

Orders take about four weeks. Prices range from $150 to $200. Waiting for my new red palaka holiday Bete muu, I’m as giddy as a kid on Christmas Eve. Call 591-9449 or visit betemuu.com.