For Its Latest Collection, Hydro Flask Looked to Nature for Inspiration

When professional surfer and scientist Dr. Cliff Kapono studies coral reefs around the world and at home in Hawaii, he pays close attention to the vibrancy of the colors—signals of the reef’s health. Hydro Flask’s latest collection of tumblers, bottles, coolers and totes features four bright hues that were inspired by Kona’s extraordinary environment, from the ocean to the land.

“I’m always blown away by the colors found in Kona when visiting,” says Kapono, who lives on the east side in Hilo. “Whether it’s in the mountains or on the reef, the reds, blues, yellow and greens are nothing short of breathtaking.”

Rich, Red Coastlines and Reefs

Like much of the Hawaiian islands, Kona’s coastline is defined by iron- and magnesium-rich basalt formed by lava flow. These deep, earthy reds can be spotted in Kona on the jagged cliffs at End of the World and low barriers at White Sands Beach Park. “The reds are kind of these beautiful highlights that exist in this lush world of greens and blues,” Kapono says. Underwater, a calcified algae called crustose coralline algae in a lighter shade of red helps promote coral reef formation.

Check out the Snapper color on Hydro Flask’s website.

Golden-Yellow Sunsets

On the west side of the Big Island, stunning sunsets in Kona are guaranteed every night. Even when purple and pink are the dominant colors in the sky, there’s always a hint of golden yellow, similar to the line’s cheerful Starfish color. “The sky goes through all these different shades of yellow because there’s so much sun on the west side of the island,” Kapono says. “When the sun moves across the clear skies, the yellows change.”

Lush Flora and Fauna

From the coastline up into the highlands, the Big Island is bursting with plant life. The higher up you go, the wetter and more tropical the climate, and therefore the more green. Hoyas, plumerias, hibiscus, citrus species, and tillandsia are a few of Kona’s native plants. The flora creates safe shelters for the island’s fauna (which is sometimes just as vibrant), such as the bright green rose-ringed parakeet.

Check out the Seagrass color, inspired by the island’s bright greens.

A Bluer Ocean

If it seems like the water off the coast of Kona is bluer than in other places, that’s because, scientifically speaking, it is. According to NASA, the bright, cerulean-blue color (just like the Laguna color in the new collection) is a phenomenon created by the absorption and scattering of light. When sunlight hits the ocean—and in Kona, it’s strong and consistent, as mentioned—the red, yellow, and green wavelengths are absorbed by water molecules, allowing the blue and violet wavelengths to surface. “The ocean in Kona is such a beautiful color of blue,” Kapono says. “It changes across the day, from the early morning to when the sun sets.”

Since 2009, Hydro Flask has designed gear that happily goes where you do and stays the perfect temp till the outdoor adventure is over. Today is wide open. And we’re up for anything. #HeyLetsGo