Kelly Tolar opened the third location of her island lifestyle boutique Coconut Ave at the Ala Moana Center in November. Already a favorite on Hawaiʻi Island, with locations in Hilo and Waikōloa, Coconut Ave offers resort wear, swimwear and accessories designed for the island lifestyle.
Tolar, a co-owner, earned an associates degree from Hawaiʻi Community College in 2018 and a bachelorʻs degree in communications from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in 2019.
“I just really had the burning desire to get my bachelor’s degree. I feel like I gained some valuable friendships and also valuable knowledge to take me to where I am today,” Tolar said.
At UH Mānoa, the Public Relations Student Society of America and the Hawaiʻi Student Entrepreneurs Club also provided valuable experiences.
“I gained a unique perspective and a lot of motivation from seeing the interests and ambitions of my fellow members,” she said. “I had an incredible time organizing ways to give back and connect with the community—it was both rewarding and a lot of fun!”
Tolar hopes that current community college students seize their opportunity to continue their education at UH.
“Higher education offers not only valuable knowledge, but also lifelong connections that can shape your future,” she said.
Learn more about other outstanding UH Alumni.
