I think a BQ or a BQ2 would be nice out of that fabric!!
Nice 12 inch squares of it.
Where did you find it at?
I saw one earlie out of a pink/red shade.

She picked this fabric out at a LQS when I visited them in Jacksonville, NC. A whole week of helping with the new Granddaughter (3 weeks old at the time) and bonding.

Personally, I love that fabric! I'd put some more blues and a few greens and make it look a bit watery. Mostly because when I think of Hawaii I think water. (bright colored flowers but, seeing as you said she doesn't like pink or red that would be out)

I think you are on the right track with the patterns you are looking at and the batik. Maybe even a puff quilt.

http://www.quilterscache.com/P/PuffQuiltingBlock.html

or
Opposites Attract using the blue fabric and Kona Snow for the solid fabric or a different value blue or green batik.

http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/2011/02...t-process.html

I did something with different Hawaiian prints. I love that fabric

I totally agree. I love the fabric. The idea of not cutting and then adding borders is something I want to do when I find the right fabric. If she chose it, she'll love whatever you choose to do. :)

I love it! What about a stack n whack? Very pretty fabric.

I just took a second look at your picture and it looks as if the fabric has already been cut. I think I would do very big blocks so as not to lose the pattern and then add some tone on tone white with a bit of a muted pattern. Then add borders and possibly some sashing of a pretty green. :)

fabric hasn't been cut and I have 8 yards to play with

I understand your situation. I, too, am in the process of doing a quilt for a friend's niece. Her colour choices are far outside my comfort zone/box, but I am going with the BQ2 pattern because it is a little more modern and lends itself well to the vibrant colours I will be using. BQ might work well for you too. Fast, easy and effective. Good Luck.