Three Native Hawaiian Brands We Love
These local businesses are helping to perpetuate Native Hawaiian culture while drumming up excitement with their ingenuity and authenticity.
Makuahine Vintage
Owner: Deborah Alipio
“We focus on storytelling with a needle and thread, sewing mo‘olelo and bringing it to life with fabric inspired by the uniqueness of our culture and the history of our people.”
Buy: Custom-made, upcycled denim and camo jackets. makuahinevintage.com, @makuahine_vintage
Photo: Courtesy of the ‘Iwa Athletic Co.
The ‘Iwa Athletic Co.
Owners: Kamala and Kaila Lizama
“Growing up in Hawai‘i and being Native Hawaiian, our culture inspires every collection we design. We create each collection based on a feeling, memory, or moment in time that we’ve experienced. Each piece is given a unique Hawaiian name that either describes the item or is special to our family. Through these practices we hope to perpetuate our culture and language.”
Buy: Comfy, casual athleisure wear. theiwacompany.com, @theiwacompany
Photo: Courtesy of Kahua ‘Āina
Kahua ‘Āina
Owners: Keahi and Jordan Camara
“Our culture is the reason we started Kahua ‘Āina. The work and designs we create are meant to raise awareness for our endangered and threatened native species whether it be birds, fish, bugs or plants. We believe our connection to our ‘āina is something that needs to be instilled in our keiki and passed down through generations to come.”
Buy: Charming, cute keiki accessories. kahuaaina.com, @kahuaaina
