ABOUT KA MAKANA HAUʻOLI

Ka Makana Hauʻoli echoes the timeless legacies of our kūpuna and moʻokūʻauhau, born from the convergence of our identities, Kenika Makana + Jacob Hauʻoli. The merging of our names embodies more than just who we are individually; it signifies the convergence of shared values, dualistic forces, the fusion of our aspirations, and the creation of a collective identity that acts as a connection, bridging our current pursuits to the core of our kūpuna’s legacies. 

Ka Makana, signifying “the gift, present, or reward,” embodies the spirit of giving. Hauʻoli, translating to “happy, glad, or joyful,” resonates with the essence of genuine happiness and the deep sense of joy experienced through life’s most meaningful moments. Together, Ka Makana Hauʻoli may be simply translated to “The Happy Gift.” Our hope is that each product we create becomes a gift that incites happiness, fosters pilina (connections), and inspires aloha–both for the wearer and the organization supported through your purchase.

Our collections tell the stories of Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty, culture, and resilience through thoughtful, one-of-a-kind prints that we design ourselves. Each print is truly unique—you won’t find our designs replicated by any other designer. Most of our designs feature native plants, animals, and the cherished cultural values and symbols of Hawaiʻi, all thoughtfully crafted with kaona—hidden and deeper layers of symbolism. While our primary focus is on Hawaiʻi’s native elements, we also include a carefully curated selection of designs inspired by elements that hold personal significance to us, even if they are not native to Hawaiʻi.

Ka Makana Hauʻoli is more than just a combination of our names–it’s a reflection of our commitment to infuse happiness into every aspect of our creations. We believe that clothing transcends mere fabric, it’s an expression of our cultural identity, a medium to nurture pilina with our Hawaiʻi aloha, and a representation of the happiness we wish to share with our lāhui. Through Ka Makana Hauʻoli, we aim to celebrate happiness, share vibrant moʻolelo, and offer fashion that embodies not just style but the art of giving and the pure euphoria found in embracing life’s simplest surprises. 

As we extend aloha through our creations, we are proud to say ALOHA HANDSOME to everyone who wears our pieces with confidence, style, and individuality. To us, "handsome" isn’t about gender—it’s a reflection of boldness, authenticity, and the unique beauty that comes from being true to yourself. Whether you’re drawn to the stories woven into our designs or the connection they represent, we hope our creations inspire you to embrace your best self. And wherever life takes you, always remember to STAY HANDSOME, HAWAIʻI!

As a Kanaka-owned business rooted in the values of our community, stretching from Waialua, Oʻahu to Waimea, Hawaiʻi, we are proud to share this journey with you.

From our ʻohana (family) to yours, we hope you enjoy this makana hauʻoli.


NO KA PONO O KA ʻĀINA: giving back through designs

Beyond fashion, our designs are rooted in giving back to the kaiāulu (community). A portion of proceeds from each print is donated to organizations, initiatives, or efforts directly connected to the story behind the design. Each print comes with its own moʻolelo, sharing the inspiration and meaning behind it. This initiative reflects our dedication to creating not just beautiful pieces, but impactful and meaningful contributions to our lāhui (nation) and the causes that matter most to us. By blending art, culture, and impact, our goal is to celebrate Hawaiʻi’s unique stories of people, place, and wildlife while supporting efforts that protect and nurture Hawaiʻi. Each piece you wear becomes part of a larger story—one of pilina (connection), giving, and aloha.