Crafting Moʻolelo's (Stories)

The first lei I ever learned to make was a lei ʻilima. I remember sitting down with a needle and thread, picking up each small golden blossom one by... Read more...

Merrie Monarch 2026: Where to Find Us + 2026 Collection

Explore Merrie Monarch fashion in Hilo with Kākou Collective’s 2026 collection, inspired by the Waikoloa Dry Forest and created in collaboration with Sugar Caddy. Featuring wearable art, sustainable apparel, pop-ups,... Read more...

Pua Kala

Endemic to Hawaiʻi and found nowhere else on earth, the pua kala (Argemone glauca) grows in dry, rocky ground — its thorns protecting fragile plants nearby, its seeds surviving fire... Read more...

Hānau Hou Fashion Show 2026

Kākou Collective presents a Merrie Monarch fashion collection at the Hānau Hou Fashion Show, inspired by the Waikoloa Dry Forest and created in collaboration with Sugar Caddy. Discover one-of-a-kind wearable... Read more...

Ilima Ku Mau

Found from mauka to makai and blooming year-round in shades of gold and amber, the ʻilima's delicate papery petals were so prized they were once worn only by aliʻi —... Read more...

Behind the Print: Aalii

Kū makani — standing in the wind. A new collaboration with Sugar Caddy featuring the ʻaʻaliʻi, dedicated to the Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative, and honored at Merrie Monarch. Art rooted... Read more...

ʻIʻiwi x Lehua

Iiwi and Lehua. A new collaboration with Sugar Caddy, dedicated to the Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative, and honored at Merrie Monarch. Art rooted in moʻokūauhau, ecology, and aloha ʻāina. Read more...

Wiliwili

The wiliwili is one of Hawaiʻi's most iconic native trees—and one of its most endangered. Learn about the cultural significance of its flowers and seeds, its essential role in the... Read more...

Shop Closed for Hoʻomaha (December 21–31, 2026)

Our shop will be closed December 24, 2026 – December 29, 2026 for Hoʻomaha — a planned pause we take to rest, be present with our ʻohana, and care for... Read more...

Shop Closed for Hoʻomaha (October 5–11, 2026)

Our shop will be closed October 5, 2026 – October 11, 2026 for Hoʻomaha — a planned pause we take to rest, be present with our ʻohana, and care for... Read more...

Shop Closed for Hoʻomaha (March 16–22, 2026)

Our shop will be closed March 16, 2026 – March 22, 2026 for Hoʻomaha — a planned pause we take to rest, be present with our ʻohana, and care for... Read more...

Fukubukuro: There Is Good Fortune in What Remains

Rooted in the idea that there is good fortune in what remains, our fukubukuro opens the vault to share past pieces and stories as we step into a new year. Read more...

Our Shop: Observed Holidays

Here is a list of holidays observed by Kākou Collective. Updated December 01, 2025. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day January 19 Founder & Illustrator Day January 20 Spring Break March 16 - 22 Memorial Day May 25 Juneteenth June 19 Labor Day September 7 Fall Break October 5 - 11 General Election Day November 3 Thanksgiving Day November 26 Winter Break December 24 - 29 Read more...

Puakenikeni Poepoe: A Lei of Heart and Community

The puakenikeni, with its warm fragrance and golden hue, has become one of Hawaiʻi’s most beloved lei flowers. Though introduced to the islands, it has been fully embraced, often associated... Read more...

Mohala Ohia Lehua

The ʻōhiʻa lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) is one of Hawaiʻi’s most important native trees, found from coastal lowlands to high volcanic slopes. It plays a critical role in native ecosystems—often the first to grow on new lava flows, helping to create the foundation for other species to thrive. In Hawaiian culture, the lehua is strongly connected to Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, through the moʻolelo of the lovers ʻŌhiʻa and Lehua. According to legend, the picking of a lehua blossom will bring rain, as the sky weeps for the lovers separated... Read more...

ʻŪlei: Strength and Subtle Beauty in the Hawaiian Landscape

ʻŪlei (Osteomeles anthyllidifolia) is a native coastal shrub with small white flowers and wood once used for tools and lei-making. First featured in my 2016 workshops, this piece is a celebration of how community support has made it possible to bring the artwork to life and honor Hawaiʻi’s native plants. Read more...

Thrive Where You Are Planted — Native Beach Flowers of Hawaiʻi

Inspired by my very first workshops in 2016, this artwork celebrates nine native beach flowers of Hawaiʻi—naupaka kahakai, ʻilima, pōhinahina, pā‘ū o Hi‘iaka, hau, ʻūlei, pōhuehue, maʻo, and koʻaliawa—each with its own story of beauty, resilience, and cultural significance. These plants not only thrive in some of the harshest coastal conditions, from shifting sands to salt spray, but also help protect the biodiversity and integrity of the ʻāina. Just like the reminder printed on this collection’s list pad and matching sticker sheet: thrive where you are planted. Read more...

Kupukupu – A Fern of Growth and Perseverance

Kupukupu, a native Hawaiian fern, thrives wherever it takes root—quietly spreading, unfurling, and reaching for the light. A symbol of perseverance, it’s a gentle reminder that growth happens one frond at a time. Read more...

Lei Pūpū: The Art and Ancestry of Niʻihau Shell Lei

At first glance, a lei pūpū may seem like a simple string of shells—but to those who understand its origins, it is a legacy of craftsmanship, geography, and cultural endurance. These shell lei, traditionally created on the island of Niʻihau, are among Hawaiʻi’s most intricate and highly prized forms of lei. Each strand is a testament to generational knowledge, featuring shells like kahelelani and momi, painstakingly gathered and sorted by hand. Kahelelani shells, named after an aliʻi of Niʻihau, are among the smallest shells used in lei making. Their vivid range... Read more...

collaboration with Bujo Bae

more coming soon! Read more...

Plumeria Memories: Lei, Love, and My Grandma’s Yard

Plumeria isn’t native to Hawaiʻi, but it’s become part of our story. In this blog, I share my pilina to this beloved flower through memories of my grandma’s front yard, lei-making, and the quiet generosity that shaped my connection to place and community. Read more...

Loke in Hawaiʻi: Introduced, Embraced, and Worn in Lei

Loke, the name used in Hawaiʻi for rose, is not native to these islands. Roses originated in Asia and were introduced to Hawaiʻi in the 1800s, brought over by foreign settlers and missionaries who planted them in ornamental gardens. Unlike canoe plants that arrived with Polynesian voyagers, loke came much later and is classified as an introduced species. Still, loke found its way into local traditions—especially lei making. You’ll often see it in lei poʻo or paired with other favorites like pīkake and pakalana for special occasions such as hula,... Read more...

Lehua Mamo: Honoring the Yellow ʻŌhiʻa

Lehua mamo refers to the rare yellow form of the ʻōhiʻa lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha), a native Hawaiian tree vital to island ecosystems. While most ʻōhiʻa are known for their bright red blossoms, the yellow variety — once associated with the prized feathers of the mamo bird — carries its own unique cultural significance, traditionally used in lei and other practices. ʻŌhiʻa is one of the first plants to grow on new lava flows, creating conditions that allow other species to thrive. It captures mist and rainwater, nurtures the soil, prevents... Read more...

Art & Innovation: Finding My Place Among Hawaii's Power Leaders

Being recognized as a Power Leader alongside Hawaii's most innovative executives taught me that while our paths may differ - from corporate leadership to my work as an artist -... Read more...

Lehua Mamo: A Golden Bloom for Our January Tradition

Each January, I illustrate a new ‘ōhi‘a lehua to honor my son, Kamanu‘ailehua, and our shared birthday month. This year’s focus is lehua mamo, the rare golden bloom of Metrosideros polymorpha. With Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death threatening these trees, a portion of all lehua art sales supports the ‘Ōhi‘a Seed Storage Project. Read more...

Upcoming Events: January 2025

Celebrating Culture Through Collaboration: Kakou Collective x Kahala Mall Holiday 2024

Kakou Collective partners with Kahala Mall for an exclusive holiday belt bag featuring the treasured Hawaiian ti leaf design. This limited edition collaboration celebrates authentic Hawaiian culture during the holiday... Read more...

Why Shopping Small Matters More Than Ever This Holiday Season

Behind every small business in Hawaii is a story, a dream, and most importantly, an ʻohana. When you choose to shop local this weekend, you're not just walking into another holiday... Read more...

Get Early Access to New Items: How Our Pre-Black Friday Presale Works

We're excited to bring you something special this holiday season! Before our new items hit the store shelves, we're giving our online customers exclusive early access at special pre-Black Friday... Read more...

Join Us This Holiday Season at Our Pop-Up Events!

Important Notice: Our online shop will be closing on December 12th at 12 PM HST! Make sure to place your orders before then or visit us at our in-person events... Read more...

Why Hoomau Market Matters: A Native Creators Perspective

As a Native creator, Ho'omau Market represents more than just a marketplace—it's where Hawaiian cultural values thrive in the modern world, fostering a community of intentional businesses that bridge tradition... Read more...

A Dream Takes Shape: Our First Brick and Mortar Store Opening in Waimalu

After years of nurturing our creative community online, we're thrilled to announce a milestone that feels like coming home – our very first physical store in the heart of Waimalu!... Read more...

Maile & Pīkake: Where Forest Meets Garden

The art of lei making holds a profound place in our cultural heritage. Among the most cherished combinations is the maile and pīkake lei, a perfect marriage of indigenous wisdom... Read more...

Art, Heritage, and Sustainability: Kakou Collective x Kaleimamo

When art meets purpose, magic happens. We're thrilled to announce our creative collaboration with Kaleimamo Hawaii, an ʻohana-owned business that has revolutionized sustainable parenting through products deeply rooted in Hawaiian... Read more...

Lei Nohea: A Celebration of Beauty and Beloved Blossoms

Nohea — meaning pretty or lovely in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi — is the perfect name for this lei. Twisted in the traditional kui style, Lei Nohea brings together three flowers that, while not native, have become deeply rooted in Hawaiʻi’s floral culture: pīkake, kalaunu, and pakalana. Pīkake was introduced to Hawaiʻi in the 1800s from India, where it is known as Arabian jasmine. Princess Kaʻiulani adored this flower and named it pīkake after her beloved peacocks, which she called by the same name. Its delicate white buds, strung in intricate strands, have... Read more...

Modern Hawaiian Quilts (Kapa Kuiki): A Journey of Growth and Tradition

1. The Annual Kapa Kuiki Tradition In our business, we've cultivated a unique tradition that beautifully intertwines art, culture, and growth. Each year, we create a new kapa kuiki design, marking another chapter in our company's journey. This collection showcases four of the eight designs we've crafted over the years, each piece a visual representation of our evolution and values. Kapa kuiki, traditionally a form of Hawaiian quilting, takes on a contemporary twist in our hands. We've reimagined this art form, using it as a medium to tell our story... Read more...

Kākou Collective one of many local businesses Awarded Grant to Elevate Native Hawaiian Businesses at Made in Hawaiʻi Festival

We are beyond excited to share that Kākou Collective has been awarded a grant through the Community-Based Economic Development (CBED) program, administered by the Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development... Read more...

Motherhood and Artistry: How My Son Inspires My Designs

As a mother and an artist, I find that these two aspects of my life are deeply intertwined, each enriching and inspiring the other. Today, I'm excited to share how my journey through motherhood, specifically raising my curious and energetic son, has profoundly influenced my artistic vision and our family's commitment to cultural preservation through our business, Kākou Collective. The Inspiration of a Curious Mind Every day, I'm amazed by the curiosity and energy of my son. His inquisitive nature and constant questions about the world around him push me... Read more...

Kākou Collective: Unveiling Our New Logo - A Story of Growth, Culture, and Connection

The Made in Hawaiʻi 2024 season marks a significant milestone for Kākou Collective as we unveil our new logo – a Kapa Kuiki Motif of 'Ōhi'a Lehua. This design is not just a visual representation of our brand; it's a story of growth, cultural heritage, and deep connection to our 'āina (land) and 'ohana (family). It's a reflection of our core values: kuleana (responsibility), pilina (relationships), 'oia'i'o (authenticity), and kākou (inclusivity). The Evolution of Our Visual Identity Since the birth of Kākou Collective, we've embraced a unique tradition: blending Hawaiian quilt... Read more...

Ulu: Hawaii's Canoe Plant of Life

Aloha! Today, we're excited to share the story of ulu (breadfruit), one of Hawaii's most important canoe plants, and its enduring significance in Hawaiian culture and ecology. A Voyaging Legacy Ulu is one of the precious canoe plants brought to Hawaii by Polynesian voyagers over a thousand years ago. These early settlers recognized ulu's immense value, carefully transporting it across vast ocean distances to establish it in their new island home. This foresight ensured a sustainable food source for generations to come, highlighting the wisdom of ancient Hawaiians in resource... Read more...

Pua Kalaunu: The Crown Flower's Place in Lei Making Traditions of Hawaii

The pua kalaunu, or crown flower (Calotropis gigantea), has become a familiar sight in lei making traditions of Hawaii, despite its origins outside the islands. This lei, adorned with the... Read more...

Ink Transformed: A Hawaiian Illustrator's Journey from Paper to Fabric

“Ink Transformed” is a journey through the creative process, celebrating the intersection of Hawaiian culture, nature, and fashion. It’s an invitation to experience the beauty of Hawaiian artistry from its... Read more...

Embracing Culture and Creativity: The Opportunity for Native Artists in Wearable Art Shows

Discover how wearable art shows empower Native artists to share their rich cultural heritage and creativity with the world, as highlighted by the MAMo Wearable Art Show by the PA'I... Read more...

The Sacred Koa: Hawaii's Guardian of Forest Health and Cultural Heritage

The majestic koa tree (Acacia koa) stands as one of Hawaii's most iconic native species, reaching heights of over 100 feet and living for centuries. These ancient giants aren't just beautiful – they're crucial pillars of Hawaii's forest ecosystems and cultural identity. As development and invasive species threaten Hawaii's native forests, understanding the importance of koa has never been more vital. A Legacy Written in Wood For Native Hawaiians, koa has always been more than just a tree. Traditionally, koa wood was used to craft wa'a (outrigger canoes), weapons, and... Read more...

Kakou Collective April 2024 Events

Saturday, April 20 | the Mom Made Market @ Kahala Mall Join us from 10am - 4pm (near Sugar Sugar and Simply Home) If you missed out on Merrie Monarch, don't fret! We're... Read more...

Pop Up with Mom Made Market

Join us for an exciting pop-up event at Kahala Mall in Hawaii, hosted by Mom Made Market, happening from 10am to 4pm! Immerse yourself in a vibrant showcase of creativity... Read more...

Celebrate with Kakou Collective: Join Us at Merrie Monarch for a Special Native Hawaiian Plant Month Launch!

As the excitement of Merrie Monarch and Native Hawaiian Plant Month fills the air, Kakou Collective extends a warm invitation to our cherished customers to join us in commemorating... Read more...

Honoring Native Hawaiian Plant Month: Unveiling Three Eco-Conscious Tote Designs at Merrie Monarch

Crafted from organic cotton canvas, our totes are not just fashion statements; they're a commitment to sustainability and a reflection of our deep connection to the land. Each design is... Read more...

Embracing Cultural Pride: The Power of Hawaiian Language in Our Newest Coil Notebooks

As a native Hawaiian-owned business, we're deeply rooted in our culture, and it's our mission to celebrate and honor our heritage in everything we do. From our designs to... Read more...

A Tribute to Native Hawaiian Plant Month: Kakou Collective's 2024 Merrie Monarch Apparel

In the lush archipelago of Hawaii, culture thrives in every facet of life, from the rhythms of hula to the whispers of the wind through native forests. As a native... Read more...

Country/Region

Country/Region

Your cart is empty