Crafting Moʻolelo's (Stories)

Na Lei Ilima
Na Lei Ilima
  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
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
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
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
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
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
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...
Shop Closed for Hoʻomaha (December 21–31, 2026)
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)
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)
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
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...
Why Shopping Small Matters More Than Ever This Holiday Season
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...
A Dream Takes Shape: Our First Brick and Mortar Store Opening in Waimalu
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...
Embracing Culture and Creativity: The Opportunity for Native Artists in Wearable Art Shows
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...
Celebrate with Kakou Collective: Join Us at Merrie Monarch for a Special Native Hawaiian Plant Month Launch!
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
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...
Pocket Folders - Merrie Monarch Release 2024
Pocket Folders - Merrie Monarch Release 2024
We're thrilled to unveil our latest additions to our beloved portfolio folder collection, just in time for Native Hawaiian Plant month. Featuring three native plants - ʻŌhiʻa Lehua, ʻIlima Kū... Read more...
Fun ways to get into the Merrie Monarch spirit
Fun ways to get into the Merrie Monarch spirit
Aloha everyone! If you haven’t heard already, the Merrie Monarch Festival is coming and we are SO pumped! This blog explores our favorite ways to get in the spirit of this... Read more...
It's MERRIE MONARCH TIME!
It's MERRIE MONARCH TIME!
It's that time of year- Merrie Monarch Festival! Join us as we share about this event's history and significance, and learn where we will be selling our newest merchandise during... Read more...
Embark on a Creative Journey: Illustration Workshop Celebrating Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
Embark on a Creative Journey: Illustration Workshop Celebrating Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
Register for an illustration workshop by Kea Peters to celebrate Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. Read more...
Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou!
Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou! (Happy New Year) It's 2024 and we can't wait to share about all the exciting things coming your way! Read on to get a sneak peek of what the new year has in store for our little shop. Read more...
FINAL DAY! Countdown to the New Year Series Wrap Up
It's our final day for our Countdown to the New Year Series! Join us as we recount all the times Kakou Collective's art was featured out in the community this past year. Read more...
Last market of the year! Come see us at the Mele Kalikimaka Market on Dec 16/17!
It's our last market of the year! Come by the Mele Kalikimaka Market on December 16 and 17 at the Neal Blaisdell Expo Hall for your last chance to shop! We will have brand-new items which won't be available online until our online store reopens in 2024! Read more...
It's time for Fukubukuro!
It's time for Fukubukuro!
It's that time of year again...Fukubukuro! This fun Japanese New Year shopping tradition is back by popular demand. We will be re-opening our online shop for a *very limited* lucky... Read more...
The Ultimate Guide to our 2023 Holiday Pop Ups
The Ultimate Guide to our 2023 Holiday Pop Ups
HO’OMAU HAWAI’I MARKET SATURDAY NOV. 25 - SUNDAY NOV. 26 HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE CORAL BALLROOM Location: Booth 9 Entry: Ticket required. Purchase here. This is one of my personal favorite... Read more...
Kakou Collective x Live Aloha Festival - Lāʻau Lapaʻau
Kakou Collective x Live Aloha Festival - Lāʻau Lapaʻau
Aloha,We are so excited for our upcoming *first* out-of-state event of the year, the Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival in Seattle! If you missed our post on this amazing festival,... Read more...
Save the date: Made in Hawaii 2023
Save the date: Made in Hawaii 2023
Aloha, Kākou Collective Hui! We are over halfway through the year, and were excited to share about our next event! So that you can plan ahead, we’re bringing you the... Read more...
Adding Art and Aloha to Your Life: The Benefits of Functional Products by Kakou Collective
Adding Art and Aloha to Your Life: The Benefits of Functional Products by Kakou Collective
Are you looking for a way to infuse more color and creativity into your daily routine? Look no further than Kakou Collective's functional products, which seamlessly blend practicality with the... Read more...
Unleashing Art and Sustainability: Kakou Collective's RPET Microfiber Towels
Unleashing Art and Sustainability: Kakou Collective's RPET Microfiber Towels
Sand-free microfiber towels made of RPET are a smart choice for anyone who loves the outdoors. They're practical, stylish, eco-friendly, and convenient, making them the perfect accessory for any beach... Read more...
Have you been to Hoʻomau Hawaiʻi Market?
Have you been to Hoʻomau Hawaiʻi Market?
This unique market put on by a wonderful local brand, Mahina Made, aims to do all the above and more! Vendors are carefully selected to take part in this awesome mākeke,... Read more...
Kamehameha Alumni Week: Interview with Kea Peters
Kamehameha Alumni Week: Interview with Kea Peters
Interview with Kea Peters about Kamehameha Alumni Week 2023. Involvment, collaboration with the class of 2003, and release date Read more...
More than a market: Hoʻomau Hawaiʻi Market
More than a market: Hoʻomau Hawaiʻi Market
Hoʻomau Hawaiʻi Market is one of our favorite events, not just because it is a premier experience but because it is so much more than a market. Heres why we... Read more...
Kakou Collective Summer Events
Kakou Collective Summer Events
Upcoming events that Kakou Collective is participating in during the summer of 2023. Read more...
Our First Coloring Book!
Our First Coloring Book!
We made our first coloring book featuring some of Hawaii's favorite lei. Read more...
A History of May Day + How we're celebrating
A History of May Day + How we're celebrating
May Day History and Our Coloring Book Read more...
Celebrating Earth Day and Native Hawaiian Plant Month with Kakou Collective, Kamehameha Schools and Hui Ku Maoli Ola
Celebrating Earth Day and Native Hawaiian Plant Month with Kakou Collective, Kamehameha Schools and Hui Ku Maoli Ola
Earth Day with Kakou Collective, Kamehameha Schools, and Hui Ku Maoli Ola! Did you know that endemic plants play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of our planet's ecosystems?  Read more...
The Merrie Monarch Festival
The Merrie Monarch Festival
About the honored Merrie Monarch festival and where you can find Kakou Collective for our first Merrie Monarch Pop Up! Read more...
Kakou Collective April 2023 Events
Kakou Collective April 2023 Events
Kakou Collective event schedule for April 2023 Read more...
It's Native Hawaiian Plant Month
It's Native Hawaiian Plant Month
Did you know that Hawaii is the extinction capital of the world? Sadly, it’s true. Out of 1400 native plants, nearly 90% are found only in Hawaiʻi, and more than... Read more...
What We're Bringing to Merrie Monarch
What We're Bringing to Merrie Monarch
Here's a sneak peak at what we're bringing to the Grand Naniloa Hotel from April 12-15, 2023. Read more...
Our MAMo Collection
Our MAMo Collection
Take a look at our collection for the February 2023 MAMo Wearable Art Show by the PAʻI Foundation. Read more...
MAMo Collection on HI Now
MAMo Collection on HI Now
Kakou Collective was featured on HI Now in preparation for the MAMo Wearable Art Show. Read more...
Mamane: From Wearable Art to Digital Art
Mamane: From Wearable Art to Digital Art
The various parts of Māmane are a main food source for an endangered honeycreeper on Hawaii island, the Palila (Loxiodes balleui). Read more...
MAMo Wearable Art Show | Feb 18, 2023
MAMo Wearable Art Show | Feb 18, 2023
Kakou Collective will be a featured artist at the MAMo Wearable Art show on Feb 18, 2023. Read more...
Planner Pop-Up | Feb 25, 2023
Planner Pop-Up | Feb 25, 2023
We’re attending the Planner Pop-Up at Mililani Rec 6 on February 25, 2023. Read more...
Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center Collaboration
Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center Collaboration
Take a peek at some of the work we've done with the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center including gifts with purchase, art installations, and lucky bags. Read more...
Happening Now! Last Event of 2022
Happening Now! Last Event of 2022
This event is your last chance to shop Kakou Collective in 2022. Read more...
Hoomau Hawaii Market Line Up
Hoomau Hawaii Market Line Up
We're launching new products at Hoomau Hawaii Market! Read more...
Our First Apparel Collection
Our First Apparel Collection
Kakou Collective will launch our first apparel collection at Hoomau Hawaii Market. Read more...
A Quick Mahalo
A Quick Mahalo
Thank you to everyone who supported us at the La Kuokoa Olelo Hawaii Makeke. Read more...