The holiday season brings a special kind of magic to Hawaii, one that weaves together our unique island traditions with festive celebrations. While mainland holiday traditions often take center stage this time of year, our collaboration with Kahala Mall celebrates something authentically Hawaii - the beloved ti leaf (ki).
A Design Rooted in Tradition
The ti plant (Cordyline fruticosa) holds a precious place in Hawaiian culture. Brought to Hawaii by Polynesian voyagers in their canoes, ti leaves have been an integral part of Hawaiian life for centuries. Known as 'ki' in Hawaiian, these versatile leaves were used for everything from food wrapping and cooking to clothing and ceremonial purposes. The ti plant was considered a symbol of divine power by ancient Hawaiians, used in religious ceremonies and believed to bring good fortune.
Today, you'll still find ti plants adorning Hawaiian gardens, their leaves continue to be used in traditional cooking methods like wrapping laulau, and they remain a significant element in hula and lei making. This enduring cultural importance made the ti leaf the perfect choice for our holiday collaboration with Kahala Mall.
The Collaboration
When Kahala Mall approached me about creating a special holiday piece, I was deeply honored. As a Native Hawaiian wahine artist, having the opportunity to share our culture through contemporary design is particularly meaningful. The choice to feature the ti leaf print wasn't just about aesthetics - it's about telling our story and finding ways to celebrate our Hawaiian culture during the holiday season.
The resulting belt bag combines functionality with cultural significance. Each element was carefully considered to create a piece that honors our traditions while fitting seamlessly into modern life. It's our way of bringing a genuine piece of Hawaii into the holiday season.
Limited Edition Holiday Release
This special collaboration is available in two ways:
- Through an exclusive giveaway where two lucky winners will receive their own belt bag (ends December 17, 2024, check this reel to enter).
- As a special gift with purchase at Kahala Mall (December 13-24, while supplies last - check the Kahala Mall website for details)
Each bag comes with a complimentary Kakou Collective vinyl lei wrap sticker, adding an extra touch of aloha to this holiday release.
A Bridge Between Past and Present
This collaboration represents more than just a holiday promotion - it's a celebration of Hawaiian culture and a way to incorporate our island traditions into the holiday season. Through projects like these, we continue to share the stories of our islands, one design at a time.
We invite you to be part of this special release and take home a piece that carries both style and story. Whether you win one through our giveaway or receive it as a gift with purchase, each bag represents a small piece of Hawaii's rich cultural heritage.
Mahalo to Kahala Mall for this wonderful opportunity to share our culture and designs with our community.
Visit @kakoucollective or @kahalamall on Instagram for complete details about the giveaway and gift with purchase promotion.
