Merrie Monarch is a time we approach with intention.
It’s not just about showing up—it’s about how we show up. The spaces we enter, the stories we carry, and the way we choose to represent where we’re from all matter. For us, this week is rooted in building pilina, honoring the spaces that welcome us, and contributing in a way that feels aligned with our values.
This year, our collection is centered around the Waikoloa Dry Forest—one of the last remaining lowland dry forest ecosystems in Hawaiʻi. These forests once covered vast areas of our islands, including places like ʻEwa, where we’re from.
ʻEwa was once a dry forest landscape. While much of that has changed over time, the ʻike of those systems—and the plants and relationships within them—still guide how we see and understand our environment today. Highlighting the Waikoloa Dry Forest is a way for us to honor what once existed in our own home, while supporting the spaces where that ecosystem is still being protected and restored.
Through this collection, we’re sharing that story.
From the artwork to the materials, each piece reflects our commitment to keeping culture, ʻike, and aloha ʻāina present in every step of the process. This isn’t just inspiration—it’s a way of grounding our work in something larger than ourselves.
This year, we’re also collaborating with Sugar Caddy—something that felt natural from the start. We’re both from ʻEwa, and that shared connection to place is part of what brought this collaboration together.
Through this partnership, we’ve been able to expand the collection into more accessible apparel—pieces that carry the same depth of story, but are designed to be worn in everyday life. Sugar Caddy’s garments incorporate recycled polyester, adding another layer of intention to how these pieces are created and worn.
In alignment with this collection, a portion of proceeds will be donated to the Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative, supporting ongoing efforts to restore and protect these ecosystems through education, community engagement, and conservation work.
Where to Find Us During Merrie Monarch
We’ll be in Hilo throughout the week, with multiple opportunities to connect in person:
Kākou Collective Pop-Up
Sangha Hall with Kākoʻo Hawaiʻi Market
Thursday, April 9 – Saturday, April 11
You’ll find select pieces from this year’s collection at our booth, including dry fit apparel and items connected to our Hānau Hou runway collection. Sugar Caddy will also be part of Kākoʻo Hawaiʻi Market, where you’ll find polos from our collaboration.
Across the collection, you’ll also see patches from our sister brand, North South—available in person and integrated into select pieces.
North South Pop-Up
ʻImiloa
Wednesday, April 8 – Saturday, April 11
Our sister brand, North South, will be popping up throughout the week, carrying patches featured across the collection and additional pieces that reflect their own perspective and storytelling.
Collection Release Details
If you’re not able to join us in Hilo, we’ll be releasing the collection in the following ways:
Online Release
Friday, April 10 at 10AM HST
KakouCollective.com
Includes select pieces from the collection, excluding apparel and Merrie Monarch pop-up exclusives.
In-Shop Release
Wednesday, April 16
Includes apparel and additional pieces following Merrie Monarch.
Merrie Monarch is a reminder that what we create doesn’t exist in isolation. It lives in relationship—with people, with place, and with the ʻike that came before us.
We’re grateful to be part of this week, to share this collection, and to continue building pilina through our work.
We hope to see you there.