History

Puahina was originally founded in 1998 by Loui and Fumi Cabebe in Hanapēpē, Kaua‘i. Inspired by the lush, natural beauty of Hawai‘i, Loui and Fumi named the brand Puahina, meaning "Eastern Flower," blending Loui’s Hawaiian heritage and Fumi’s Japanese ancestry. Their very first design was the iconic Palapalai, hand-created from a fern harvested right here on Kaua‘i. Over the years, their distinctive designs expanded to include beloved prints like kupukupu, ʻulu, lauaʻe, coral, and hala—each hand silk-screened onto their classic silhouettes.

In 2016, our love for Puahina brought us closer to the Cabebes as they began sponsoring our Kūpaoa performances. As our friendship and partnership grew, we became inspired to carry Puahina into the future. In February of 2022, we officially stepped into our roles as the new caretakers of Puahina, dedicated to honoring its roots and evolving its timeless style.

Today, we continue to celebrate Puahina’s legacy, offering clothing that’s effortlessly elegant, thoughtfully designed, and inspired by our island home. We invite you to join us on this journey, sharing our aloha, culture, and passion for beautiful, wearable art.