This button up aloha shirt features our Kani Ka Lei print on black material with ash ink. 

Kani Ka Lei 

Kūpeʻe shells add to the percussion in hula.  Strung into lei for ankles and wrists, each step and movement syncopates, adding depth to the experience.  Before threading into lei, each shell is placed in “position.”  Sizing and placement is important to create a balanced lei of shells.  Of course, the colors of the shell add to the aesthetics.  The name, Kani Ka Lei, refers to the sounds of the shells when we dance.

During the lowest tides and the darkest moon, the shell emerges out of the sand and feeds on the exposed rocks. Depending on the colors of the surrounding sand and rocks, the markings are often unique to place.

Kūhaʻo explains, “...at the moment we tie on the kūpeʻe, the spirit is ignited!”

Inspired by the ivy-league shirts of the early 1900s, the fabric designs are pure Hawai‘i, and the look is pleasingly fresh. The Button Up is an open front, tapered shirt with a full length placket. Coconut buttons are featured on the stand-up, button-down collar and on the front placket. Tuck it in or leave it out over the trousers for a more casual look. Either way, it's the perfect touch of crisp aloha!