This button up aloha shirt features our Waihīlau print on Ash material with Raisin ink.

Waihīlau

At the back of Waimanu Valley, Island of Hawaiʻi, are numerous streams. One of them, Waihīlau Stream, is fed by the trickling waters from the steep cliffs.

The kī growing in Waimanu and Waipiʻo were often found growing on the cliff sides. Their root clumps were often dug up and rolled down the pali. The kī roots were then boiled and prepared as ʻŌkolehao.

The layout of kī reminds me of the pali on the side of these valleys. They were visible from a distance and etched in my memory. The breaks in the layout makes me think of the curves and bends in. the streams that are prevalent in those beautiful valleys on our island.

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!