The Story Behind Henōhea: A Love Letter to Lahaina and a Journey of Healing

Aloha! My name is Courtney, and I am the proud founder of Henōhea Hawai‘i, a brand that was born from heartbreak, hope, and the unshakable belief in new beginnings.

I am a Native Hawaiian from Lahaina, a place where my family’s roots run deep for over 10 generations. I’m also a proud Filipina, granddaughter to a Sakada—one of the first Filipino workers who came to Hawaii in the early 1900s to work in the sugar plantations. His legacy of resilience continues to inspire me today.

As a wife and mom of three boys, I’ve always felt that family, culture, and community are the core of who we are. Henōhea embodies that very spirit: it is an expression of love, resilience, and the strength we carry as a community.

The Birth of Henōhea

Henōhea is not just a clothing brand; it is a journey of healing and rebirth. After more than a decade of unexplained infertility, endless tests, and facing the possibility of IVF, we were blessed with an unexpected miracle. In August 2023, shortly after the devastating fires that took our home and many of our cherished memories, we learned that I was pregnant with our son, Henōheamakahiokalehu.

His name means "the beauty that comes from the ashes," and truly, he has been the light guiding us through a dark time. In the midst of such profound loss, he reminded us of the resilience within our ʻohana, and the strength to carry forward.

As I held my newborn son in my arms, I made a promise to preserve the memories that were lost in the fire. With our home and photo albums destroyed, I turned to the art of sketching, capturing the essence of what Lahaina meant to me—memories, traditions, and dreams for our community’s future. These sketches grew into the foundation of Henōhea. Each design tells a story, not just of our past, but of our shared hopes for Lahaina’s rebirth.

The Heart of Henōhea

Henōhea is a love letter to Lahaina and the spirit of resilience that runs through every corner of this town. Our designs are more than just patterns—they carry meaning, history, and hope. From the Signature ‘Ulu design, which symbolizes the heartbeat of our community, to the ʻOkika design inspired by the orchids that once flourished in our multigenerational home, each piece reflects the stories we hold dear.

Henōhea is a way to celebrate the legacy of Lahaina—its beauty, its strength, and its power to rise again.

We are also looking ahead to future collaborations that will tell the stories of Lahaina’s waters and streams, essential to our island’s life force and deeply connected to our culture. These collaborations will honor our past while giving us the strength to rebuild for the future.

When you wear Henōhea, you are more than just wearing a design—you are becoming part of Lahaina’s healing process. Every piece you wear is a symbol of the strength and resilience that will carry us forward for generations to come.

Giving Back: A Commitment to Community

At Henōhea, we believe healing starts with community. That’s why we’re committed to giving back. Five percent of our proceeds go to Help Maui Rise, an initiative that connects donations directly to verified GoFundMe campaigns for individuals and families who are rebuilding after the Lahaina fire. This ensures that your purchase has a direct, positive impact on the lives of those who need it most.

We are deeply committed to supporting Lahaina’s recovery, and by supporting Henōhea, you are helping families restore their lives and find hope. It’s more than just a transaction—it’s a shared responsibility to uplift each other as we move forward together.

The Vision for Henōhea’s Future

My dream for Henōhea is bigger than just clothing. It’s a movement. I want it to be a platform that keeps the stories of Lahaina alive, sparks conversations about our history, and inspires us all to create a future full of possibility.

I envision Henōhea growing into a source of empowerment for our community—a beacon of resilience that the world can look to. Through our designs and collaborations, we can show the world what’s possible when love, strength, and community come together.

I hope Henōhea inspires you to carry these stories forward—to remember Lahaina not just for the challenges we’ve faced, but for the beauty and strength that will always rise.

Mahalo for being part of this journey with me. Henōhea is not just a brand—it’s a part of who we are and what we stand for. I truly believe in my heart that we can help Lahaina rise again, one story at a time.