About
Aloha, I’m Courtney, the founder of Henōhea Hawai‘i.
I’m a proud Native Hawaiian from Lahaina, where my family’s roots run deep—over 10 generations strong. I’m also a wife and mom to three wonderful boys, and my heart is full of love for my ʻohana. Along with my Hawaiian heritage, I’m a Filipina granddaughter of a Sakada, one of the first Filipino workers who arrived in Hawaii in the early 1900s. His strength and resilience continue to inspire me today.
Henōhea was born out of heartbreak, hope, and the unshakable belief in new beginnings. After more than a decade of unexplained infertility, our lives were forever changed in August 2023 when we received the unexpected news that we were expecting. Just weeks after the Lahaina fire took our home and everything we had, this miracle felt like a beacon of light in the darkest of times. In May 2024, we welcomed our son, Henōheamakahiokalehu—his name means "the beauty that comes from the ashes." His arrival became a symbol of hope, resilience, and renewal, reminding us that even after the greatest loss, there is always room for new beginnings and healing.
As I held my newborn son in our temporary FEMA housing, I realized the full weight of what we had lost. Not just our home, but our memories, our stories, and the photo albums that had captured our life in Lahaina. In that moment, I made a promise to preserve what the fire had taken. I began sketching designs that reflected the essence of Lahaina—its culture, its spirit, and its memories—recognizing that while some photos were lost forever, our stories could still be shared and cherished. These designs became the heart of Henōhea: a way to hold on to what we had, celebrate who we are, and honor the resilience that will carry us forward.
The Heart of Henōhea
Henōhea is more than just a clothing brand—it’s a love letter to Lahaina. Every design is rooted in memory, history, and hope. From the Signature ‘Ulu, symbolizing the heartbeat of our community, to the ʻOkika design inspired by the orchids that once flourished in our yard, each piece tells a story of resilience and renewal. Through these designs, we celebrate the spirit of Lahaina—past, present, and future.
Looking ahead, Henōhea will collaborate on projects that share the stories of Lahaina’s waters, streams, and other vital elements of our community. These collaborations will ground us in our past while inspiring us to rebuild for the future.
When you wear Henōhea, you’re not just wearing a design—you’re becoming part of Lahaina’s healing process, helping preserve its spirit and ensuring it thrives for generations to come.
Giving Back
At Henōhea, we believe that healing starts with community. In honor of those impacted by the Lahaina fire, 5% of our proceeds are donated to Help Maui Rise, an initiative that connects donations directly to verified GoFundMe campaigns for individuals and families in need. This ensures that your support has a real and immediate impact on the lives of those working to rebuild their homes and lives.
Giving back is not just a commitment for us; it’s a reflection of our shared responsibility to lift each other up. By supporting Henōhea, you are helping families recover, restore, and find hope as we all move forward together.
A Vision for the Future
My dream for Henōhea is to create more than just clothing—it’s a movement. A movement that keeps Lahaina’s stories alive, sparks conversations about its history, and inspires a collective vision for its future. In the next five to ten years, I hope Henōhea becomes a source of empowerment for our community and a beacon of resilience for the world. Through Henōhea, we’ll show what’s possible when love, strength, and community come together.
Through every piece, I hope you feel inspired to carry these stories forward, to remember Lahaina not just for what was lost, but for the beauty and strength that will always rise.
xo, Courtney