Behind Wai’ono Designs
Aloha!
I’m Kawehinanioku’uhomeka’i’inimainalani Aiko Kaohiai Casey, the owner and designer of Wai’ono Designs. A little about myself: Born and raised on the North Shore in the beautiful Punalu’u Valley. I am the youngest out of 8 kids and the only girl. Living off of the land, picking fresh fruit to eat and making lei from the fresh puas that grow in the valley has always been a rich part of my life. Growing up with seven older brothers, we explored from mauka to makai always taking in the beauty of this valley.
Our story
Tucked away on the North Shore coast of Oʻahu is the luscious green valley of Punaluʻu. There, a stream named Waiʻono, stretches from the Koʻolau mountains to the sea, providing refreshing nourishment to all those who partake. This breathtaking Ahupua’a is also called Wai’ono. Living right on the foothills of the Ko’olau mountains and along the Wai’ono stream this valley was the back drop for my childhood playground. Partaking of what nature had to offer, we roamed the hills and streams to feel the fresh mountain breeze brush against our faces and take in the breathtaking crystal blue ocean view. The sweet scent of the mountain apple, strawberry guava, liliko’i, star fruit, mango, papaya, Tahitian lime, banana, macadamia nuts, jabong, pua olena, tangerine, ulu, avocado, sour sop, and dragon fruit blossoms hinted to us kids that luscious fruit will be coming soon. Plumeria, hibiscus, crown flower, pua kenikeni, torch ginger, laua’e, monstera, song of India, and ti leaf adorn my yard with natures beauty.
Just as the Waiʻono Stream welcomes all to this pristine valley, so to will the vibrant colors and rich quality of Waiʻono Designs, LLC, inspire subtle beauty and confidence in any occasion. These versatile and comfortable island apparels and accessories fit the modern woman’s and men’s lifestyle and can be worn from the beach to the luʻau and everywhere in between.
Mahalo Piha, Kawehi
INSPIRATION
The inspiration for my company’s name and creative products stem from all the beauty that surrounded me as a child and still surrounds me right here in my back yard. I have used natures patterns for my clothing line in hopes that I can share a little portion of my paradise with the world.
