Nakeu Awai

Nake’u Awai’s fashion is one of those things where those who know… know! It’s hard not to be a fan.
He has a little shop deep in the heart of Kalihi off of Houghtailing Street and the modest shop holds a treasure trove of amazing shirts, mu’u mu’u’s and other aloha attire. Nake’u himself is also there and willing to share his knowledge, humor, and thoughts. He’s got a mind like a steel trap and remembers his customers well. I popped in there the other day after not having been in the shop for months and months. He knew exactly who I was, where I worked, and asked how my wife and family were. He’s also brutally honest about how you look in his shirts. He’ll tell you whether you look good or not and he’s happy to give you some advice about what colors you should try.
His designs are rich and colorful and also have multiple layers of meaning. Apparently he is the go to guy in the hula community and does some of his best work around the Merrie Monarch festival.
One thing to be aware of is that the shirts are on the pricy side… if you’re used to swap meet prices. They are comparable to the prices you’ll find at Kahala, Reyn Spooner, or Tori Richards. But those are mass produced whereas Nake’u’s shirts are not. What you see is what he’s got and when their gone their gone.
His shirts are truly a status symbol within the local community and on more than one occasion I’ve struck up conversations with people (and vice versa) because we were both wearing Nake’u shirts.

I live in California, but was formerly from Hawaii. I simply LOVE Nake’u’s designs. I wear them everywhere and on every cruise. I just wish he was closer, but we make it work.

I am a huge Nake’u Awai fan! He is perhaps my favorite Hawaiian designer, who always comes out with very unique Hawaiian clothing. I’ve been a customer of his for almost 15 years and have always been pleasantly surprised when I go to his shop to purchase a new men’s Hawaiian Shirt.
Nake’u Awai is located in a small shopping center in Kalihi /​Liliha (Cross streets of Dillingham and School). Blink and you will miss this shop. Nake’u is always behind the counter thinking of new items to make. In his very cozy shop, there are t-​shirts (~$ 25), Hawaiian women dresses (~$ 125), men’s Hawaiian shirts (~$ 70), hula skirts (!$ 60) & implements, pillows (~$ 25), extra fabric, slippers, pin cushions, coin purses — all made with Nake’u’s designs.
Nake’u always has his fashion show once a year, primarily in the December timeframe. It’s always a hit and he always has Hawaiian celebrities (Miss Hawaii’s, hula dancers, entertainers, etc) as his models. He puts on a great colorful show.
As a former hula dancer, I have always sought out Nake’u’s men’s Hawaiian shirts to buy, because the designs truly represent Hawaii. Two of my favorite designs are the Kane Hula Dancer (male hula dancer) and the Wahine Hula Dancer (women). He’s not afraid to push the envelope with his designs.
What I like about Nake’u is that he is very direct and honest with his opinion. If he thinks something looks good on you, he will encourage you to work it! Otherwise, if he thinks something doesn’t look good on you, he will tell you the truth. I like that. He has customers from all over Hawaii, the mainland, Japan, Germany, and just about everywhere around the world.