About
Aloha, my name is Faith.
I’m a young entrepreneur from Hawai‘i and a Fashion Merchandising student at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Kuluna began as a simple dream when I was just 15 years old during quarantine. With extra time and a big imagination, I started sketching designs and teaching myself what it meant to build something from the heart. I had no idea back then that those small ideas would grow into what Kuluna is today.
I’m a young entrepreneur from Hawai‘i and a Fashion Merchandising student at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Kuluna began as a simple dream when I was just 15 years old during quarantine. With extra time and a big imagination, I started sketching designs and teaching myself what it meant to build something from the heart. I had no idea back then that those small ideas would grow into what Kuluna is today.
Kulunakinis officially launched on January 1, 2021, starting with two original designs: the Protea flower and the Puakenikeni flower. Both prints hold deep personal meaning to me and represent my roots, my culture, and the beauty of Hawai‘i. Seeing those first patterns come to life was the moment my dream began to feel real. Building Kuluna at such a young age wasn’t easy. I was learning to run a business while also balancing school, sports, and everyday teenage life. There were moments of doubt, exhaustion, and fear of failure. But even in the overwhelming times, my passion for design and creativity kept me going.
I was raised by my biggest inspiration—my mom. She is one of the hardest working women I know and showed me what it truly means to be an entrepreneur. Watching her open her own stores on Kaua‘i and Maui taught me resilience, faith, and determination. Today, Kuluna is proudly carried in her boutique, Pulelehua Boutique, located at Maui Mall Village. Having my brand in a space created by the woman who believed in me first is one of my greatest accomplishments.
Now, five years later, Kuluna has grown beyond swimwear. We’ve expanded into Kuluna Wear—an athleisure and everyday comfort line made for women who want to feel cute, confident, and comfortable all at once. What started as a teenage dream has become a growing brand, a 'Ohana , and a reminder that big dreams can begin at any age. My hope is that Kuluna inspires other young girls to chase their passions, trust their creativity, and never be afraid to start small. I’m still learning, still growing, and still dreaming and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next.
I have built Kuluna on the foundation of Love, Growth, and Creativity.
LOVE
Kuluna, to us, is about the love we have for each item we produce and the customers who have supported us since the beginning. Even when I simply wanted to be a normal teen having fun, my customers motivated me to keep going and keep doing what I love. This brand is about where we come from, who we are, and how it makes what we have, the individuals that wear our suits, and everything else. Because of the little details of the place that shaped who I am, I get out of bed every day and do what I love.
GROWTH
It's not always simple to grow a business when you're young. However, Life won't present you with something it knows you can't handle. At such a young age, I want to be able to demonstrate why I was capable of continuing this journey. Obstacles faced by teenagers or even adults only serve as a platform for growth, and you'll always have your customers, supporters, family, and friends to offer advice on what to do next.
CREATIVITY
Each of our designs and prints is created by hand by our designer. She will never let us down with her passion for the arts. We love including our ʻĀina in our designs and seeing it come to life on cute, affordable bathing suits. We offer a wide range of color combinations that are entirely original. These were produced with the idea of our lovely island home in mind.
Kuluna xx