HONOLULU (HI Now) - Back to school in Hawaiʻi is more than a checklist, it is a reset. In this HI Now Daily visit to Ka Makana Aliʻi, we meet three local stops that help families plan ahead for the first day back to school.
Hawaiʻi’s Finest brings the island story into everyday outfits, with comfortable pieces that look good from homeroom to after school plans. Founded on Molokaʻi in 2009, the brand has grown from a small T-shirt company into a recognized Hawaiʻi lifestyle label rooted in culture and local pride. The brand continues to support Hawaiʻi music, events, sports, and philanthropic communities. Christene Medeiros, regional manager, and Lacey Wilson Pena, project specialist, share how students can mix, match, and personalize their looks with graphic tees, essentials, hats, and accessories made for daily wear.
At Jeans Warehouse, back to school style starts with smart choices that respect the family budget. Established in Hawaiʻi in 1978 as the state’s first junior fashion value retailer, the store keeps new trends moving in without the sticker shock. We look at simple ways to build multiple outfits from a few versatile basics, so students can show their individuality while staying ready for everything from campus days to weekend hangouts.
For the finishing touch, Da Kinez Barbershop makes the first day feel like a fresh start, one clean fade at a time. Locally operated at Ka Makana Aliʻi, the shop offers personalized haircuts, grooming services, and hair designs that let students express their personality while staying school appropriate. Owner Sandy Le and manager Richard Le talk about why scheduling early matters during the busiest season, plus tips to keep cuts looking sharp between visits, with a back to school bonus that includes a school supply gift for students who get a haircut.
For more information on these local brands visit, hifinest.com, jeanswarehousehawaii.com and dakinezbarbershop.net. To learn more about Ka Makana Aliʻi, visit www.kamakanaalii.com.
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