For 25 years, Kehaulani Nielson soared above the Pacific as a Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant, carrying Hawai‘i’s warmth and aloha spirit to every corner of the world. Today, she’s bringing that same spirit to her brand, Kahulale‘a, a Native Hawaiian–owned fashion label that celebrates the beauty, resilience, and stories of the islands.
This year, Kehaulani is taking center stage at the Made in Hawai‘i Festival with a special collaboration alongside Hawaiian Airlines and Mana Up—an exclusive Ōhi‘a Lehua tote bag that embodies her brand’s mission and deep connection to home.
Designing with Intention
The tote features Kahulale‘a’s Lehua Nui print in one of Hawaiian Airlines’ signature colorways—a subtle nod to her past career and the collaboration’s spirit of unity.
“Whenever I look through our prints, my eyes always go straight to our Lehua designs,” Kehaulani says. “It’s not just a pretty design. The ‘ōhi‘a lehua blossom is a symbol of strength, resilience, and aloha ‘āina. I wanted this tote to be instantly recognizable as something from Hawai‘i.”
A Celebration of Partnership
The tote marks a milestone in Kehaulani’s creative journey.
“It’s unique because it was created in partnership with Hawaiian Airlines and Mana Up—two organizations dedicated to elevating local talent,” she says. “This collaboration is a celebration of community and the strength of Hawai‘i’s creative economy.”
For Kehaulani, the project is also deeply personal.
“After retiring from Hawaiian Airlines, collaborating with them now feels like a full-circle moment,” Kehaulani says. “My years as a flight attendant taught me the value of connection and the importance of sharing Hawai‘i’s beauty with the world. That’s exactly what I aim to do with Kahulale‘a.”
After 25 years as a Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant, this collaboration feels like coming home.
“Hawaiian Airlines was such an important chapter of my life—I worked with the most beautiful and kindest people who share the aloha spirit,” she says. “It was hard to leave, but collaborating with them now is both humbling and meaningful. While my path has shifted from the skies to my creative journey, the heart of what I do—sharing the stories and beauty of Hawai‘i—remains the same.”
"This tote is a reminder that when we support Native Hawaiian and locally owned brands, we keep Hawai‘i’s stories alive."
Courtesy of Kahulale‘a.
Courtesy of Kahulale‘a
Courtesy of Kahulale‘a.
Made in Hawai‘i, Made with Love
The Made in Hawai‘i Festival holds a special place in Kehaulani’s heart—it’s where Kahulale‘a truly began to grow. Over the years, her husband Scott and their son Stone have been alongside her, setting up booths, meeting customers, and building relationships.
“This festival has been a launchpad for so many local brands, including mine,” she says. “It’s not just about selling products—it’s about celebrating Hawai‘i’s creativity and building connections that last.”
This year, she’s excited to see attendees receive the collaborative tote, but she’s also looking forward to being a shopper herself.
“I can’t wait to discover new local products to bring into our Kahulale‘a stores,” Kehaulani says. “The creativity in Hawai‘i never ceases to amaze me.”
From Puna to the World
Growing up in Maku‘u, Puna, Kehaulani’s childhood was filled with the sights, sounds, and scents of Hawai‘i Island’s coastline. These memories are the foundation of her brand.
“When people ask me what makes Kahulale‘a different, I tell them: I’ve lived my prints,” she says. “Every design is rooted in my own life—things I know, love, and grew up with. That authenticity is what connects people to our work.”
Her advice to other local creatives?
“Create from your own experiences,” Kehaulani says. “The most inspiring brands come from people who have lived their stories. Your journey and your passion are what will make your work truly shine.”
Carrying Aloha Forward
Whether through her clothing line, the Lehua Nui tote, or her story, Kehaulani hopes people feel a genuine connection to her work.
“I want them to see that I’m just like them—someone whose love for home and commitment to hard work has shaped every step of the journey,” she says.
And just as she once welcomed travelers aboard Hawaiian Airlines flights with a smile, Kehaulani now welcomes customers into Kahulale‘a with the same warmth and aloha.
“At Hawaiian Airlines, we always said, ‘Hawai‘i starts here.’ I carry that into my business—when you step into our store, you’re stepping into my home,” she says.
With her roots in Puna, her wings from Hawaiian Airlines, and her vision through Kahulale‘a, Kehaulani continues to share Hawai‘i’s beauty with the world—one meaningful design at a time.
“I want people to feel a sense of pride—pride in Hawai‘i, in our culture, and in supporting local,” she says. “Just like the lehua blossom thrives in harsh landscapes, our local businesses grow and flourish through challenges. This tote is a reminder that when we support Native Hawaiian and locally owned brands, we keep Hawai‘i’s stories alive.”
Hawaiian Airlines & Mana Up: A Partnership Rooted in Hawai‘i’s Future
Hawaiian Airlines and Mana Up share a deep-rooted purpose: uplifting Hawai‘i’s local entrepreneurs by amplifying their stories, products, and economic impact. Since Hawaiian Airlines became Mana Up’s exclusive airline partner in 2017, the collaboration has bridged local makers with global exposure—featuring Hawaii-made goods onboard flights and at international pop-ups.
This long-standing partnership reached a new milestone with the launch of a collaborative retail collection designed by nine Hawai‘i-based companies, including limited-edition items honoring Hawaiian Airlines’ 95th anniversary.
In August 2025, at the 31st Annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival, the airline prominently showcases this collaboration—spotlighting an exclusive Hawaiian Airlines × Mana Up product debut, including Kehaulani Nielson’s custom Ōhi‘a Lehua tote.
