Kapa Nui Nails

Over 20 years ago, Kapa Nui Nails founders Terry and Lyn Lam, M.D. relocated from O‘ahu to Hawai‘i Island to build a health center for women. In 2017 after decades of serving women on the island, the pair sought healthier lifestyle alternatives in their personal lives and in doing so, learned how hazardous traditional nail polishes are to the body and the environment. 

According to Dr. Lam, people don’t realize the detrimental effects that most nail polishes have on your health–the toxins in them can cause reproductive harm, respiratory disease and contribute to global warming. After realizing there was a lack of safer alternatives to lacquers and gels, the women embarked on a journey to create their own.

Terry and Lyn’s vision came to fruition with their company, Kapa Nui Nails where they develop high-performance nail products safe for everyone including pregnant women, children and even cancer patients. The Waimea-based brand does not use any toxins or harsh chemicals such as phthalates and parabens, and instead uses a water-based formula. Because of their unique formula, there is little to no odor–meaning you won’t experience those strong fumes from across the room!

Kapa Nui Nails’ products are not only toxin-free, but they are also eco-friendly and pose no harm to the environment­. Overall, this female-owned company aims to encourage women to not have to compromise health or the earth for beauty.

How they give back:

Kapa Nui Nails uses strictly non-toxic and toxin-free ingredients that do not harm the environment or the body. The company also utilizes sustainable packaging materials. It also supports an innovative recycling initiative to support local businesses reduce cost and waste.

They frequently donate to Ho’ola Na Pua–both in-kind and cash–a nonprofit committed to the prevention of sex trafficking and providing care for children who have been exploited. 

Furthermore, Terry and Lyn employ local people in their community to provide well-paying jobs to kama‘aina.