Footwear for the Island Lifestyle
Summer 2022
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The Creativity Issue
THERE’S A LOT OF CREATIVE COMMUNITY IN NEW YORK, JUST LIKE IN HAWAI‘I. WE ALL INSPIRE EACH OTHER. WE RISE TOGETHER. A ARON AUSTIN
on the cover left to right: Kōko‘o Moonlit Ocean $80 (page 6)
left to right: Mio Lī Pavement $130 Lae‘ahi Pavement $100 on Marcela: Kāpehe White $80 (page 23)
Creativity can happen anywhere. As a footwear company that is guided by the island lifestyle, we typically feel it in the waves of the Pacific Ocean or deep within nature. Lately, however, we’ve been following new paths to inspiration. This issue sets out to explore one of the most creative islands in the world—New York City. We connected with a group of artists, designers, and writers who relocated from Hawai‘i to further pursue their passions. As it turns out, the spirit of aloha travels well. Together. We Go.
Read More About These NYC Transplants at OluKai.com
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MEN’S
Leave Your Print _
Maui-raised brothers, Aaron and Drew Austin never miss an opportunity to slide on their sandals and head out of the city. They run a surfboard glassing business in Brooklyn, drawing on their Hawai‘i roots to make a positive impact on the surf community.
below:
Ulele Blue Depth $80
W A T E R - F R I E N D LY S A N D A L S
Built to feel lightweight while providing the same support as sneakers
The Ulele
The laser-cut and quick-drying straps are inspired by kalo fields in Hawai‘i
Made with premium materials to bring you comfort on the beach and beyond Our footbeds are designed to capture the feeling of stepping into wet sand 2
Get Ready for Summer at OluKai.com
Maui-raised brothers Aaron and Drew Austin own a glassing business in Brooklyn, NYC called Kings Surfboard Glassing (@kingsglassing).
above on Drew: Ulele Slate Blue $80
Ulele Ulele embodies everything you love about your favorite sneakers but in the ease of a sandal. Throw them on and head to the coast for inspiration. top to bottom:
Clay, Slate Blue, Stone $80 featuring:
Water-resistant, quick-drying materials Wet Grip Rubber for traction Sneaker level support Designed to float
Water-Friendly Sandals at OluKai.com
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Surf / Break _
When Drew Austin isn’t working on a board or surfing Rockaway Beach with his brother, you can find him kicking back in a pair of our slide sandals. They’re a breeze
W A T E R - F R I E N D LY S L I D E S
to throw on between sessions and hug your feet in cushioned comfort.
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left:
middle to right:
Hālō ‘Olu This durable slide is built to meet the demands of Hawai‘i’s lifeguards, but kicking back with a good book is never off the table.
Ulele ‘Olu The water-resistant Ulele sandal you love, in slide form. Designed to channel the feel of a sneaker, it’ll keep you comfortable from coast to concrete.
Black $80
Pavement, Black $90
featuring:
featuring:
3D screen-printed strap design Wet Grip Rubber with shark tooth tread pattern Contoured and cushioned midsole
Puffy and adjustable velcro strap Soft terrycloth lining Contoured footbed for all-day comfort
Men’s Water-Friendly Slides at OluKai.com
on Drew: Ulele ‘Olu Pavement $90
Find Comfort at OluKai.com
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Creative Freedom _
A surf community in the city might seem unexpected, but NYC has never been predictable. In a place where everything feels fast-paced, it’s good to slow down every now and then. Throw these sandals in your backpack and escape into the waves. Creative freedom feels even more freeing out here.
top to bottom:
Kōko‘o NEW STYLE Moonlit Ocean $80 Kōko‘o NEW STYLE Pavement $80 Hālō Black $75 featuring:
M E N ’ S W A T E R - F R I E N D LY S A N D A L S
Soft, nylon toe post Wet Grip Rubber for traction Water-resistant materials Kōko‘o shakes dry in seconds
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Complimentary Returns & Exchanges at OluKai.com
‘Ohana This water-resistant and super comfortable sandal is made with a smooth footbed that’ll make your feet feel at home. top to bottom:
Pacifica, Stone, Dark Java $75 featuring:
Contoured to hug your feet Water-friendly materials All-day comfort and support
“ROCKAWAY IN THE LAST FEW YEARS HAS REALLY SPURRED THIS CREATIVE MOVEMENT. SURFING HAS BEEN A BIG PART OF THAT.”
on Aaron: Kōko‘o Moonlit Ocean $80
A ARON AUSTIN Shop Top-Reviewed Sandals at OluKai.com
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Making Surfboards with Aaron Austin
Work of Art _
Everything here feels alive, from the architecture to the street art to the sounds humming from a workshop. People come here because they’re deeply passionate about their chosen crafts. We put that same love into our leather sandal collection. It might just be our masterpiece.
What originally drew you to New York City? What drew me to New York City was the energy. Just how ambitious people were. I’m constantly creating things, whether through photography, collage, surfboards, or paintings. People are totally committed to their crafts here, and I wanted to be around that. How does your upbringing in Hawai‘i inspire your work? My work is deeply rooted in my upbringing in Hawai‘i, from the colors, to being on the beach, to just my true passion for surfing. There’s not a cooler thing you can make with your hands, right? I’ve had a surfboard under my arm almost my entire life, to be giving that joy to someone else is a pretty incredible feeling. I’m always happy about it. Have you found any similarities between Hawai‘i and NYC? There’s a community feeling in New York, just like in Hawai‘i. It’s usually artists and other creatives that are helping to build the surf community. There’s also a ton of passion for surfing in New York, which a lot of people don’t know. When they think of surfing in New York, they typically think about the cold water, you know? But from the surf shops to the board builders to the surf schools, there’s an incredible drive to surf and get better at surfing, but still have a blast doing it. Read more on OluKai.com
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M E N ’ S L E AT H E R S A N D A L S
We’re commited to crafting the most impressive sandals out there. All of our leathers are sourced from GoldRated tanneries that meet the highest standards of quality and sustainability.
top to bottom:
Tuahine Stone $100 Tuahine Toffee $100 Mea Ola Dark Java $120 ‘Ilikai Toffee $120 featuring:
High-character leathers Contoured for lasting comfort Island-inspired artwork and stitching Free Shipping on Orders Over $125
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on Aaron: Lae‘ahi Pavement $100
Commute in Comfort _
Life in New York is always moving, shifting, and evolving—so you need sneakers that can do the same. R. Kikuo Johnson and the Austin brothers lace up their favorite styles before heading toward creative pursuits. The commute is just one more opportunity to feel inspired.
top to bottom:
Mio Lī Mist Grey $130 Mio Lī Pavement $130 Nanea Lī Pale Grey $120 featuring:
Lightweight canvas design Drop-In Heel® for shoe or slide wear Removable and washable footbed
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Shop Comfy Sneakers at OluKai.com
on Drew: Mio Lī Pavement $130
Illustrating Life with R. Kikuo Johnson
Can you describe the creative studio space you work from? I started working from O Studio a few years ago when my partner and I moved into the same apartment. Since we were both working at home, we were on top of each other, so I wanted to find a workspace. Luckily, there was one right down the street. It’s been awesome to be surrounded by other creative people. There are people dyeing fancy clothes in the basement. There are people painting. There’s a graphic design studio. It’s just great to be part of a bigger community. Read more on OluKai.com
MEN’S SNEAKERS
Your books tend to focus on Hawai‘i. How does your upbringing inspire you? Yeah, so I draw comic books, which is a long process of sitting alone in a room, imagining cinematic scenes in my head before turning them into drawings. I find that if I’m going to spend a year staging scenes in my mind, Maui’s where I want to be. I can imagine every beach. If a scene needs a certain feeling or if it needs to look a certain way I can always think of the right spot. I know the island so well. It’s part of me.
Raised on Maui, R. Kikuo Johnson is an award-winning illustrator whose work regularly ends up on the cover of The New Yorker.
How does living in NYC inspire you creatively? Well, since I moved to New York with a bunch of artists, I was surrounded by creative people. We were all broke and pursuing some kind of passion, so it was a super creative vibe. I think the most inspiring thing about being in New York is really just an emphasis in a place this big of being yourself. Being completely true to whatever voice you want to express. You don’t have to be afraid of standing out. This city embraces uniqueness. There’s a type of freedom here that I’ve never felt anywhere else.
on Kikuo: Nanea Lī Pale Grey $120
Lae‘ahi Lī Crafted with canvas and full-grain leather, Lae‘ahi Lī will be your go-to sneaker for cruising around the city. Black $140 featuring:
Exclusive all-black design Premium leather accents Cool and comfy canvas Part of our exclusive Lava Rock Collection, this all-black sneaker is always ready to impress.
Tag @OluKai #AnywhereAloha on All Your Adventures
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MEN’S GOLF
on Reece: Kapalua Black $150
on Shota: Kapalua Poi $150
Wai‘alae White $160
Wai‘alae Dark Wood $160
Wai‘alae Stone $160
Kapalua NEW STYLE This lightweight and breathable sneaker is built with reinforced lateral stability so you can own the tee box and the 19th hole.
Wai‘alae NEW STYLE Made with supple, waterproof leather that will keep your feet comfortable and dry. All you have to concentrate on is your swing.
left to right:
left to right:
Poi, Black $150
Dark Wood, White, Stone $160
featuring:
featuring:
Lightweight, high-performance design Spikeless construction for on-course traction Durable water-repellent treatment Drop-In Heel® for post-round wear
Full-grain waterproof leather Cushioned midsole for all-day comfort Spikeless construction for on-course traction Drop-In Heel® for post-round pau hana
A NEW VISION FOR GOLF SHOES We got creative with the new OluKai Golf collection. Since comfort has always been our priority, we decided it was time to rethink course attire. Our golf shoes will be the most comfortable ones you’ll ever wear, and they’re up to par on performance too.
Shop Golf at OluKai.com
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‘Awiki Developed with the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association (HLA), ‘Awiki is designed to perform near the ocean. This brand new sandal repels water and shakes dry immediately. left:
Black ‘OHANA EXCLUSIVE $80 below:
Trench Blue ‘OHANA EXCLUSIVE $80 featuring:
Water-repellent for his ocean outings Developed with the HLA Etched with the Hawaiian Island chain
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Find the Best Dad’s Day Gifts at OluKai.com
FAT H E R ’ S D AY G I F T G U I D E
The Father’s Day Collection
Make Dad Look Good _
Father’s Day is just around the corner. Treat Dad to all the comfort and style he deserves this year. From days out on the boat to days in the office, this exclusive collection is designed to impress. Your favorite guy will be wearing them for years to come. Order Soon for Father’s Day Delivery
Kai Po‘i Dark Wood $175 featuring:
High-charcter Italian leather Laser-etched cresting wave artwork Soft lining for added comfort
top to bottom:
Kōko‘o Cobalt ‘OHANA EXCLUSIVE $80 Kōko‘o Off-White ‘OHANA EXCLUSIVE $80 ‘Ohana Pa‘i Husk $75 featuring:
Water-friendly materials Arch support to keep him comfy Unmatched traction on wet surfaces Complimentary Exchanges at OluKai.com
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The Father’s Day Collection
The heel folds in so he can wear this style as a sneaker or a slide
Our contoured footbed offers nonstop comfort for on-the-go guys
Crafted with ultra luxurious Italian leather for a soft and supple feel
Panepo‘o Made with soft and supple Italian leather, this sneaker will be the most luxurious and well-crafted one in his closet. top to bottom:
Blue Depth ‘OHANA EXCLUSIVE Fox ‘OHANA EXCLUSIVE $180
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Order Soon for Father’s Day Delivery
Kākaha Dark Java $120 featuring:
FAT H E R ’ S D AY G I F T G U I D E
Full-grain leather for Dad’s business attire Easygoing slip-on design Cushioned footbed for comfort
Mio Lī If your dad always seems to be on-the-go, then he needs a sneaker that can keep up. Mio Lī has all the comfort, versatility, and style he’s looking for. top to bottom:
Bone ‘OHANA EXCLUSIVE $130 featuring:
Super light and airy design Breezy mesh for sockless wear Ready for whatever adventures he’s chasing
left and above:
Moku Pae Island Salt $120 featuring:
His ultimate boat shoe Water-resistant and quick-drying materials Drop-In Heel® so he can slip them off and jump in
Free Shipping on Orders Over $125
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Set against the brick backdrop of Queens, NYC, you’ll find Rockaway Beach. There’s a ton of passion for surfing here, and not just in the summer. Creative folks are opening up shops and setting roots because they love this community and want to see it flourish.
WOMEN’S
Creating Something Positive _
Named for the way friends and family make us feel—supported, connected, happy—the ‘Ohana sandal holds a special place in our hearts. Catherine Mao wears hers while mentoring her extended family at the Laru Beya Collective.
The coral reef inspired tread design offers better grip on wet surfaces
W A T E R - F R I E N D LY S A N D A L S
Made with premium materials that feel soft against your skin
Our contoured midsole provides an anatomical fit for all-day comfort
Designed to be waterfriendly and quick-drying for better beach wear
above:
‘Ohana Bright White / Hua $75
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Women’s Water-Friendly Sandals at OluKai.com
Catherine Mao is a visual artist, avid surfer, and mentor and co-organizer at the Laru Beya Collective.
FAMILY MATTERS _ The Laru Beya Collective is dedicated to empowering the excluded youth of the Rockaways through surfing, mentorship, and positive actions. Mentor Catherine Mao connected with the Austin brothers to craft surfboards that will be auctioned off in support of the organization. Learn more about Laru Beya or get involved at larubeyacollective.com
clockwise from upper left:
‘Ohana Petal Pink, Orchid Flower, Black $75
Top Reviewed Beach Sandals at OluKai.com
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The World at Your Feet _
top to bottom:
New York City is beautiful from a distance, but only when you get close up can you see the many intricacies that make it truly special. The same can be said about the design of our sandals, which are crafted to bring you absolute comfort—no matter where you decide to go.
Kāpehe NEW STYLE White $80 Nu‘a Pi‘o Warm Taupe $80 Ho‘ōpio Pa‘i Black $75 featuring:
Quick-drying materials Grippy outsole design Contoured footbed for all-day comfort
Nu‘a Pi‘o With comfort as high as your ambitions, this super cushy sandal will be your go-to when you’re going toward the water. Pink Clay $80 featuring:
Super cushy feel Wet Grip Rubber outsole Sneaker-like support
on Marcela: Kāpehe White $80 22
Sandals for Every Island at OluKai.com
W O M E N ’ S W A T E R - F R I E N D LY S A N D A L S
Morgan Jones is a “bread and buttered” NYC creative and the owner of @takeoutcreative.
on Morgan: Nu‘a Pi‘o Bright White $80
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Telling Stories with Alexis Cheung Where did your passion for writing come from? As a kid, I spent a lot of time in the local Kailua Library checking out books and reading on the small, circular tables. I loved books, and so did my parents. My mom specifically is also an incredible storyteller. She would share some adventurous yarn about her world travels every night—whether swimming with sharks in the Red Sea or watching a falcon land on a sultan’s arm in the desert when she lived and worked as a nurse in Saudi Arabia—before bed, so I absorbed some sense of structuring a narrative from her and all that reading.
W O M E N ’ S L E AT H E R S A N D A L S
How does living in NYC inspire you creatively? NYC is fast-paced, hectic, and full of strangers. The opportunities and competition here force me to be creative, ambitious, and actually bridge the gap between my ideas and making them real stories.
Inspiration Found _
Just like writer Alexis Cheung works to craft the perfect sentence, we work to craft the perfect leather sandals. Her personal favorite is our boho Kīpe‘a ‘Olu, especially when she’s working on her memoir or battling writer’s block in her cozy Bed-Stuy apartment.
How does your upbringing in Hawai‘i influence your writing? Sometimes I’ll see a trend or issue about Hawai‘i and believe it needs a perspective that doesn’t just depict it as an idyllic, this-is-your-paradise-totake-inspiration-from place. Even though I grew up on O‘ahu, there’s still so much history and culture I don't know. Writing becomes a way to learn about and engage with the past in a way that reminds me that the Islands’ history actively creates its present. Read more on OluKai.com
“NYC FORCES ME TO BE CREATIVE, AMBITIOUS, AND BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN IDEAS AND MAKING THEM REAL STORIES.” ALEXIS CHEUNG
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Premium Leather Sandals at OluKai.com
Our leather sandals are designed to tell a story. From the careful stitching to the thoughtfully etched artwork, every step will connect you to the Islands. And since we only use premium and responsibly sourced materials, you can feel good about what you're wearing. top to bottom:
Honu Tapa $100 Paniolo Natural $90 ‘Aukai Tan $90 Kāpehe Luana NEW STYLE Tapa $90 Paniolo Lipi Tan $100 Kīpe‘a ‘Olu Sahara $90 featuring:
Responsibly sourced, full-grain leathers Thoughtfully crafted design details Contoured for immediate comfort Straps lined with soft materials
Alexis Cheung is a writer from O‘ahu who’s enjoying life in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn while she works on her memoir, No Time to Talk.
on Alexis: Kīpe‘a ‘Olu Sahara $90
OluKai is Committed to Quality Leathers Sourced From Gold-Rated Tanneries
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Where to Find Inspiration According to Morgan Jones
on Alexis (left): Kaula Pa‘a Kapa Tapa $100
on Morgan (right): Pehuea Lī ‘Ili White $120
Weaving a Better Story _
Our espadrille collection is crafted using time-honored methods. It’s not the simplest process, and often takes more time, but that extra effort is what makes them so incredibly comfortable. As content creator Morgan Jones says, “creativity is all about the process”. As someone who was born and raised in NYC, connecting with Hawai‘i creatives gave her a new appreciation for the art of living.
Kaula Pa‘a ‘Ili ‘OHANA EXCLUSIVE Made with high-end leathers that can elevate any look, this leather espadrille is a fresh take on a timeless design. Tan $100 featuring:
Premium full-grain leather Water-resistant woven rope Collapsible heel for slide wear
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Espadrille Shop is Open for Summer at OluKai.com
McCarren Park. Nature in the city is a luxury, and McCarren Park is one of my favorite places to go to decompress, re-energize, and connect with others without being burdened by tourists and crowds. Luxury Hotels. New York City is so different for the person who lives here versus the person who visits, and sometimes it takes removing oneself from the “local” aspect and experiencing the city from a different perspective to spark new ideas. Your Home. I think a common misconception is that we have to get out of our homes to find inspiration, but investing in small luxuries and funneling creativity into our own spaces allows us the space to rest and get inspired just simply by existing. Read more on OluKai.com
top to bottom:
Kaula Pa‘a Kapa Tapa $100 Kaula ‘Olu ‘Ili ‘OHANA EXCLUSIVE Poi $120 Kaula Pa‘a Lī Tapa $100 featuring:
Traditional espadrille construction Water-resistant woven rope Light and breezy design
W O M E N ’ S E S PA D R I L L E S
MORGAN JONES
“THIS IS A BIG PLACE WITH SO MANY CULTURES AND WAYS OF LIFE. THERE’S INSPIRATION TO BE FOUND EVERYWHERE.”
on Alexis: Kaula Pa‘a Kapa Tapa $100
Tag us @OluKai and #AnywhereAloha to Share Your Aloha
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WOMEN’S SNEAKERS
on Morgan: Pehuea Lī ‘Ili White $100
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Complimentary Returns & Exchanges at OluKai.com
The Pehuea Collection top to bottom:
Pehuea Lī ‘Ili White $120 Pehuea Lī Tapa $100 Pehuea Pavement $100 Pehuea Pa‘i Soft Pink $100 featuring:
Cushioned for all-day comfort Drop-In Heel® for shoe or slide wear Removable and washable footbeds Versatile design that always looks good
on Marcela: Pehuea Lī Tapa $100
left: Pehuea Pa‘i Sage $100 right: Nu‘a Pi‘o Taupe $80
on Marcela (left): Pehuea Lī Tapa $100 on Alexis (right): Kaula Pa‘a Kapa Tapa $100
Shop Sneakers at OluKai.com
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Mainland Office: 10 Faraday, Irvine, CA 92618
Visit Us At: OluKai Hilton Hawaiian Village: Ali‘i Tower, 2005 Kālia Road, #241 Honolulu, O‘ahu, HI 96815 OluKai Whalers Village: 2435 Kā‘anapali Pkwy. #H-5, Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761 OluKai Shops at Wailea: 3750 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, Maui, HI 96753 OluKai Chinatown: 1 N Hotel Street, Honolulu, O‘ahu, HI 96817
Free Ground Shipping on orders over $125 at OluKai.com
Give Dad the Golf Trip of His Dreams _
Shop any product on OluKai.com between May 30th and June 14th for a chance to win two first class tickets to Kapalua Black $150 (page 12)
Hawai‘i, a stay at Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina, and golf rounds at two of the island’s most stunning courses. We’ll be announcing the winner on June 17th so you can tell him the big news on Father’s Day.
Every pair gives back to Hawai‘i through our Ama OluKai Foundation
Wai‘alae White $160 (page 13)
(866) 467-9694 OluKai.com Printed in the USA Find a Store Near You, Go To OluKai.com/DealerLocator