We hope to perpetuate Hawaii’s culture in authentic and modern ways
We hope to perpetuate Hawaii’s culture in authentic and modern ways
ABOUT US
Our mission is to authentically perpetuate the culture of Hawaii in ways that strengthen connection to what authentically represents Hawaii. Our culture is rooted in stories and traditions that we hope to bring to life into tangible products built for every day use. We prioritize ethical and sustainable production practices as well as innovation and creativity. We only produce the highest quality products that we trust with ourselves and our families.
Perpetuating the heritage rooted in our values
Perpetuating Hawaiian culture
Native Hawaiian woman owned
Giving back to local communities
Ethical & sustainable production
The Founder: Elementary teacher to entrepreneur
Kailee Freitas is a Native Hawaiian woman, wife, mother and the founder of MahinaMade. Born and raised in Hawai’i, she graduated from Kamehameha Schools and pursued a degree in Elementary Education in hopes of fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. That dream came true and she taught in a local elementary school for nine years.
In 2017, Kailee took her hobby for crafting and creating and created a one of a kind doormat to dress up her home. After receiving so many requests from her family and friends to have one made for them, she opened up a small Etsy store.
And that was the start of MahinaMade.
Fast forward to today, MahinaMade has evolved and grown into something beyond all dreams and prayers. Kailee now pursues MahinaMade as her full time career and she designs every single product with the intention of highlighting authentic pieces of Hawaiian culture in ways that are intentional, practical, and innovative. What started as a passion project has grown to a community of over 60,000 people who love Mea Hawai’i, sustainability, and quality products that are built to last.
Our Journey timeline
JUN 2017
Kailee posts her DIY doormat on Instagram and creates an Etsy store for her family
MAR 2019
First lei tee was created
MAY 2021
Kailee makes MahinaMade her full time job!
JUN 2021
first Ho'omau Hawai'i Market is held
JAN 2023
First collaboration with 'Iolani Palace
MAR 2021
Collaboration with Hawaiian Airlines
MAY 2023
MahinaMade out of our home & into a headquarters
OCT 2024
first store location opens in Ward
The viral tee
In 2019, Kailee had an idea to create a “forever lei”. Lei are a core part of Hawaii’s culture- the act of making, giving, and receiving lei is a treasured tradition. Kailee wanted to capture the warm feelings that lei bring and infuse it into something that could be worn at any time, any where, regardless of seasons, distance, or time. A lei that lasts forever.
Thus, the first lei tee was born featuring Lei Pua Kenikeni, a lei that reminds Kailee of the tree in her front yard that she had growing up and the many lei her mom would make and share with others.
Since then, MahinaMade has become known for their lei tees that feature over 10 different beloved lei. Each tee is fully custom made in the USA from raw cotton all the way to the finished product. We are so proud to know there are over 50,000 lei tees (with more coming) bringing joy, culture, and warm memories to people around the world.
Lei is our Love language
@MAHINAMADE
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