Meet the Person Behind Nāhele Clothing Co.

Aloha, everyone,

I recently shared the story behind Nāhele Clothing Co.-how it all started and what the brand stands for. But I also wanted to take a moment to introduce myself, because this brand isn’t just about designs or shirts. It’s personal. It’s shaped by how I grew up, the places I’ve called home, and the people who raised me.

My name is Dakota. I grew up spending a lot of my childhood at my tūtū’s house on ʻOkana Place in Kahaluʻu, or my step dads ranch on the north shore, and it left a massive impact on who I am. If you know the Kahalu'u area, then you know it has its quirks-like the old pump station that would stink up the neighborhood from time to time, or the chicken farm next door where the roosters were always crowing, and of course the non stop rain- followed by mugginess and mosquitos. But even with all that, it was home, and was a place we held so dear to us.

Growing up in Kahaluʻu with that side of the family definitely left its mark. My dad was always deeply artistic, and from as far back as I can remember, I was fascinated by his designs. That interest pushed me into a lot of creative outlets-graphic design, photography, videography, music, and more. Creativity was just part of everyday life, and it shaped a lot of who I am today.

I’ve always joked that I’m a “Hawaiʻi Plantation Special,” because my family background is a mix of Hawaiian, Chinese, Portuguese, and Irish (Yup, theres the strong haole look you might be confused about 🤣). And honestly, that blend shaped everything about me.

My childhood was split between two very different kinds of worlds, but both were filled with memories I wouldn’t trade for anything. On my dad’s side, life was all about being out in the mountains, swimming in the ocean, and spending time in places tied to our family’s history. Family gatherings were full of our own traditions- blessings in Hawaiian before meals, stories shared around the table, and the constant reminder to pause and appreciate the moments that matter.

On my mom and step-dad's side, the vibe was totally different, but just as meaningful. She’s originally from Chicago, and I spent a lot of my younger years out at the family ranch on the North Shore. That side of the family was all about ranch life. Taking care of cows and horses, hunting in the valleys, and racing dirt bikes through the fields every chance we got. I’ve racked up plenty of injuries from those days, but those memories are some of my favorites. They taught me a lot about hard work, freedom, and fun, and honestly, some of the best life lessons I’ve learned came from those ranch days.

Through all of it, one thing has always stayed with me- my love for stories. I’m the guy who won’t shut up in the car because I'm too busy pointing out landmarks or places with a cool story behind them. Whether it’s an old heiau, an interesting street name, or even just a bend in the road, if there’s history tied to it, I’m likely (almost certainly) going to bring it up.

Finding out the stories and history of my Hawaiian ancestry has always been exciting to me, especially as a kid, because these aren’t just stories from somewhere else. They’re all around us, in the places we drive past, hike through, or swim near. That connection is a big part of who I am, and it’s a big part of what inspired Nāhele Co.

For me, this brand isn’t just about making shirts. It’s about keeping those stories alive. The places, the people, and the lessons I grew up with. It’s a way to carry those connections forward and share them with others in a way that feels honest and lasting.

Nāhele Co. is rooted in the places I've called home, the family that raised me, and the stories that keep Hawaiʻi close to my heart.

Every bit of support goes a long way. I have big goals and want to give back to the community that gave so much to me in my time on this earth. Mahalo for letting me share a piece of my story with you.

Explore more stories at Nāhele Clothing Co.