Our Story

Two friends from Kauaʻi formed this company in late 2022 when they realized they could not find locally designed and culturally minded products for infants and toddlers that reflected authentic imagery of Hawaiʻi.

Our name and logo was inspired by the hāpuʻu, Cibotium glaucum, a native Hawaiian tree fern. Poetically translated, hāpuʻu means a child or baby in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. Our mission is to create engaging learning products inspired by our unique island culture and storied history.

Company Values

• ULU PONO: to grow well; progressive, thriving, successful

We value providing the tools and environment to help children grow well and be successful in life. We observe the hāpuʻu growing in the forest, unfurling each leaf to become a thriving tree in the forest.

• ʻOHANA: family, relative, kin group; related 

We value that our ʻohana connects us to Hawaiʻi.  We reflect on the idea that the ʻohā (young kalo plant) of the kalo who grows off the mākua (parent), many ʻohā growing from the mākua make the ʻohana. The thought that our keiki are fed and nourished by the mākua while they are young will one day stand on their own to start their own ʻohana and have a connection to Hawaiʻi no matter where they live.  

• ALU LIKE MAI: work in unity

We value collective effort to get the big things done. We respect and acknowledge each person’s strengths and know they bring value to accomplish our big goals and dreams by working together. When we are there to support each other, we all do better. 

• ʻIMI ʻIKE: to seek knowledge; a seeker of knowledge

We value continually seeking knowledge for lifelong learning. We encourage people of all ages to ask questions and never stop wondering about the world around them. 

We are so excited you are here and on this journey to explore, imagine and grow with us!

 

-Hāpuʻu Designs