Kaila Hawai‘i is a lifestyle website with a maoli (Native Hawaiian) edge. Our focus is double: first of all, the continuity and maintenance of our traditions, and secondly, all that makes life beautiful and excitng. This is our small contribution to help bring a Hawaiian perspective into a new area, that of style and modern living.You will find postings ranging from the latest in music, foods, and fashion to insights into our native culture.
Our name, Kaila Hawai‘i, reflects this attitude. We wanted a name that reflected the transformation of something foreign into something maoli. We were thinking along the lines of the celebrated old-time expression “Wela ka hao!” (The iron’s hot!). Elbert and Pukui suggest this phrase may have come from “Strike when the iron’s hot”. But in Hawaiian, the expression now stands on its own, marking excitement and fun. Hence, we chose to use the word kaila, from the English word “style”. A short, catchy word that can live independently from its English source.
Though our perspective is broad, one of our main intentions is to help support Native Hawaiian individuals, businesses, and organizations. If you have a community event that you would like to announce, please send basic information to info@kailahawaii.com.
Kai Andersen, Founder/Editor
Claire Ligner, Contributing Editor/Rédactrice, Kaila Hawai’i (version française)
