Say Aloha to Surfware Hawaiian® Classics Hats! We are a family-owned and operated business established in 1980 and located in Honolulu, Hawaii. For over 40 years we have been creating high-quality, stylish hats and apparel that celebrate the Aloha spirit and relaxed island lifestyle.
Our story begins with our founder, Kaimana Kalama. As a native Hawaiian who grew up surfing the waves of Oahu’s North Shore, Kaimana had a deep appreciation for Hawaiian culture and island living. After studying business in college, he recognized the growing popularity of Hawaiian-themed clothing and saw an opportunity to start a company that embodied aloha.
In 1980, Surfware Hawaiian® was born. Our first products were custom baseball caps featuring classic Hawaiian iconography like palm trees, sea turtles, and hibiscus flowers. We sold the hats on the beaches and at local surf shops, and they were an instant hit with islanders and tourists alike.
Through the 1980s and 90s, Surfware Hawaiian® grew from a small home business into an internationally recognized lifestyle brand. We expanded our product line to include tees, tanks, boardshorts, dresses, accessories and more. Our designs highlighted unique aspects of Hawaiian culture, from traditional patterns to popular sports like surfing. During this time, we also began wholesaling our merchandise to surf shops, resorts, and specialty boutiques across the islands and mainland United States.
Today Surfware Hawaiian® is still rooted in quality, heritage, and aloha. While we’ve grown over the decades, we remain dedicated to Kaimana’s original vision of sharing Hawaiian culture through clothing you can live in. Our products are designed for everyone who embraces the laidback island lifestyle.
Made in Hawaii
We take tremendous pride in the fact that all Surfware Hawaiian® products are designed and manufactured in Hawaii. Our headquarters, including our design studio and factory, are located just outside of Honolulu on Oahu.
Keeping production local allows us to closely monitor quality standards and maintain our brand authenticity. Our skilled Hawaiian team pours their creativity, expertise, and aloha spirit into every hat and garment we make. We use high-grade, comfortable fabrics suited to island living, like lightweight cotton, linen, and rayon.
Vibrant custom prints are at the heart of our apparel and hats. We partner with local artists to create original Hawaiian-inspired patterns exclusively for Surfware. Our prints feature tropical motifs like palm fronds, pineapples, sea turtles, fish, shells, and of course, surfboards. We screenprint designs onto fabric using eco-friendly inks, never presses or transfers.
For headwear, we carefully construct our hats to provide shade, breathability, and style. Our caps and visors showcase Hawaiian themes on the front panels and our signature Surfware logo on the back. They are available in multiple classic silhouettes including baseball caps, bucket hats, and trucker hats.
Quality and Comfort
The foundation of our brand is high-quality, comfortable clothing and hats built to last. We use only the best materials and craftsmanship. Our fabrics have natural breathability, stretch, and softness to keep you feeling cool and relaxed from beach to town.
For headwear, we select premium natural fibers like cotton, linen, and straw that feel great and hold their shape. Our adjustable snapback and strapback closures ensure a perfect custom fit. Mesh paneling and moisture-wicking sweatbands keep you dry and comfortable in the sunny tropics. We construct the majority of our caps with a 6-panel design for a timeless, structured look.
Our apparel is made from natural fabrics like cotton, rayon, linen, and blends. Garment-washing creates softness right out of the box. We fine-tune the fit of every t-shirt, dress, tank and pair of boardshorts to drape and move freely with the body.
No matter what you choose, our high standards ensure it’s ready for adventure. Whether strolling the shops in Lahaina or paddling out at Pipeline, Surfware Hawaiian® has the relaxed style and quality to keep up with your island activities.
Celebrating Hawaiian Culture
Surfware Hawaiian® celebrates the lush beauty, welcoming spirit, and rich culture of our island home. Our clothing and hats spotlight Hawaiian themes that inspire us, from the natural landscape to favorite local pastimes.
Many of our designs portray Hawaii’s iconic flowers and foliage like plumeria, bird of paradise, anthurium, palm trees, and hibiscus. We showcase these motifs in vibrant color palettes and organic prints that radiate tropical vibes. Other patterns illustrate Hawaii’s famous beaches, waves, and sea creatures – icons of surf culture and island life.
Traditional Hawaii is honored through heritage shapes and symbols. Our aloha shirts feature classic Hawaiian quilting, tapa designs, and motifs like tikis, sea turtles and canoes. Our hats are accented with tropical flowers in a style harkening back to the islands’ plantation era.
In all our products, we celebrate the values of aloha, ‘ohana (family), and community that are the heart and soul of Hawaii. Our aim is to spread this welcoming spirit while representing the beauty, sports, traditions, and relaxed way of life that make Hawaii such a treasured place.
Giving Back
Giving back to Hawaii is extremely important to us. Since day one we’ve made it part of our mission to support local charities, cultural programs, environmental causes and community organizations throughout the islands.
We are dedicated to the preservation of Hawaiian culture and natural resources. We regularly partner with groups like the Waikiki Aquarium, Malama Maunalua, Save Our Surf, Hawaiian Islands Land Trust, Pa’ani Tipcast and more. Last year we donated over $50,000 to Hawaiian nonprofits through fundraisers, percentage donations and direct contributions.
We also founded the Surfware Hawaiian® Scholars program which provides college scholarships to promising young students from Hawaiian high schools. Being able to support the next generation of island leaders is something we’re very passionate about.
When you purchase a Surfware Hawaiian® product, you’re helping give back to this special place we call home. Mahalo nui loa for your support!
Shop With Aloha
- Surf our website for the complete Surfware Hawaiian® collection of hats, apparel, dressed and accessories for the whole family.
- We ship free worldwide directly from Hawaii.
- New arrivals added frequently – sign up for emails to get first dibs on fresh prints and styles.
- Follow us on social @surfwarehawaiian to see community photos and brand news. Reach out anytime through DM!
We invite you to browse our selection of quality Hawaiian-made clothing andhats. Share our relaxed island styles with friends and family. Use #surfwarehawaiian and tag us to show off your favorites.
Mahalo nui for supporting our local business and Hawaiian culture. With warmth, Kaimana and the Surfware Ohana