Curated with Care, Gifted with Aloha
At OluKai, the spirit of giving is woven into everything we do, and there’s no better time to celebrate that than the holiday season. This year, we’ve called on members of the OluKai ‘ohana—each an expert in their field—to curate personalized gift guides that reflect their passions. Whether you’re seeking the perfect gift for a globetrotter, beach-lover, 9-5er, or homebody, our guides are here to help you find that just-right present for everyone on your list.
Men’s & Women’s Gift Guide:
For the Traveler
Curated by Zak Barry
As a small-business owner and co-founder of Banán, a cafe specializing in banana-based frosty treats, Zak Barry knows what it’s like to always be on his feet. Between visiting storefronts in Honolulu and San Francisco and family in Mexico, Zak takes more than a dozen flights a year. Zak’s travel-ready selects offer next-level support and versatility. For the frequent flier in your life, Zak’s found that Island Hopper is as comfortable gliding through jetways as it is navigating urban streets and hidden trails, making it his go-to choice for traveling.
For marathon days, Zak reaches for Mio Lī, which makes even the longest journeys feel hassle-free. For women, Pehuea Lī ‘Ili, a classic slip-on renowned for breathability, provides all-day comfort, ensuring you’re adventure-ready from takeoff to touchdown. And for those needing something to stand up to the elements, look to Hehi, our waterproof Chelsea boot that's built to move seamlessly between town and country.
Also in Zak’s collection: Lae‘ahi Lī ‘Ili, ‘Anau
For the Beach
Curated by Zeke Lau and Malia Manuel
Professional surfers Zeke Lau and Malia Manuel have forged stellar careers and inspired lifestyles based on their knowledge and skills in the ocean. Whether they’re charting a new path to a secret wave or taking their family to the tide pools, their top beach-ready picks are each curated for comfort and proven performance.
For men, Zeke’s must-have beach sandal is Tuahine, a waterproof style that’s every bit as durable as it is dynamic. Ulele, another fave, offers a lighter, laid-back option with quick-dry materials, making it a smart choice for those looking to move fluidly between water and land.
For women, Malia recommends Southshore, a breezy sandal with a sporty design, perfect for a full day at the beach. ‘Ohana, with its soft footbed, quick-dry, water-proof materials, is another essential for Malia when she’ll be in and out of the water all day long.
Zeke also recommends: Moku Pae, ‘Ohana
Malia also recommends: Pehuea Lī, Lai Slide
For Home
Curated by Noa Ginella and Jenna Lau
Noa Ginella, a self-sufficient homesteader and waterman from the North Shore and Jenna Lau, a style icon from Honolulu, have rounded up their must-have footwear for holiday homewear. Noa has discovered that our Hanohano slipper, with its plush shearling lining, is perfect for cozy nights in, while the Moloā Slipper versatility and indoor-outdoor wear are ideal for moving between the pasture and the lanai.
On Jenna’s list of holiday musts, you’ll find that Kōnea, with its sleek asymmetrical design, plush genuine sheepskin lining, and molded bucket footbed, is always in rotation. And when winter tradewinds blow, Jenna reaches for Kīpea Heu. With cloud-like comfort and a design that merges the best of a sandal with a slipper, it’s become her go-to on cold Honolulu nights.
Noa also recommends: Hamani Hulu, Mahana, Leeward
Jenna also recommends: Ku‘i, Mani, Nohea Slipper
For the 9-to-5er
Curated by Tamiko Claire
A multifaceted ceramicist and business owner, Tamiko Claire does it all. As the founder of her namesake stoneware line, she understands the importance of footwear that can move between the workday studio and a pau hana meet-up with friends. Able to seamlessly transition from office hours to after-hours, Tamiko’s found that Pehuea Luxe, crafted with ultra-smooth suede, keeps pace with even the busiest of schedules. And of course, there’s Mi‘i, our premium women’s leather mule. With a leather design inspired by traditional Polynesian lauhala weaving, Mi‘i adds an artisanal accent to any look, making it easy to dress up if Tamiko decides to head out on the town.
Tamiko also recommends: ‘Ōnohi Strappy, Paniolo, Hā‘upu Hulu
