Design and Philosophy
Store Theme: E Komo Mai
At our core, we are storytellers. These stores give us an opportunity to bring mo‘olelo (stories) to life. Every design choice is rich with meaning, intended to be discovered, experienced and shared.
Storefront
Set along Charleston’s historic King Street, the OluKai storefront respectfully preserves the building’s original facade, honoring the city’s architectural legacy. While continuing to uphold the space’s historical aesthetic, we added an additional layer of warmth through the use of locally sourced walnut trim, rooting OluKai to the city.
Handcrafted Elements
Guests will discover a custom entry table made from native South Carolina wood and crowned with sweetgrass baskets, tying Charleston’s Gullah traditions with Hawaiian lauhala weaving. From the rope-wrapped shelves to the gentle curve of lei-shaped woodwork, the space is a visual testament to the merging of shared values.
Custom Art
The walls of the Charleston store bring our Anywhere Aloha mantra to life through artwork created by artists from both Hawai‘i and Charleston. From the Islands, Kristen Reyno of Lola Pilar crafted a large-scale collage of tropical flowers, pineapples, and lei—photographed and mounted as a vibrant focal point behind the cash wrap. From Charleston, Gullah artist Corey Alston contributed his handwoven sweetgrass baskets, which are blended into display tables and wall features.
Furnishings
A thoughtful blend of regional and island-inspired materials gives the Charleston store its distinct character. Coral tile and soft wood tones, shaped in the arc of a lei, create a visual rhythm throughout the space. Paying homage to Charleston’s history, a copper counter anchors the cash wrap, and the ceiling is painted “haint blue,” a color believed to invite good energy.
Protocol Statement
"E Komo Mai" More than just the Hawaiian word for welcome, E Komo Mai represents a way of life and the spirit of Hawai‘i. We greet guests as family, inviting them into our space with open arms and full hearts.
