Mahalo Ke Akua Blog

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month May 2, 2024 00:51

Mahalo Ke Akua, a brand that embodies the spirit of gratitude, love, and the universal presence of the divine, brings you an exploration into the rich tapestry that is the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community.

AANHPI is a collective term that represents a wide array of cultures, languages, and histories that enrich the fabric of society, mirroring our own values of unity, respect, and universal love. This vibrant and diverse group is a rich tapestry includes individuals and communities with roots in the many countries of Asia, the native peoples of Hawaii, and the myriad of islander cultures spread across the vast Pacific Ocean.

At the heart of the AANHPI community are stories of migration, resilience, and triumph. From the bustling streets of Chinatowns across the nation to the serene landscapes of the Pacific islands, each narrative contributes to the colorful mosaic of the American experience.  These stories, woven with threads of perseverance and cultural pride, reflect the very principles we hold dear: gratitude for the journey, humility in the face of challenges, and unwavering love for one's roots and fellow beings.

Mahalo Ke Akua's philosophy is rooted in the recognition and celebration of diversity, understanding that our connections to each other and the world around us are strengthened by acknowledging and respecting our differences as well as our commonalities.  The AANHPI community, with its deep traditions of faith, family, and respect for nature, mirrors many of the values we hold dear.  From the serene beauty of a Hawaiian sunset that inspires our designs, to the harmonious blend of reggae and surf cultures that shapes our aesthetic, the influence of AANHPI cultures is a testament to the universal language of love and respect.

In celebrating the AANHPI heritage, we recognize the importance of understanding and honoring the myriad contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the social, economic, and cultural vitality of our communities.  We also acknowledge the challenges and adversities faced by these communities, both historically and in our current times.  It serves as a reminder that the principles of gratitude, humility, love, and charity should indeed be the pillars upon which humanity stands.

As we continue to draw inspiration from the diverse cultures of the AANHPI community, Mahalo Ke Akua is committed to being a beacon of positivity, promoting unity and understanding across all walks of life.  In doing so, we not only honor the essence of our brand, but also contribute to a world where everyone can feel seen, heard, and valued.  Just as our brand seeks to inspire and uplift through the ideals of faith, aloha, reggae, surf, and skate, we acknowledge and appreciate the rich cultural heritage and the spirit of 'ohana that the AANHPI community brings to the global family.  In unity, love, and respect, we continue to learn from each other's experiences, fostering a world where gratitude, humility, and charity are the guiding principles of humanity.


35% OFF Celebrating Our Official Theme Song - Mahalo for Hawaii Nei August 10, 2015 09:00

Today we are launching our BIGGEST SALE YET - 35% OFF in celebration of the release of the official Mahalo Ke Akua Brand theme song, Mahalo for Hawaii Nei, which is the first track on Aloha Ke Akua's debut album, Trinity EP.  Get it NOW on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon mp3 and anywhere you buy digital music.

  

Use promo code ALOHAKEAKUA to get 35% OFF Mahalo Ke Akua products August 10 through August 31 2015.

After you buy Trinity EP, please request your favorite song on your favorite radio stations!

KAIM 95.5 The Fish

KAPA 100.3 FM

KCCN FM100

KDDB 1027 Da Bomb

KDNN Island 98.5

KFMN 96.9 FM

KIKI Hot 93.9

KINE Hawaiian 105

KJMD Da Jam 98.3

KKNE 940 AM

KKOL 107.9 FM

KPHW Power 104.3

KPOA

KQMQ Da Paina 93.1 FM

KSSK 92.3 FM

KUCD Star 101.9


St. Patrick's Influence on Mahalo Ke Akua March 17, 2015 21:11

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

This is a special day for us at MahaloKeAkuaBrand.com, as St. Patrick is somewhat of a patron Saint for the brand.  The logo was developed just a few days before St. Patrick's Day, and we were looking for a copyright lawyer for the trademark.  

On St. Patrick's Day, there was a special presentation at our church delivered by a copyright lawyer who was also on the Social Justice Committee at the church.  Not only did his roles tie into our brand purpose of charity & social justice, but he explained about St. Patrick's faith and life committed to speaking out against social injustice as a humble servant of God.

So many points in the presentation were so inspiring as we learned about St. Patrick's deep sense of faith and responsibility to pay forward the graces that God gave him, along with a meaningful reminder that we have all been given gifts by God, and it's our responsibility to discern the purpose and what we are to use these gifts for... it was the the divinely timed message that we needed at the humble beginning of the brand, and we learned so many principles and values that still guide our purpose today.

We invite you to research more into St. Patrick's life and hope that you will be just as inspired as we were.  Mahalo Ke Akua for St. Patrick!  We'll leave you with some of our favorite quotes from St. Patrick below...

I am certain in my heart that “all that I am” I have received from God

If I have any worth, it is to live my life for God so as to teach these people, even though some of them look down on me

I too have my part to play with those whom He has called to Himself and predestined

I cannot keep silent, nor would it be proper, so many favors and graces has the Lord deigned to bestow on me

I am imperfect in many things, nevertheless I want my brethren and kinsfolk to know my nature so that they may be able to perceive my soul’s desire

I have God as a witness who knew all things even before they happened

I confess to my Lord and do not blush in his sight, because I am not lying; from the time when I came to know him in my youth, the love of God and fear of him increased in me, and right up until now, by God's favour, I have kept the faith.

What is more, let anyone laugh and taunt if he so wishes. I am not keeping silent, nor am I hiding the signs and wonders that were shown to me by the Lord many years before they happened, He who knew everything, even before the beginning of time.

The Lord took pity on me thousands upon thousands of times, because he saw within me that I was prepared, but that I was ignorant of what to do in view of my situation; because many were trying to prevent this mission.

 


Opening the Door on a New Year: Pilgrimage to the First Holy Door Outside of Europe January 4, 2015 12:52

As our followers know, our name/logo “Mahalo Ke Akua” means “Thanks be to God” in Hawaiian.  We aim to touch people of all faiths and backgrounds, because we believe the ideals of gratitude, humility and love should be principles of humanity.  

Our faith background is rooted in Catholicism, but have always been open to learning about other faith backgrounds as we believe most of all in unity and love under one Creator, by whatever name you call Him.

When we learned of the first Holy Door outside of Europe in Québec City, Canada we started planning a pilgrimage to this rare symbol of universal faith and welcoming.

What is a Holy Door?

A Holy Door is a symbol of unity with the Universal Church. It is also a symbol of community assembly, an invitation to persons of good will to enter, whatever their religious denomination.

Each of the four papal basilicas in Rome has a Holy Door.  They are opened during Jubilee years, when pilgrims (who have prepared themselves spiritually through discernment and prayer) enter through those doors to gain the plenary indulgence (entire forgiveness of sin that can normally only be granted by The Pope).

Holy Doors are sealed after the Jubilee, and opened only once every 25 years.

The Significance of Notre-Dame de Québec’s Holy Door

Notre-Dame de Québec was the first Catholic diocese north of Mexico and the Spanish colonies. Seen as the mother parish of all Catholic dioceses in Canada and the U.S.

On December 8th 2013, in a rare ceremony performed only once a generation, Notre-Dame became the seventh Holy Door in the Catholic world, the first outside of Europe (four are in Rome, one in Ars-sur-Formans, France, the other in Santiago de Compostela in Spain), to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the basilica.

Notre-Dame de Québec’s Holy Door is a heavy two-sided bronze door, with Christ on one side and Mary on the other.  The closing ceremony was on December 28th 2014; the Holy Door will be locked until the next time the Holy Doors in Rome are opened, in 2025.

Learn More About Notre-Dame de Québec’s Holy Door at the links below:

Official Website 

Article: Holy Door Opens in Quebec, the first outside of Europe

Our Experience at Notre-Dame de Québec: The Day We Held Hands with Jesus

When we arrived at the Cathedral-Basilica, we had to wait in line outside the Garden of the Jubilee.  I generally cannot handle temperatures below 80°F, and it was nearly a one hour wait in 14 °F weather.

They say the time spent in the Garden of the Jubilee should be used for contemplation to prepare you for your experience, and it’s interesting how my contemplation came about – at a point, my toes were in excruciating pain from near frost-bite, which made me think of my history of pain as a road to my spiritual enlightenment… 

I used to not attend church regularly, claiming “love is my religion” and that I was “spiritual, not religious”.  In Fall 2012, I experienced emotional pain so traumatic I turned to God and church.  At Mass one Sunday, there was an announcement about a speech being given about “Spirituality vs Religion, Which Side Are You On?” which sparked my interest.  The Priest who spoke was highly charismatic, and in speaking to him afterwards realized that even as a Catholic Priest, had interfaith leanings, which I was very happy to hear, as I also view my spirituality as universal.  I started attending Sunday Mass regularly, because he changed my view of church, he and other Paulist churches introduced me to a new world of open and welcoming church communities.  I started to get involved in discernment programs where I was guided by spiritual companions, Brothers and Sisters who became instrumental in my faith formation.

In January 2013, I experienced a significant heartbreak, and was convinced by a friend to shake it off with a weekend trip to Chicago, where I attended Sunday Mass at Holy Name Cathedral.  The Priest’s homily reminded me of the importance of attending church regularly, “so that we can continually be rooted in the practice of forgiveness and love, so that we may BE love for a world that so desperately needs it”.  That Mass marked a turning point in my life, a renewal of my faith, and in the months to follow, through a series of other God-sent experiences that came out of the initial experience of pain, I discovered my vocation.

The Holy Door is considered a passage to inner peace, and I realized in the Garden of the Jubilee that the pain leading up to the Holy Door was symbolic of the pain I experienced in order to get on this path of my faith journey.

The Holy Door itself is symbolic, with its depiction of a 3D open armed Jesus, as it represents so many things: a passage to peace, a sign of hope, the church welcoming all, Jesus as the door to Heaven, and holding hands with Jesus in order to enter.

The timing of our pilgrimage was significant as well – the fourth Sunday of Advent, the last weekend before the Holy Door was to close.  Advent is both a beginning and an end (the beginning of a new liturgical year, and the end of the calendar year), and is a time of reflection and anticipation for the Lord’s coming.  The parallels of passing through a Holy Door and receiving plenary indulgence at a time that is an end that gives birth to a new beginning is so rich in hope and renewal, the perfect way to end 2014 and welcome 2015.

During the Mass that followed our passage through the Holy Door, the Priest began speaking in French, luckily I was able to translate throughout the Mass for my Makuahine, but there was an alarmed look on many faces.  The Priest stopped and announced, “I am aware that people have travelled from all over the world to visit our church, and yes, Mass will be celebrated in French, but regardless of culture and language, we are united by faith, so when we recite prayers and the Apostles’ Creed, please proclaim in your own languages, and we will celebrate together as one church”.  This statement of unity and oneness made the pilgrimage complete, a wholly welcoming, renewing, enlightening experience of faith.

We hope that you have been inspired to make a Holy Door pilgrimage in 2025, regardless of your faith.  Please join us in a community of love and unity. Aloha nui loa!


#mcm MahaloKeAkuaBrand.com's #musicmonday Nov 25-Dec 2 November 25, 2014 10:42

Follow @mahalo_keakua for regular updates featuring the bands from our We Betta Recognize page (where you can find links to their Websites and Facebook Pages)

 

Tue Nov 25         Los Rakas                                                                             Tucson AZ

Tue Nov 25         Tribal Theory                                                                         Fullerton CA

Wed Nov 26         Los Rakas                                                                            Austin TX

Wed Nov 26         The Green J Boog w The Hot Rain Band Eli Mac                       Park City UT

Wed Nov 26         Tribal Theory                                                                        San Diego CA

Fri Nov 28            Los Rakas                                                                             San Antonio TX

Fri Nov 28            The Green J Boog w The Hot Rain Band Eli Mac                        Aspen CO

Sat Nov 29           Los Rakas                                                                             McAllen TX

Sat Nov 29           The Green J Boog w The Hot Rain Band Eli Mac                        Englewood CO

Sat Nov 29           Tribal Theory                                                                        Long Beach CA

Sun Nov 30           Los Rakas                                                                            Dallas TX

Mon Dec 1            Los Rakas                                                                             Houston TX

Mon Dec 1            The Green J Boog w The Hot Rain Band Eli Mac                        Las Vegas NV

Tue Dec 2            The Green J Boog w The Hot Rain Band Eli Mac                         Mesa AZ


#mcm MahaloKeAkuaBrand.com's #musiccrushmonday Nov 17-24 November 17, 2014 17:04

Follow @mahalo_keakua for regular updates featuring the bands from our We Betta Recognize page (where you can find links to their Websites and Facebook Pages)

 

Tue Nov 18            Eli Mac & J Boog w/ The Hot Rain Band & The Green           Bellingham WA

Wed Nov 19           Tribal Theory & Melvin Gutierrez                                       San Francisco CA

Wed Nov 19           Eli Mac & J Boog w/ The Hot Rain Band & The Green           Vancouver BC Canada

Thu Nov 20            Jordan T & Katchafire                                                       Caloundra Australia

Thu Nov 20            Natural Vibrations                                                            Fullerton CA

Thu Nov 20            Tribal Theory                                                                   Eugene OR

Fri Nov 21              Tribal Theory & Anuhea                                                    Portland OR

Fri Nov 21              Jordan T & Katchafire                                                       Coffs Harbour Australia

Fri Nov 21              Natural Vibrations                                                            San Diego CA

Fri Nov 21              Eli Mac & J Boog w/ The Hot Rain Band & The Green           Spokane WA

Sat Nov 22             Eli Mac & J Boog w/ The Hot Rain Band & The Green           Boise ID

Sat Nov 22             Natural Vibrations                                                            San Clemente CA

Sat Nov 22             Jordan T & Katchafire                                                        Forster Australia

Sat Nov 22             Tribal Theory & Anuhea                                                     Seattle WA

Sun Nov 23            Tribal Theory & Anuhea                                                     Seattle WA

Sun Nov 23            Jordan T & Katchafire                                                        Newcastle Australia 

Sun Nov 23            Los Rakas w/ DJ Ethos                                                       Phoenix AZ

Sun Nov 23            Eli Mac & J Boog w/ The Hot Rain Band & The Green            Missoula MT

 


#mcm Mahalo Ke Akua's #musiccrushmonday Nov 3-Nov 17 November 3, 2014 08:30

Follow @mahalo_keakua for regular updates featuring the bands from our We Betta Recognize page (where you can find links to their Websites and Facebook Pages)

 

Thu Nov 6            Tenelle & Maoli & Common Kings           San Francisco CA

Fri Nov 7              Tribal Theory                                        San Diego CA

Fri Nov 7              Tenelle & Maoli & Common Kings           Santa Ana CA

Sat Nov 8             Tenelle & Maoli & Common Kings           Los Angeles CA

Sun Nov 9            Natural Vibrations                                 Jensen Beach FL

Sun Nov 9            Tenelle & Maoli & Common Kings           San Diego CA 

Tue Nov 11          Eli Mac & J Boog & The Green                San Luis Obispo CA

Wed Nov 12         Natural Vibrations                                 Orlando FL

Wed Nov 12         Eli Mac & J Boog & The Green                Santa Cruz CA

Thu Nov 13          Eli Mac & J Boog & The Green                San Francisco CA 

Fri Nov 14            Eli Mac & J Boog & The Green                Eugene OR

Sat Nov 15           Tribal Theory                                        San Diego CA

Sat Nov 15           Eli Mac & J Boog & The Green                Portland OR *SOLD OUT*

Sun Nov 16          Natural Vibrations                                 Panama City Beach FL

Sun Nov 16          Eli Mac & J Boog & The Green                Seattle WA           

 

 


#AlohaSunday Mahalo Ke Akua commemorates All Souls Day November 2, 2014 12:07

This All Souls Day is particularly significant to me as it is the first since the passing of my Makuakane this July.  We remember all the souls who have passed from this life to join Our Father in Heaven.  May we remember the Love & Faith they passed on to us.


#mcm Mahalo Ke Akua's Music Crush Monday Oct 20-Nov 9 October 20, 2014 16:43

Follow @mahalo_keakua for regular updates featuring the bands from our We Betta Recognize page (where you can find links to their Websites and Facebook Pages)

 

Wed Oct 22          aoK                                                    Hermosa Beach CA

Fri Oct 24             Mango Kingz & Rebel Souljahz             San Jose CA

Sat Oct 25            Tribal Theory                                      Fullerton CA

Thu Oct 30           Jordan T & Katchafire                           Margaret River Australia

Fri Oct 31             The Green & Eli Mac                             Honolulu HI

Fri Oct 31             Jordan T & Katchafire                           Freemantle Austalia

Fri Oct 31             Los Rakas                                           Oakland CA

Sat Nov 1             Jordan T & Katchafire                           Perth Austalia 

Sun Nov 2             Jordan T & Katchafire                          Adelaide Austalia  

Thu Nov 6             Jordan T & Katchafire                          Canberra Austalia  

Thu Nov 6            Maoli & Common Kings & Tenelle           San Francisco CA  

Fri Nov 7              Jordan T & Katchafire                           Sydney Austalia

Fri Nov 7              Maoli & Common Kings & Tenelle          Santa Ana CA 

Fri Nov 7              Tribal Theory                                      San Diego CA 

Sat Nov 8             Jordan T & Katchafire                          Melbourne Austalia

Sat Nov 8             Maoli & Common Kings & Tenelle          Los Angeles CA   

Sun Nov 9            Jordan T & Katchafire                           Geelong Austalia 

Sun Nov 9            Maoli & Common Kings & Tenelle          San Diego CA 

Sun Nov 9            Natural Vibrations                               Jensen Beach FL


Mahalo Ke Akua #wisdomwednesday - Today's @mahalo_keakua Post September 24, 2014 12:01

 

I know many people who are incredibly faithful and live pono every day, but do not go to a place of worship because they’ve been turned off by some institutions that don’t practice what they preach, or don’t spread messages of aloha or love… for a long time I felt the same way, had some negative church experiences, so found it better to connect with Akua through nature, or in the ocean, and that was what I considered “my church”.

My makuahine lives in Toronto Canada, and on one visit, I was touched by her church community – first, by the importance they placed on music, but what most surprised and touched me was the sermon which emphasized the importance of not judging others, and being welcoming to all people, even those who may be rejected by other church communities – this struck me because it opposed an image that I had about “the church” or certain religious institutions/communities.  On following visits, I continued to be impressed with the sermons there that emphasized the values of love, forgiveness, unity and having a positive influence on others. 

Since I travel frequently, my makuahine encouraged me to visit a different church on each trip – apparently there’s lore that says you should make a wish when you enter a new church, but looking back I realize that she wanted me to see that there are positive church communities out there, and some of the most enriching lessons and insights I’ve been blessed with have come from these travelling church visits! 

On “Wisdom Wednesdays” I’ll try to share these inspiring nuggets of faith that align with Mahalo Ke Akua Brand. 

A perfect example came from this past weekend, on a trip to Arizona – on Sunday morning I Googled the closest church to my hotel and ended up at ASU Arizona State University – it always interests me to see young adults celebrating their faith together. 

During the sermon, the Priest told a story about a realtor couple he knew about 20 years ago.  The wife was more successful than her husband, and one day she was accused of wrongdoing by the board, instead of standing behind her, her husband recused himself.  He figured if she lost her license, he was successful enough that he could support their lifestyle, and he would then be seen as the provider.  The wife was cleared of the accusations, but the personal damage had been done, the display of envy and pride eventually destroyed their marriage.  

The Priest used this story as an example to explain that envy is truly damaging to our relationships with one another.  He reminded us to rejoice with those who rejoice, because when we see others receive a blessings, we should know that there are many more blessings where that came from.  The Priest then spoke about his upbringing in San Diego California, and how he would sit by the harbor and watch the boats, and when the tide would come in, all the boats would rise up together.  He used this as an analogy for blessings, when God’s grace touches one, it touches all.  

I just remember thinking, “one love, that’s unity” – and then I thought about that moment years ago when my makuahine told me to make a wish every time I entered a new church.  After that sermon, I felt like “making a wish” was a selfish act… So instead of making a wish for me, I said a prayer for humanity – that we may all succeed in accomplishing unity – together.


Mahalo Ke Akua #mcm = #musiccrushmonday WEEK OF Sep 15-22 September 15, 2014 19:30

Follow @mahalo_keakua for regular updates featuring the bands from our We Betta Recognize page (where you can find links to their Websites and Facebook Pages)

 

Tue Sep 16         Santa Cruz CA             Timmy Hunt

Wed Sep 17        Charleston SC             J Boog & The Hot Rain Band

Wed Sep 17        Boulder CO                 Katchafire & Jordan T

Thu Sep 18         Wailuku Maui HI         The Green

Thu Sep 18         Los Angeles CA           DJ Ethos

Thu Sep 18         Sebastian FL               J Boog & The Hot Rain Band

Thu Sep 18         Englewood CO             Katchafire & Jordan T 

Fri Sep 19           Wailuku Maui HI          The Green

Fri Sep 19           Fort Lauderdale FL       J Boog & The Hot Rain Band

Fri Sep 19           Park City UT                Katchafire & Jordan T

Fri Sep 19           Lahaina Maui HI           Maoli

Fri Sep 19          San Antonio TX             Tribal Theory

Sat Sep 20         Orlando FL                    J Boog & The Hot Rain Band

Sat Sep 20         Jackson WY                  Katchafire & Jordan T

Sat Sep 20         Austin TX                      Tribal Theory

Sun Sep 21        Missoula MT                 Katchafire & Jordan T

Sun Sep 21        Corpus Christi TX          Tribal Theory

 


Mahalo Ke Akua #mcm = #musiccrushmonday September 8, 2014 16:25

Last week we posted our first @mahalo_keakua #mcm #musiccrushmonday featuring the bands from our We Betta Recognize page (where you can find links to their Websites and Facebook Pages)

THIS WEEK'S SHOWS

Tue Sep 9         Dallas TX                        J Boog & The Hot Rain Band

Tue Sep 9         El Paso TX                      Los Rakas & DJ Ethos

Wed Sep 10      San Diego CA                  aoK

Thu Sep 11       New York NY                   Katchafire & Jordan T

Thu Sep 11       Corpus Christi TX             Los Rakas & DJ Ethos

Thu Sep 11       San Francisco CA              Tribal Theory (shout out to our ohana at Pa’ina Lounge)

Fri Sep 12         New Orleans LA               J Boog & The Hot Rain Band

Fri Sep 12         Falls Church VA                Katchafire & Jordan T    

Fri Sep 12         Houston TX                     Los Rakas & DJ Ethos

Fri Sep 12         Guerneville CA                 Tribal Theory

Sat Sep 13        Oceanside CA                  aoK

Sat Sep 13        Jacksonville FL                 J Boog & The Hot Rain Band

Sat Sep 13        Wilmington NC                 Katchafire & Jordan T (California Roots Carolina Sessions)

Sat Sep 13        San Antonio TX                Los Rakas & DJ Ethos

Sat Sep 13        San Diego CA                   Tribal Theory

Sun Sep 14       Wilmington NC                 J Boog & The Hot Rain Band

Sun Sep 14       Atlanta GA                       Katchafire & Jordan T

Sun Sep 14       San Francisco CA              Los Rakas

Tue Sep 16       Santa Cruz CA                  Timmy Hunt

 

 

 


CHARITY ANNOUNCEMENT August 26, 2014 18:25

Excited to announce the charity that MahaloKeAkuaBrand.com will be contributing to for the month of September 2014!

As part of our charitable mandate, we strive to bring awareness to interesting and relevant charities that our followers may not have heard of.  As part of the selection process, we research charities that have cross-border or international impact, and research their financials to ensure the highest percentage of the donation goes directly to the cause.

For the month of September, to tie into the Back to School season, we looked into education related charities - see below for more info on this, and the other charities we've supported since our brand launch in May 2014.

 

September 2014

First Book www.firstbook.org

“Access to New Books for Children in Need”

To date, First Book has distributed more than 100 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low-income families throughout the United States and Canada.

First Book is transforming the lives of children in need and elevating the quality of education by making new, high-quality books and digital resources available on an ongoing basis so that children in need don’t miss out.

First Book is determined to see that all children, regardless of their economic conditions, can achieve more in school and in life through access to an ongoing supply of new books.

They report that more than 70% of the children who participate in a First Book program increase their reading at home, and most teachers find that First Book participation increases kids desire to learn at school.

 

August 2014

Aloha Toronto http://alohatoronto.com/

Inspired by Izzy and Danielle Paskowitz and their foundation Surfers Healing http://surfershealing.org, Aloha Toronto enhances the lives of kids with special needs, by providing Autistic children with alternative therapy through free SUP & Surf lessons.  Bringing aloha, surf & Hawaiian culture to the shores of Toronto for families in the autism community that cannot travel to Surfers Healing US Camps.

 

May – August 2014

CARE International www.care-international.org

“Defending Dignity. Fighting Poverty.”

CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty by equipping impoverished communities with the proper resources to escape poverty. Improving basic education, preventing the spread of disease, increasing access to clean water and sanitation, expanding economic opportunity and protecting natural resources. They also deliver emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters, and help people rebuild their lives.

In the fiscal year 2013, CARE worked in 87 countries around the world, supporting 927 poverty-fighting development and humanitarian aid projects to reach more than 97 million people.


MahaloKeAkuaBrand.com Official Launch THE INITIAL LINE IS HERE! August 8, 2014 07:14

The Mahalo Ke Akua Brand Initial Line has finally arrived!  Mahalo Ke Akua for this blessing and Mahalo Nui Loa to all of our followers and supporters!

Please visit our Shop and get your orders in NOW while we are offering FREE SHIPPING & TAX INCLUDED for a limited time!

To sweeten the pot, orders received by Sat Aug 9th 12pm PST will be shipped with a FREE Mahalo Ke Akua Portable Power Bank so when you're out at those reggae ragers taking pics of your favorite bands, you can juice up your devices!

Happy Aloha Friday & Akua Pu!


FINAL PRE-LAUNCH SALE until July 30th in support of CARE International "Defending Dignity. Fighting Poverty." July 13, 2014 15:53

Now through the end of July, we are contributing to CARE International, a leading humanitarian organization that fights poverty and injustice in over 80 countries.

We've dropped the prices on our PRE-LAUNCH tanks and jerseys and are offering FREE SHIPPING & TAX INCLUDED on all orders that come in before 11:59pm (Hawaii Standard Time UTC/GMT-10) on Wednesday July 30 2014, so that we can contribute as much as possible to this great cause.

Please continue to offer any comments you have on your MahaloKeAkuaBrand.com web store experience so that we can improve before we officially launch in August with the initial line (which will include surf boardshorts - cheehoo!)

Want a sneak peek at the initial line before August?  Come out to one of our late July/early August PROMO TOUR events!  Check our social media channels for the latest updates on dates and locations.  Links are at the bottom of this page, and on our Contact Us page.

Hope to see you soon - PNW Washington, California, Canada, Hawaii!  Aloha nui loa!


Mahalo for Your Sympathy... Weeping May Endure for a Night... No Tears Past Heaven's Gate July 13, 2014 14:00

Mahalo nui loa to all of you for your kindness and support throughout the past few days. We are truly touched by the fact that although we may have never met, some followers have even reached out to us off our social media channels to offer words of comfort and sympathy. We cannot begin to describe what all this aloha has meant to us. 

Mahalo Ke Akua for blessing us with the grace to see the rainbow after the storm – for it is Aloha Sunday, and we are reminded that weeping may endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning. Although our ohana has been saddened by the loss of my Makuakane, we must remember that there are no tears past Heaven’s gate.

Sad News - REMINDER to Embrace Your Ohana July 10, 2014 19:30

My father passed away suddenly at the age of 63 due to health complications. During this emotional time, we will be absent from social media for a while, and the Aug 16th Event in Toronto is CANCELLED, as that will be the eve of his 40th Day Death Anniversary, and we will be spending it in solemn remembrance with our ohana.

We will be going forward with our tour dates in Vancouver, WA (Jul 25/26), San Francisco, CA (Aug 9) and Toronto, Canada (Aug 24) as that is what my father would’ve been proud to see. Just minutes after our social media launch on May 3rd, he was one of first to ‘Like’ the Mahalo Ke Akua Facebook Page, and we know he continues to smile down on this project.

We just have one ask of our followers out of this sad event… please EMBRACE YOUR OHANA always. Parents & Children, go right now, HUG EACH OTHER. If you are separated by distance, call them and SAY I LOVE YOU, it can never be said often enough. No matter what your family situation – broken, estranged, if there’s been a falling out, PUT IT BACK TOGETHER. Forgiveness is one of the most beautiful signs that your heart is filled with aloha, and it’s never too late to reach out to family or friends that may have drifted. We hope that everyone finds it in their hearts to heal broken relationships, to LOVE MORE, and to LOVE DEEPLY. This world desperately needs more love, and ALOHA STARTS WITH OHANA.

I feel blessed that I was able to visit my father this past Christmas, and 8 months ago, spend one on one time with him on my birthday. I just wish I could’ve been by his side yesterday so that I LOVE YOU would’ve been the last words he heard before he left this world. My deepest prayer is that he’s hearing these words now. 

MAHALO KE AKUA for blessing me with a father through whom, by our life story, has taught me a great lessons on forgiveness, humility and love. Mahalo Ke Akua for blessing me with a mother who continues to be an example of grace, perseverance and unconditional love despite all circumstances. Mahalo Ke Akua for blessing me with a brother whose admirable strength and courage has always held, and continues to hold our ohana together through it all.

Mahalo Ke Akua Web Store Soft-Launch June 28, 2014 14:30

E komo mai / Welcome to the #MahaloKeAkuaBrand Web Store Soft-Launch!

First of all, mahalo nui loa to all of our early followers - we continue to be blown away and humbled by your loyalty and support, especially at this early stage.  At the time of writing this post, we are exactly 8 weeks old on social media, yet already have 700+ followers on Facebook, and nearly 600 on Instagram, for that, we truly say Mahalo Ke Akua!

Please visit our About Us page to learn more about the Mahalo Ke Akua Brand logo design and our mission.

Before we officially roll out our web store in August with our initial line (that will include surf boardshorts - cheehoo!) we are testing out the website by selling the last of our pre-launch items from the California Promo Tour in May - the same styles worn by Hawaii's hottest bands (The Hot Rain Band with J Boog, Maoli, The Green) on stage at the California Roots Festival!

Because we would greatly value any input or advice you may have on improving our customer web experience, we are offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders that come in before 11:59pm (Hawaii Standard Time UTC/GMT-10) on Saturday July 12 2014. 

Want a sneak peek at the initial line before August?  Come out to one of our late July/early August PROMO TOUR events!  Check our social media channels for the latest updates on dates and locations.  Links are at the bottom of this page, and on our Contact Us page.