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David Shepard Hawaii

Kaniakapūpū Lehua Green on White Aloha Shirt

Kaniakapūpū Lehua Green on White Aloha Shirt

Regular price $120.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $120.00 USD
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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Made in Hawai‘i. 100% cotton poplin. Fabric is soft, naturally breathable, and durable. Real coconut buttons. Print-matched left chest pocket. Button down shirt plus button on back of the collar. Limited quantity print. Designed, cut, and sewn in Hawai‘i on imported fabric.

*Model is wearing a size Large.

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Men's Tailored Fit Aloha Shirt Measurements

THE STORY BEHIND THE HAND-DRAWN DESIGN

Kaniakapūpū means “the singing of the land shells” in Hawaiian. Featured in this print are kāhuli snails, ’ōhi’a lehua bursting into flower, and nectar feeding i’iwi birds. This print has layers of meaning, or ‘kauna’: The songs of the snails bring Hawai’i into being.

Kaniakapūpū is the name of the summer palace of Kamehameha III who said in 1843, ‘ua mau ke ea o ka ’aina i ka pono’ or ‘the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.’ The Hawai’i state motto to this day.

“Kāhuli (tree snails) are attributed with song and are featured in oli, mele, and mo’olelo. They are considered hō’ailona (omens or signs) when encountered in the forest. Their colorful forms adorn plants and people alike, as their shells were used in lei. Unfortunately, they are under threat of extinction by the appetites of introduced invasive predators. Hawai’i’s Snail Extinction Prevention Program and their partners are rearing Kāhuli for reintroduction and are protecting their habitats.“

- David Sischo, Ph.D. Snail Extinction Prevention Program Coordinator.

A portion of proceeds from this purchase will go towards the Snail Extinction Prevention Program.

- DS

Nonohi ka lehua a’i hōpoe

A ka nui manu i ’āhui a’e

Luana pū mai e ka pololei

Ke kāhuli leo le’a i ke ahe

Aheahe ka Hali’ala i ka wao

Ho’opē onaona i ka nahele

He ’ala nō ia e ho’ohihi aku

I ku’u ’ia a pau pono ka nani

He nani ē a he nani nō

The full bloomed lehua are vivid in color

Where the birds congregate above

Being joined by the singing snails

Whose voice sing joyous in the breeze

The fragrance bearing breeze blows

Imbuing the forest with fragrance

It is a scent that is enthralling

That expresses all of its beauty

Beauty, such great beauty

Devin Kamealoha Forrest, Kumu Hula