KAHALA: A HAWAIIAN STORY

 

1930’s Hawai‘i. A place of intrigue and romance, enchanting visitors from around the world. Beach boys paddled outrigger canoes into the Waikiki surf, giving their mainland guests a ride they’d never forget. During this time Kahala Sportswear was born, founded by Nat Norfleet, Sr. and George Brangier. They teamed up to offer tropical prints on comfortable styles to locals and visitors alike. Their passion for Hawai‘i and the Waikiki beach boy lifestyle permeated their designs. They made shirts and swimming trunks and enjoyed consistent sales.

 

By 1939, the Kahala label was being sold in finer department stores in Honolulu and on the mainland. Kahala became known for subtle, tasteful cotton prints. 70 years later, Kahala enjoys a following of loyal customers who recognize the company’s devotion to excellence in textile artwork and clothing styles with a personality that is distinctly Kahala. It represents a lifestyle that people identify with, whether they are Kama‘aina or visitors wanting to take a piece of Hawai‘i back home with them.

 

Our ohana, or family, includes retailers, textile designers, artists and board-shapers all of whom feel a connection to the ocean. The vivid prints that distinguish Kahala shirts from others continue to grace most of our fabrications, including a new refined rayon/cotton/linen, the traditional cotton broadcloth, and a more progressive, garment-washed cotton. A full line of bottoms, including casual board shorts, rounds out the collection.

 

Let’s get back to the beach, early, before the winds pick up. Take in the smell of the sea and the colors on shore. Paddle out in a canoe, on a paddleboard or surfboard, or just cruise down the beach. Wear what’s comfortable. Rediscover Kahala. Living the dream since 1936.