From left to right: Japanese, Chinese, Hawaiian, Filipino, and Korean stand along a pier in Hawaiʻi.
I remember seeing the original photo and I just sat in awe of how simple and beautiful it was. No extravagant lighting or tools. No showy poses. Just five wahine (women) standing still in their traditional dresses.
Hawai’i had a massive import of immigrants in the early 1900s to fuel the plantation industry. Women from Asia were often “picture brides” in which men in Hawai’i would choose their brides solely on a woman’s photo.
Without looking too deep into the why these women were there, I think the photo accurately represents the diverse nature of Hawaiʻi. In fact, this photo captures three of my ethnicities.
Today, Hawaiʻi is nicknamed a ʻmelting potʻ due to its racially diverse population, and the culture there is a direct representation of these incoming cultures.
Product Details:
- Printed on 260g/m^2 semi-gloss paper
- Printed and cut to size in-house
These prints are available in the following sizes:
- 4 x 6 inches
- 5 x 7 inches
- 8 x 10 inches
**Larger prints sold as a separate drop ship listing**
-- ABOUT KAUʻI'S STUDIO --
🌺 INSPIRED by Hawaiʻi: All of my products are designed by me in appreciation of my Native Hawaiian culture. Many of my products highlight the natural beauty of my home including the language. Hawaiian is an endangered language, and while I am not fluent, I also refuse to let the language die. E ola ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, long live the Hawaiian language.
♻️ SUSTAINABILITY: I source the best eco-friendly alternatives for my products, and do a lot of research to ensure high quality and sustainability. I always aim to source my products from companies who share these values as well. Most of my products are recyclable or compostable especially my packaging. Our goal is to be 100% plastic free by 2026!
💚 ALOHA: Everything I make, I make with plenty of aloha. I want my customers to feel what makes my home so special. Hawaiʻi has a complicated and traumatic history, and sometimes it feels like that aloha spirit has been lost. In between the rising housing costs, the extreme cost of living and the climbing poverty rates as a result, and the disparities and displacement my lāhui feel (myself included), I want to make sure they - you - feel seen and loved.
📦 SHIPPING & DELIVERY: Expect about 2-3 business days for processing, and an additional 2-5 business days for shipping. I use USPS to fulfill all of my orders, so tracking information is shared as soon as it is available (do wait up to 24 hours for the tracking information to be updated).
International delivery times vary.
❓QUESTIONS: I am happy to answer any questions you may have! Please have hōʻihi (respect) and ahonui (patience) when reaching out to me ♡ I am working and attending university as I run this little shop, so especially in the busy weeks, I may need a little extra time to get to your message. But I will always try my best to respond as quickly as possible to resolve any wonderings you have!
🫶🏽 MAHALO NUI LOA for supporting my small business!
📸 Tag us on instagram! @kauis.studio
