Footwear for the Island Lifestyle
THE FOOD ISSUE
THERE ARE ONLY SO MANY WAYS YOU CAN SAY DELICIOUS, BUT THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE FOOD— THEY TELL A MILLION STORIES. MARTHA CHENG
Food connects us. Is sustains us, yet we use it to nourish more than just our bodies. Food creates a space for conversation, expression, and growth. It’s the foundation of so many fond memories—like cooking with family or sharing a meal with a stranger. No matter where you go, Hawai‘i or beyond, food is the great equalizer. In the same way that we provide comfort through well-crafted footwear, the contributors within this issue provide comfort through food. As we continue our travels this year, we’re taking their stories along. Together. We Go.
on the cover on Derek: Men’s Moku Pae Trench Blue $120 (page 2) above on John: Men’s Kōko‘o Moonlit Ocean $80 (page 14) top right on Courtney: Women’s ‘Ohana Bright White $75 (page 28)
MEN’S
Into the Blue _
Food and the ocean are intrinsically connected. There’s a bounty waiting beneath the surface, but only for those who approach with respect and preparation. Our modern boat shoe, Moku Pae offers the support that fishermen like Derek Scherer need to succeed on the water.
M E N ’ S M O K U PA E
Made with an EVA midsole— a foam material that provides cushioning and stability.
Quick-drying mesh engineered to ventilate and support your foot.
Barnacle-inspired design and lab-tested 'Wet Grip Rubber' deliver unmatched traction. Non-marking rubber so you don’t have to worry about scuff marks.
above and opposite page:
Moku Pae Trench Blue $120
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Get Inspired at OluKai.com
Derek Scherer is a fisherman on The Dream Catcher in Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i. His passion comes from a childhood spent around the ocean.
“WHEN IT COMES TO FOOD IN HAWAI‘I, THE OCEAN IS OUR BIGGEST RESOURCE.” DEREK SCHERER
Shop Sneakers at OluKai.com
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M E N ’ S M O K U PA E Moku Pae Built for ocean adventures, our Moku Pae brings a modern approach to the traditional boat shoe. top to bottom:
Island Salt, Trench Blue, Bright White, Poi $120 featuring:
Quick-drying materials Breathable mesh with stretch tongue Non-marking ‘Wet Grip Rubber’ outsole for grip
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Shop Boat Shoes at OluKai.com
on Derek: Moku Pae Trench Blue $120
“I LOVE BEING OUT ON THE OCEAN, THE SOLITUDE, THE ADVENTURE. FISHING ALLOWS ME TO GET AWAY FROM EVERYTHING.” DEREK SCHERER
Olu = Comfort, Kai = Ocean
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“OUR FLAVORS ARE INSPIRED BY THE CANDIES WE GREW UP EATING—THINGS THAT RESONATE WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. THAT’S WHAT WE’RE TRYING TO RECREATE.”
Neale Asato is the co-founder of @AsatoFamily, an O‘ahu sherbet shop known for its nostalgic flavors. His favorite is Li Hing Lemon.
MEN’S SHOES
N E A L E A S AT O
on Neale: Mio Lī Mist Grey $130
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Free Returns & Exchanges at OluKai.com
Local Kine _
We channeled the qualities we love most about local island life when designing our sneaker collection. Easygoing. Light. Full of youthful energy. And just like a day in Hawai‘i, you never know where they’ll take you. When Neale is running around Chinatown in search of fresh ingredients for his sherbet, he laces up his breeziest pair.
top to bottom:
Mio Lī Bone $130 ONLINE EXCLUSIVE Mio Lī Pavement $130 featuring:
Super lightweight build Premium leather accents Wear it as a shoe or a slide Contoured footbed for all-day comfort
Lae‘ahi Clay $100 Lae‘ahi Pavement $100 featuring:
Crafted with a breezy mesh Wear it as a sneaker or a slide Contoured footbed for all-day comfort
Shop Shoes at OluKai.com
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‘OHANA EXCLUSIVE
The Lava Rock Collection Born from the lava fields of Hawai‘i, this standout collection is back and better than ever. Two smokeshow styles in exclusive blackout designs that you don’t want to miss. Join our ‘Ohana Program for access.
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Free Returns & Exchanges at OluKai.com
M E N ’ S L AVA R O C K C O L L E C T I O N
left to right:
Lae‘ahi Lī Black $140 ONLINE EXCLUSIVE Mio Lī Lava Rock $130 ONLINE EXCLUSIVE featuring:
Exclusive blackout colors Signature Drop-In Heel® design Contoured footbeds for unmatched support
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Mark Pomaski is the chef and owner of @MoonandTurtle in downtown Hilo. He’s focused on local ingredients and a neighborhood feel. If you visit, try the Smokey Sashimi.
M E N ’ S PA C I F C C A M O C O L L E C T I O N
“HILO IS A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE CAN STILL VIABLY FORAGE, FISH, AND HUNT. WE’RE CLOSE TO OUR FOOD HERE, SO WE DEMAND THE BEST.” CHEF MARK POMASKI
on Chef Mark: ‘Ohana Pa‘i Trench Blue / Wai Camo $75
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The Pacific Camo Collection _
The significance of wai (freshwater) on Hawai‘i Island runs deep. It connects people, sustains life, and allows for growth. In Hilo, where Chef Mark Pomaski runs his restaurant, close proximity to natural resources means everything. And while he uses wai for access to local ingredients, we used it to inspire the new artwork on our Pacific Camo Collection.
‘Ohana Pa‘i Our classic beach sandal in an exclusive new pattern. Inspired by the rivers and streams that formed ahupua‘a (land divisions) across the Hawaiian Islands. top to bottom:
Trench Blue / Wai Camo, Husk / Wai Camo, Pavement / Wai Camo $75 featuring:
Wai artwork inspired by the waters of Hawai‘i Water-resistant and quick-drying materials Non-marking rubber outsole
Lae‘ahi Pa‘i Husk / Ke Au Camo $120 featuring:
Ke Au camo artwork inspired by wild Hawai‘i Drop-In Heel® for sneaker or slide wear Durable jacquard-woven upper
Men's Pacific Camo at OluKai.com
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The co-founder of @TryCoffeeHI, TK Yamada is passionate about bringing people together over coffee. Grab a seat on the lanai if you go to his shop.
M E N ’ S L E AT H E R S A N D A L S
“WE PUT IN THE EXTRA TIME AND EFFORT TO CRAFT A GREAT PRODUCT BECAUSE EVERYONE WE WORK WITH DOES THE SAME.” T K YA M A D A on TK: ‘Ilikai Dark Wood $120 NEW STYLE
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Hear from TK at OluKai.com
Rich by Design _
Like TK Yamada sourcing and brewing the perfect cup of coffee, our leather sandals are a labor of love. Each pair passes through multiple hands, starting at our Gold-Rated tanneries and ending on your feet. In between those two points—where we stitch, etch, and stamp—something undeniably rich is crafted.
top to bottom:
Mea Ola Dark Java $120 Tuahine Toffee $100 ‘Ilikai Dark Wood $120 NEW STYLE ‘Ilikai Toffee $120 NEW STYLE Kai Po‘i Black $175 ONLINE EXCLUSIVE featuring:
Rich full-grain leather Custom laser-etched artwork Contoured footbeds for superior comfort
Leather Sandals at OluKai.com
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“THESE RESTAURANTS HAVEN’T REALLY CHANGED MUCH. THEY FEEL LIKE HOME, LIKE THEY’RE ALWAYS GOING TO BE THERE.” JOHN HOOK
John Hook (@John_Hook) is a photographer born and raised in Hawai‘i. As a true local, he always knows the best food spots in town.
on John: Kōko‘o Moonlit Ocean $80
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Kōko‘o Our new Kōko‘o sandal embodies the youthful and vibrant energy of the Islands. We designed it to shake dry in seconds, making it the ultimate in water-readiness. left to right:
Black, Dark Wood, Moonlit Ocean $80 featuring:
Soft, fully molded strap for all-day comfort ‘Wet Grip Rubber’ outsole with a kapa-inspired chevron pattern for traction on all surfaces
Shop Water-Friendly Sandals at OluKai.com
Feels Like Home _
Mom and pop shops have been a staple in Hawai‘i for generations. As unassuming as these family-owned restaurants might seem to the untrained eye, there’s no better place to grab a local delicacy. John Hook throws on his comfiest water-ready sandals before heading to Shige's Saimin Stand (pictured on left) for a post-surf meal.
top to bottom:
M E N ’ S W A T E R - F R I E N D LY S A N D A L S
Ulele Blue Depth $80 Ulele Slate Blue $80 ‘Ohana Pacifica $75 featuring:
As supportive as your favorite sneakers Water-resistant materials Smooth, contoured footbed Designed to float
HOW TO SPOT “BEST KEPT SECRETS” ACCORDING TO JOHN HOOK ① Out of the way location ② Old paint on the exterior ③ Vintage colors ④ Hand-written signs ⑤ Classic plastic menus
on John: Kōko‘o Moonlit Ocean $80
#AnywhereAloha
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‘Ilikai Dark Wood (pg. 13)
Kōko‘o Moonlit Ocean (pg. 14)
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Get Cozy at OluKai.com
Hear more from these foodies at OluKai.com
Moku Pae Trench Blue (pg. 2)
Pehuea Lī White (pg. 19)
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WOMEN’S SNEAKERS
Born and raised in Kaimukī, Cassie Louie was raised on her popo’s recipes. Lately, she’s been taking time to preserve her family’s Peruvian and Cantonese dishes on @poposcooking.
WOMEN’S
on Cassie: Pehuea Lī White $100
“I CAN’T IMAGINE NOT HAVING THESE DISHES AND FLAVORS. BY PRESERVING THEM, I’M CONNECTING TO WHERE MY FAMILY CAME FROM.” CASSIE LOUIE
on Lindsey: Kīpe‘a Heu Black $100
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Shop Women's Sneakers at OluKai.com
Comfort Food _
Comfort is everything to us. It’s even in our name (Olu = comfort). And while we continue to bring you that feeling through footwear, we know there’s nothing more comforting than food—especially those dishes that connect us to home. Cassie Louie has been finding comfort in her popo’s (grandma’s) recipes, which she’s turning into a cookbook.
Pehuea Lī Whether you’re exploring the shops lining Kaimukī or grabbing a post-surf bite, you’ll find the perfect companion in our Pehuea Lī. top to bottom:
Pehuea Lī White $100 Pehuea Lī Trench Blue $100 Pehuea Lī Tapa $100 featuring:
Breezy two-tone mesh design Drop-In Heel® for easy wear Cushioned footbed for everyday comfort
Drop-In to Comfort at OluKai.com
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Guided by Nature _
Our sneakers are inspired by the sights and textures of nature in Hawai‘i—a topic that chef Indigo Mathewson knows well. When she’s out foraging invasive species in the landscapes we love, she relies on the colors around her and the support of her OluKai to guide her.
top to bottom:
Pehuea Black $100 featuring:
WOMEN’S SHOES
Crafted with breezy mesh Wear it as a sneaker or a slide Contoured footbed for all-day comfort
Ki‘ihele ‘Ili Fox $120 ONLINE EXCLUSIVE Ki‘ihele ‘Ili Black $120 featuring:
Crafted with sustainable brushed leather Drop-In Heel® for shoe or slide wear ‘Wet Grip Rubber’ design inspired by island flora
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Shop Women‘s Shoes at OluKai.com
“COLOR GUIDES ME. IT HELPS ME IDENTIFY EACH PLANT, IF IT’S IN SEASON, AND IF IT’S PROPERLY NOURISHED. I WANT TO SEE COLOR FOR FLAVOR AND AROMATICS.”
Indigo Mathewson (@indyycook) is a private chef and forager from Honolulu, Hawai‘i.
I N D I G O M AT H E W S O N
INDY’S TIPS FOR FORAGING ① Don’t over-pick, take only what you need. ② Respect the land and ask for permission. ③ Let color guide you when it comes to identifying plants or seasonality.
on Indy: Ki‘ihele ‘Ili Fox $120 ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
Find Your Color at OluKai.com
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“IT’S NOT ALWAYS US NOURISHING THE BEES. REALLY, WE’RE RELYING ON THEM TO NOURISH US AND THE PLANET.”
Beekeeper Kailin Kim and her family started @ho.olahoney with a mission to rescue unwanted hives across Hawai‘i Island.
W O M E N ’ S E S PA D R I L L E S
KAILIN KIM
on Kailin: Kaula Pa‘a Kapa Tapa $100
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Shop Espadrilles at OluKai.com
Sweet and Supportive _
When it comes to food, one ingredient can make a world of difference. With our espadrille collection, that ingredient is the woven jute rope that gives and flexes with your step. For Kailin Kim, it’s our ecosystem’s small but mighty protectors—bees. Honey is just a sweet byproduct.
top to bottom:
Kaula ‘Olu ‘Ili Poi $120 Kaula Pa‘a Lī Tapa $100 Kaula Pa‘a Kapa Tapa $100 Kaula Pa‘a ‘Ili Tan $100 featuring:
Drop-In Heel® for easy wear Removable and washable, dual-density footbed Braided and water-resistant jute rope
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W O M E N ’ S PA C I F I C C A M O C O L L E C T I O N
Pehuea Pa‘i One of our most-loved styles in an exclusive print inspired by the natural beauty of Hawai’i. It’s the everyday beach sneaker you didn’t see coming. top to bottom:
Soft Pink Sage $100 ONLINE EXCLUSIVE featuring:
Ke Au Camo artwork inspired by wild Hawai‘i Drop-In Heel® for sneaker or slide wear Durable jacquard-woven upper
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‘Ohana Exclusives Only at OluKai.com
The Pacific Camo Collection _
We just expanded our bestselling Pacific Camo Collection to include water-friendly sandals. Designed to mimic the way light reflects off of rivers and streams, our new artwork celebrates freshwater as a source of both nourishment and adventure. Combine that with our classic sneaker print, and you won’t find a more nature-ready collection.
Nu‘a Pi‘o Inspired by the wai (freshwater) that flows across the Islands, Nu‘a Pi‘o is the camo sandal you’ve been looking for. left to right:
Black, Ash Rose, Tapa $80 ONLINE EXCLUSIVE featuring:
Custom camo artwork inspired by wild Hawai‘i Quick-drying jersey knit straps Non-marking rubber outsole
Find Your Color at OluKai.com
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Worth Indulging _
Life is better with a little decadence, like the rich leathers we use to craft our premium sandals. After a long day of food writing, Martha Cheng slides on her favorite pair and heads to the best dessert shops on O‘ahu.
W O M E N ’ S L E AT H E R S A N D A L S
Two indulgences that are definitely well-deserved.
Paniolo Lipi NEW STYLE Black $100
above on Martha: Paniolo Lipi NEW STYLE Black $100
Paniolo Natural $90
“EVERY EMOTION CAN BE CELEBRATED, SOOTHED, OR COMFORTED WITH DESSERT OR SOMETHING SWEET.” MARTHA CHENG
Martha Cheng (@marthacheng) is a freelance food writer based on O‘ahu. She views sweets and food as the language of connection.
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Finely Crafted Leather Sandals at OluKai.com
MARTHA’S TOP THREE SWEETS ORDERS IN HONOLULU ① Mochi-wrapped lychee from Fujiya ② Malasadas from Pipeline Bakeshop ③ Chichi dango from Nisshodo Candy Store
Nisshodo Candy Store (pictured above) is a Honolulu institution that's been serving traditional Japanese sweets for more than a century
on Martha: Kāpehe Luana Tapa $90
Kāpehe Luana Crafted with leisure in mind, the Kāpehe Luana features soft leather, underfoot support, and a strappy design that’s both distinct and understated. left to right:
Bubbly, Sahara, Golden Harvest, Tapa $90 featuring:
Premium full-grain leather Contoured footbed for all-day comfort Laser-etched and embossed artwork
Start Spring at OluKai.com
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Courtney Arndt (@cocosirens) is a writer and wellness retreat host in Hawai‘i. She recently released a healthy cookbook, Head Over Meals, and shared her curry recipe on our blog.
W O M E N ’ S W A T E R - F R I E N D LY S A N D A L S
“IT’S NOT ABOUT BEING PERFECT. IT’S COOKING. IT’S ABOUT HOWEVER YOU LIKE IT AND WANT TO MAKE THE DISH.” COURTNEY ARNDT
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Get Cozy at OluKai.com
with Courtney: ‘Ohana Bright White / Hua $75
Everything in Balance _
If you spend most of your days embracing a balanced, ocean-centered lifestyle like Courtney Arndt, you’ll need footwear that can play along. Our beach sandals are designed to keep you comfortable while you chase happiness, and we have a healthy assortment of styles to choose from.
top to bottom:
‘Ohana Pacifica $75 ‘Ohana Black $75 ‘Ohana Bright White / Hua $75 Ho‘ōpio Pa‘i Ash Rose $75 Ho‘ōpio Pa‘i Black $75 featuring:
Water-friendly materials Soft nylon toe posts Contoured footbed for comfort
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Mainland Office: 10 Faraday, Irvine, CA 92618
Visit Us At: OluKai Hilton Hawaiian Village: Ali‘i Tower, 2005 Kālia Road, #241 Honolulu, O‘ahu, HI 96815 OluKai Whalers Village: 2435 Kā‘anapali Pkwy. #H-5, Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761
Free Ground Shipping on orders over $125 at OluKai.com
It’s Always Slipper Season _
We craft our premium slippers with durable materials and grippy rubber soles so you can wear them all day, all year, and all around.
Every pair gives back to Hawai‘i through our Ama OluKai Foundation
left to right:
Women’s Ku‘una Soft Pink $120 Men’s Moloā Slipper Dark Wood $130
(866) 467-9694 OluKai.com Printed in the USA Find a Store Near You, Go To OluKai.com/DealerLocator
