For all of us, shoes are what connect us to the earth. That's kind of a big deal when you think about it.
In Hawai'i, footwear is even more than that. Slippers, sandals, flip-flops, or whatever you choose to call them are ever-present in our daily lives. No matter the weather or the occasion ― rain or shine, formal or casual ― slippers are part of our communal identity on the islands.
(Back row: Erwin, Alden, Kiani and Napua
Front row: Rachel, Nicole, Carleen and Shay at Kaka'ako Waterfront Park June 2023)
Community is precisely what brought our family, the Wongs, to Kaka'ako Kasuals when we were looking for a place to grow, connect, and deepen our generations-long ties to Hawai'i.
(Shay, Kiani & Nicole Wong at the "Like a Girl" Street Festival on 3/7/20)
The company's founders, Mich and Dorothy Aach, are longtime family friends. We grew up admiring their commitment as they tended their business through hard times and flush times, cultivating the goodwill and relationships that allowed their beloved company to thrive for more than 30 years.
And when it came time for them to pass their business on to the next generation, we were honored to step into their (chic yet comfortable) shoes.
Footwear that stays true to the spirit of Hawai'i (and that feels great on your feet!)
Like the Aachs before us, we delight in bringing you footwear that is playful and fun, Hawai'i-inspired, and a comfortable companion on whatever path you’ve chosen to walk.
Our artists and designers are local people who are passionate about our products. Together, we infuse every pair of slippers with the life-affirming energy and creativity that represent the best of Hawai'i.
*Kaka'ako photos courtesy of Mark Ramelb