Cultural Practitioner, Artist, Founder and Creator at Kaʻahanui Designs
All of Dean's pieces are inspired by Hawaiʻi’s beauty of the sun, the Mauna (mountains), and the ocean that surrounds our home. Each of these pieces have their own identity and personality. They call out to you, and you in turn will be drawn to them, knowing exactly which piece is right for you.
Hawaii | Polynesia | Wearable Art
Meet Dean
Dean Kaʻahanui was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. He is the youngest of 7 children, raised by two parents who were ministers of their church. From an early age, Dean was taught kuleana (responsibility) for the ʻāina (land) he lived on and lived through.
He was raised a proud kānaka maoli (Native Hawaiian) rooted deeply in the Hawaiian culture and the aloha spirit. Dean was mentored by elders of his ʻohana (family) and from within the community.
His cultural upbringing, as well as the ʻike (knowledge) from past generations, shines through in all his artwork and he hopes to perpetuate this culture through his art pieces for generations on.
Our Story
Pua Kaʻahanui was raised by her hard-working parents. A strong mother and a nurturing father raised her and her 4 younger brothers to be independent thinkers.
Her interest in dance came from growing up around her Hawaiian culture and the entertainment background of her father. She was also greatly influenced by her hanai (calabash) Marquesan family who taught her their culture of dance, costume making, sports, and way of life.
Dean and Pua met while traveling nationally and internationally in Polynesian ensembles sharing their love of Polynesian culture through song and dance. They traveled and worked together and started their lifelong relationship.
Maintaining and sharing authentic costumes, jewelry and instruments were a big part of the cultural exchange. Dean and Pua connected through their love of their culture and desire to share it with the world and are continuing to do so through Kaʻahanui Designs.
Cultural Practitioner
Dean’s journey began from his Hawaiian cultural upbringing and being introduced to his newly found Marquesas ʻohana. He was chosen by Marquesas artist Eriki Marchand in 1997, who taught him how to create unique, one of a kind art pieces that represent the unique Hawaiian and Marquesan Cultures.
Eriki was taught the art of Marquesan carving by Joseph Kimitete and was the start of the continuation of Marquesas Artisans. The art of coconut fiber making was introduced by Tahitian brother Heifara Aiamu. Through many hours of events together he eventually taught this art. He has sponsored many Cultural festivals from then till now and has been featured in art exhibits throughout the US.
Sourcing Materials
One of Dean’s signature materials are cow bone and coconut fiber (sennet) taught by his Marquesas ʻohana. It takes a lot of time and energy to find the right type of coconut, then, husking, pounding, and cleaning to get the long and thick fibers to create his twine.
Then he chooses and purchases the specific type of bones needed, then works hard boiling, cleaning, and scraping the bones. After this he lets the bones dry naturally for a couple of weeks. He also is works with many types of shells and uses a lot of Tahitian pearls, mother of pearl, and abalone shell.
Dean continues to make these wearable art and jewelry that is inspired by Marquesan artists and his own his manaʻo (thoughts.)
He loves to carve Kiʻi (Tiki’s) and all types of Polynesian drum making. He loves working with bamboo to create the Vivo/ʻOhe (Nose flute), very sacred instruments that were used in Hawaiʻi as well as Polynesia as a means of communication.
Dean rarely does commission pieces, but he will upon request. All of Dean’s works and creativity comes from inspiration he draws from his life his teachers and from nature .
Mahalo Nui Loa…
We are Dean and Pua Kaʻahanui and we would like to say mahalo to you from the bottom of our hearts for all of your love and support.
Kaʻahanui Designs has been our labor of love for over 20 years. What began as a cultural exchange between our Hawaiʻi and Marquesas ʻohana turned into our life’s passion to share our heritage in the form of wearable art that can be passed down from generation to generation.
Mahalo to all the vendors that have allowed us to share our art at shows and exhibitions and mahalo to the different media platforms that have featured Dean’s work and taken it abroad.
And most of all thank you to the friends, family, and friends who are love, wear and showcase Ka’ahanui Designs in your own lives and ‘ohana! It means so much to us that we are able to be a part of your lives!
