Shop Local: Where to Buy Hawai‘i-Designed Activewear

From Stone and Active by Teal to Love Fitness Apparel, here’s where to get stylish activewear by Hawai‘i-based and Native Hawaiian designers.

November 15, 2024

Brie Thalmann,

If you’re looking to support local by buying from Hawai‘i brands and boutiques, let our Shop Local series be your guide. We’ve scoured the Islands for everything from fitness apparel and vintage mu‘umu‘u to tropical home décor and swimwear, making it easy for you to snag amazing finds.

At one time, a Lululemon or Alo set might have been considered the ultimate in stylish activewear, even here in Hawai‘i. But lately, we’ve noticed a shift toward local designs, and we couldn’t be happier about it. Nowadays, Hawai‘i fitness brands are bringing the same great quality as their national counterparts, while offering fresh silhouettes and details inspired by life in the Islands.

Photo: Courtesy of Active by Teal

Active by Teal

For workout apparel with a fashion-forward slant check out the Active by Teal line from designer Teal Kealohi Salvador, who infuses her pieces with stylish, unexpected design elements. Her jumpsuits are especially stellar, made with twist and zip-front tops, cutouts and curvy seams around the bust.

activebyteal.com, @activebyteal

Photos: Courtesy of Ali‘i Althetics

Ali‘i Athletics

Native Hawaiian singer-songwriter Gregory Juan (he’s got four Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards under his belt) created Ali‘i Athletics in 2017 to share his love of fitness and Hawaiian culture. Scoop up graphic tees and tanks made from lightweight, moisture-wicking materials and women’s leggings and bra top compression sets.

aliiathletics.com, @aliiathletics

Benoa

North Shore label Benoa may be best known for its impeccable swimwear and breezy cover-ups, but don’t sleep on Benoa Body, its newer but equally covetable activewear range made from recycled materials. You’ll find separates, of course, but I’m partial to Benoa’s cute active rompers (they have pockets!), especially when done in the brand’s great tropical prints.

benoaswim.com, @benoabody

Photos: Courtesy of Evry Apparel Hawai‘i

Evry Apparel Hawai‘i

As the in-house label of Hilo yoga studio Evry Collective Hi, Evry Apparel Hawai‘i is tuned in to what works on and off the mat. Along with sleek zip-front jackets, one-shoulder bra tops and flared leggings with ankle slits, you’ll also find a nice accessories selection that includes crew socks, seamless undies and waist bags.

evryapparelhawaii.com, @evryapparelhawaii

The ‘Iwa Athletic Co.

Hailing from Kaua‘i, sisters Kamala and Kaila Lizama, make some of the coolest active tops around, outfitted with playful cutouts, latticed straps and removable padding. Pair them with ‘Iwa’s leggings and shorts that feature subtly chic details, such as paneled sides and V-shaped waistbands that play up your curves.

theiwacompany.com, @theiwacompany

Photos: Courtesy of Nick Smith and Kate Dolbier

Kūmana Activewear

Activism-wear is how Native Hawaiian designer Kawehi Leon Guerrero describes her line, which she created in response to the health challenges faced by the Hawaiian community. Colorways take inspiration from elements of Hawaiian culture and pieces are printed with Hawaiian proverbs that speak to Native Hawaiian rights and the protection of Hawai‘i’s land and water. Mindful of the environment, Leon Guerrero also opts for recycled fabric that wicks away moisture and offers UPF 50 protection.

kumanaactive.com, @kumanaactive

Photos: Courtesy of Le‘a Mākaha Hawai‘i

Le‘a Mākaha Hawai‘i

Yoga instructor Hitomi Hamamoto’s Le‘a Mākaha Hawai‘i line celebrates the beauty of the Islands with painterly prints and hues inspired by nature. Based in Mākaha Valley, the label’s range of leggings, bras, tanks and tees are lightweight, super stretchy and designed to allow you to move effortlessly from pose to pose.

leamakaha.com, @leamakaha_hawaii

Photos: Courtesy of Liliko‘i Wear

Liliko‘i Wear

Blending the vibrant colors and high-energy patterns of Brazil with island motifs, Liliko‘i Wear is the brainchild of husband-and-wife duo January Marie Barros and Rodrigo Barros. Designed with both an active outdoor lifestyle and environmentalism in mind, the brand’s quick-dry, sweat-wicking eco-fabrics offer UV protection and completely degrade within three years in a landfill.

lilikoiwear.com, @lilikoiwear

Photo: Courtesy of Love Fitness Apparel

Love Fitness Apparel

Helmed by husband-and-wife duo Crystal and Brandon Goode, Waipahu-based Love Fitness Apparel offers one of the most extensive selections of local fitness apparel in the Islands. Along with bra tops, leggings and bike shorts, you’ll also find cute joggers, jackets, active dresses, tanks and more. It’s also a great go-to for vibrant tropical prints.

lovefitnessapparel.com, @lovefitnessapparel

Photos: Courtesy of Manō Wear, Salt Drifter Photography

Manō Wear

Dreamt up by Hawai‘i Island surfer Linnea Roberts, Manō Wear takes elements valued in great swimsuits—soft, sustainable fabrics that dry quickly and stay put—and applies them to gymwear. Bottoms include shorts with twist-front waistbands, leggings and bootcut pants, and tops pair functional details, such as removable padding, with fun cuts and crisscrossing straps.

manowearhawaii.com, @manowear_hawaii

Photos: Courtesy of Alana Yates, ‘Ōkole by Kaimaile

‘Ōkole By Kamaile

With a name like ‘Ōkole By Kamaile, it makes sense that tropical-print booty bands were this O‘ahu’s label first release back in 2020—cross-fit gym owner Kamailelauli‘ili‘i Heide dreamt them up as a way for her clients to stay fit at home during the lockdown. Since then, the Native Hawaiian designer has expanded her accessory range to resistance bands, a bar pad and microfiber towels, and has branched out into apparel, offering everything from ruched-back leggings and bra tops to sweats and skorts.

bykamaile.com, @okolebykamaile

Photo: Courtesy of Rika, Nisha Oliver, Kenna Reed

Rika

Started by Tiana Hannemann, a yoga instructor and co-owner of Honolulu studio Yoga Room Hawai‘i, Rika’s products are ethically hand-made in Bali using recycled materials, including recycled yarn, post-consumer plastic bottles and ECONYL, a regenerated nylon made from nylon waste (fishing nets, old carpets and more). Along with high-waist shorts and leggings, nab tanks and bra tops outfitted with cute details, such as lace-up backs, cut-outs and contoured bustlines.

rikaactive.com, @rikaactive

Photos: Courtesy of Stone

Stone

Minimal but never boring, Stone’s buttery soft active sets pair simple silhouettes with the prettiest muted hues—think blush, lavender and dusty rose. I especially love that the label’s leggings and shorts feature high-rise waistbands that comfortably snatch your midsection in the most flattering way.

shopstonewear.com, @shopstonewear