Shop Local: Where to Buy Hawai‘i-Designed Golf Apparel
From O‘ahu Golf Apparel and Salvage Public to Fighting Eel, here’s where to get cool men’s and women’s golf apparel by Hawai‘i brands.
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.
Golf is one of Hawai‘i’s most popular pastimes—O‘ahu alone boasts 40-plus courses and hosts the PGA Tour’s annual Sony Open tournament and the LPGA’s Lotte Championship—so it makes sense that local designers take a swing at apparel and accessories for the green. What earns our brands top scores are fantastic Hawai‘i-inspired prints and hues, plus fabrics made to keep you cool and comfy while playing under the blazing Hawaiian sun.
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Photos: Courtesy of Fighting Eel
Fighting Eel
Who: Honolulu designer Lan Chung, who helms one of the Islands’ most popular womenswear labels.
What: Chung is giving activewear the Fighting Eel treatment—that means Dry-Fit polos for men, women and keiki featuring cheery hues and the brand’s signature lei, flower and fish prints.
Photos: Courtesy of Five Birdies
Five Birdies
Who: Honolulu-based brand Five Birdies specializes in golf shirts made from a UPF 50+ fabric with temperature regulating properties that keep them cool even as body temperatures rise.
What: The men’s offering includes polos and button-downs, while women can tee off in traditional polos and zip-neck versions that can also be worn as mock-necks. Look for statement-making prints inspired by the Islands, including pineapples, honu and orchids.
Hawai‘i’s Finest Clothing
Who: This Moloka‘i-born label founded by Paulele Alcon started out with graphic tees but has since branched out to men’s and women’s ready-to-wear—including a nice golf collection—and now boasts four O‘ahu storefronts.
What: Snag breathable micro-mesh polo shirts for women, men and keiki in fun prints inspired by elements of life in Hawai‘i, such as lau hala, lei and the Hawaiian flag. Rain jackets, performance shorts and Dri-fit long-sleeve tees are also available. The golf collection even includes putter grips, tees, ball markers and golf balls.
hifinest.com, @hawaiisfinestclothing
Ka‘imiokekai
Who: A favorite of local comic Tumua Tuinei and newsman Steve Uyehara, O‘ahu label Ka‘imiokekai is known for Dri-Fit fashions with sharp prints that stand out without being over the top.
What: Shop men’s, women’s and keiki Dri-Fit polos and rain jackets. We’re fans of the line-drawing style graphics that grace the brand’s pieces and feature local motifs, such as ti leaf, puakenikeni and puka shells.
kaimiokekai.com, @kaimiokekai15
Photos: Courtesy of Kolekolea, Luke Tyler
Kolekolea
Who: This O‘ahu label first caught our attention with its adorable keiki apparel and swaddles featuring prints inspired by native and culturally significant plants. Now, those same great motifs—such as the ‘ilima and kalo featured in Kolekolea’s latest collection—grace its adult fashions, which include breezy golf shirts.
What: Hit the links in polos made with a soft moisture-wicking fabric that offers UPF 50 protection. Sizes range from adult small to 3XL and keiki sizes 2T to 10.
kolekolea.com, @kolekolea, Kolokolea’s website is slated to re-open for shopping at the end of November/beginning of December. Until then follow the label on Instagram for news of in-person pop-ups—it will appear next at Pualu Hawai‘i’s Waimea Kalikimaka Mākeke on Dec. 7.
Photos: Courtesy of O‘ahu Golf Apparel
O‘ahu Golf Apparel
Who: Increasing inclusivity in the golf world was what spurred founder Tim Hazelgrove to create O‘ahu Golf Apparel, which is why you’ll see a diverse group of models featured in the brand’s ad campaigns and sizing that runs from XS to 6X.
What: Scoop up short-sleeve and long-sleeve polo shirts for men, women and keiki featuring eye-catching Hawai‘i-inspired motifs, such as tiare, ‘ōhi‘a lehua and wana. The label also offers unisex graphic-print tees, lightweight nylon active shorts, pullover hooded windbreakers and embroidered snapback caps outfitted with moisture-wicking bands.
oahugolfapparel.com, @oahugolfapparel
Photos: Courtesy of Salvage Public
Salvage Public
Who: Native Hawaiian-owned brand Salvage Public is already a favorite of ours for its stellar sportswear—think tees and ready-to-wear pieces that blend modern aesthetics and smart details with motifs inspired by Hawaiian culture—so it’s no surprise that its golf apparel follows suit.
What: Kolepa, Salvage Public’s golf line, was designed as Japan-exclusive, but U.S. shoppers can now purchase select pieces online. Water-repellent jackets and pants come with removable sleeves and adjustable pant legs. Hoodies are lined with cozy fleece and long-sleeve pullovers feature hidden shoulder pockets and drawstring hems.
salvagepublic.com, @salvagepublic
Photos: Courtesy of Sugar Caddy/Aloha de Mele/Serulatta Studios
Sugar Caddy
Who: Golf buddies Ian Pantorilla and Branden Agbunag, who craved shirts that were vibrant, high-quality and affordable, dreamt up Sugar Caddy during the pandemic. Women’s polos are around $49, and men’s polos are around $59.
What: Dri-Fit polos for men, women and keiki featuring bold original patterns—we’re partial to the Aloha de Mele collab pieces (above). You’ll also find long-sleeve UPF+ hoodies featuring a fun rainbow pattern inspired by Colt Brennan, the late UH Mānoa quarterback.
sugarcaddyhi.com, @sugarcaddy_hi
Photos: Courtesy of Tori Richard
Tori Richard
Who: Dressing locals since the 1950s, Honolulu label Tori Richard is an Island favorite for its polished resortwear for women and men.
What: The brand’s Tradewind Technology collections for men, women and keiki comprise products made with a quick-drying Nylon and spandex-jersey blend fabric that offers stretch, moisture wicking and UPF 50. What’s nice is that the collections are fairly extensive: Along with polo shirts, they also includes short-sleeve and long-sleeve button-downs that can easily double as aloha shirts, boardshorts, sundresses, rompers and more.
Photos: Courtesy of Wahine Movement
Wahine Movement
Who: Designer Florencia Aria, who formerly had a womenswear line and boutique in Chinatown, got into the golfwear game this year with new label Wahine Movement.
What: Score women’s cropped tanks, shorts, skorts and dresses cut from a soft poly-spandex fabric that offers UV protection. The line’s debut collection features a simple-yet-striking abstract leaf pattern.
wahinemovement.com, @florenciaarias
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