Shaka Time Brand History
Our Roots 💫
Living the Journey, Sharing the Spirit - History of Shaka Time🌺
It all started with a wave - the kind you surf, and the kind you share with a smile.
In the late 1980s, on the sandy shores of Maui, the name Shaka Time was born, inspired by Hawaii’s easygoing, joyful spirit. In 1991, Shaka Time became official in Hawaii, and by 1999, we launched our first online store. Our mission was simple and heartfelt: share made-in-Hawaii clothing with the world.
We began small, just a few Hawaiian shirts from a local manufacturer. Orders were rare at first, but with one of the most advanced websites of its time (yes, we had product photos, online payments, and even early SEO), things started to change. Soon we were shipping daily from a 300-square-foot studio, making post office runs with arms full of Aloha wear, and adding faster shipping options for our growing ohana of customers.
By 2005, our collection had expanded to include more prints, styles, and accessories, and even unique finds, such as long-sleeved Hawaiian shirts. In 2008, we opened our flagship store at the Iwilei Center in Honolulu - starting small but quickly growing into a vibrant space filled with family-matching Hawaiian outfits, island-inspired accessories, and original designs that you won’t find anywhere else.
Today's Waves 🌊
Today, Shaka Time is more than a store; it’s a piece of Hawaii you can wear, wherever you are. From our Honolulu flagship store to our global online shop, we’re a go-to destination for authentic Aloha wear for men, women, children, and infants.
We believe island style is for everyone, with sizes from newborn to plus. Every piece is chosen with comfort, quality, and authenticity in mind: breathable cotton for sunny afternoons, soft rayon that drapes beautifully, and blends that keep their shape while keeping you cool.
Every print tells a story: hibiscus blooms, swaying palms, rolling ocean waves, and sunsets that feel endless. Many are inspired by the people, places, and traditions we see every day here in Hawaii. And because sharing Aloha is better together, we offer matching family outfits for luaus, weddings, vacations, family photos, and those just-because moments.
Our women’s collection is especially loved - from flowing maxi dresses to chic shorter cuts, making our Women's Hawaiian Dresses perfect for beach weddings, tropical vacations, and summer celebrations anywhere in the world.
For us, clothing is more than fabric and print; it’s about connection. Our customers tell us our apparel turns moments into memories: a couple’s anniversary trip to Maui, a baby’s first beach day, a once-in-a-lifetime family vacation to Hawaii. Whether you shop in person or online from thousands of miles away, we want you to feel like you’re here in the islands.
On the Horizon 🌅
The future of Shaka Time is all about sharing more Aloha with more people. That means fresh designs blending timeless Hawaiian patterns with modern fits you can wear from a Waikiki beach to a dinner out in your hometown.
Our online store is evolving too, with richer product photos, virtual styling suggestions, and exclusive online collections. We’re also creating more than clothing - expect cultural stories, seasonal Hawaiian fashion tips, and behind-the-scenes island inspiration.
Most importantly, we’re staying true to the values born on that Maui beach decades ago: warmth, community, and living life at a relaxed, joyful pace.
Because wherever you are in the world, a Shaka Time shirt isn’t just clothing - it’s a reminder to slow down, smile, and live with Aloha 🤙