My Grandfather's Story
Honu Wear is more than just a brand—it’s a tribute to a legacy of resilience, love, and perseverance. Our journey begins with my grandfather, a man of quiet strength and unwavering determination.
He immigrated from Japan in search of a better life, first settling in Hawai‘i, where he embraced the island’s warmth, culture, and deep sense of ‘ohana. But his journey didn’t end there. He later continued to the mainland United States, determined to build a future for his family.
Shortly after, World War II changed everything. His family was displaced from their home and sent to an internment camp. Eventually, they were moved to Topaz, Utah, where they faced many challenges and uncertainties. Through it all, he made a selfless choice—to serve the country he was proud to call home. He fought for the United States, not out of obligation, but out of gratitude for the opportunities it had given him.
The values he carried—humility, resilience, perseverance, kindness (lokomaika‘i), love, and care—became the foundation of his life. They are also the foundation of Honu Wear.
We created Honu Wear to honor his legacy and the enduring spirit of Hawai‘i. The Honu, or sea turtle, symbolizes longevity, protection, and the unwavering journey home—just like his. Through our clothing, we hope to share his values and inspire others to move forward with strength, kindness, and love.
Every piece we create is a reflection of his story and the deep-rooted spirit of ‘ohana. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
The Journey of Honu
In 2022, I made a life-changing decision. After 14 years as a teacher and administrator, I stepped away from education to focus on what mattered most—family. My wife encouraged me to leave my career so we could spend more time together, and while we never expected that starting our own business would be so demanding, it has given us the opportunity to create incredible experiences with our children.
After leaving education, I worked as a personal trainer for a short time. I watched clients walk into the gym wearing shorts that cost over $100, and it just didn’t sit right with me. Growing up, my parents worked incredibly hard to provide for me, and while I was fortunate to have a lot, we never had the expensive name-brand items. That perspective stuck with me.
Spending time with my grandfather also shaped who I am today. He taught me the value of hard work, kindness, and the importance of family—values that are the very foundation of Honu Wear.
We’ve been growing quickly as a brand, but one thing will never change: our commitment to providing premium products without the premium price tag. Honu Wear isn’t just about clothing—it’s about honoring our roots, embracing the spirit of ohana, and making high-quality apparel accessible to everyone.
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