Hawaiian sacred kiʻi trash tee in lehua red with white Matsui ECO ink design featuring Kiʻei and Hālō guardians
Back of lehua red trash tee showing English translation A Hawaiian Image is a Divine One in white ink
Model wearing lehua red Hawaiian sacred kiʻi trash tee showing He Kiʻi Hawaiʻi Ka Mea Akua Nō design with white Matsui ECO ink screenprint of Puʻuhonua guardians
Back view of lehua red trash tee showing English translation A Hawaiian Image is a Divine One printed below neckline on sustainable reclaimed cotton
Lehua red Hawaiian sacred kiʻi trash tee outfit styled casually showing sustainable Native Hawaiian fashion by Kekoa Creative
Hawaiian sacred kiʻi trash tee in lehua red with white Matsui ECO ink design featuring Kiʻei and Hālō guardians
Back of lehua red trash tee showing English translation A Hawaiian Image is a Divine One in white ink
Model wearing lehua red Hawaiian sacred kiʻi trash tee showing He Kiʻi Hawaiʻi Ka Mea Akua Nō design with white Matsui ECO ink screenprint of Puʻuhonua guardians
Back view of lehua red trash tee showing English translation A Hawaiian Image is a Divine One printed below neckline on sustainable reclaimed cotton
Lehua red Hawaiian sacred kiʻi trash tee outfit styled casually showing sustainable Native Hawaiian fashion by Kekoa Creative

"He Kiʻi Hawaiʻi Ka Mea Akua Nō" Trash Tee - Lehua Red - Regular Fit

$50.00

Honor the sacred kiʻi (carved images) that stand as divine guardians at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau with this powerful design. Made from 100% sustainable reclaimed waste cotton in a vibrant lehua red colorway with Matsui ECO Series white water-based screenprint.

pattern: He kiʻi hawaiʻi ka mea akua nō - A Hawaiian Image is a Divine One

fit: loose, boxy, regular

ink: white water-based ink

model: 5ʻ7”, 160lbs, wearing a size M

This meaningful design celebrates the sacred kiʻi named Kiʻei and Hālō—cloud form kinolau (physical manifestations) of the akua Kāne and Kanaloa—inviting us to look deeper and recognize the sacred in what has been trivialized.

The lehua red colorway honors the sacred lehua blossom of the ʻōhiʻa tree, beloved by Pele and deeply connected to Hawaiian ʻāina. This vibrant red echoes the life force and mana carried by these sacred kiʻi guardians.

Key Features:

  • Made from 100% reclaimed waste cotton (Trash Tee Collection)

  • Screen printed with water-based ink in white

  • Regular fit, unisex sizing

  • Lehua red colorway with white ink

  • Hand-inspected for quality

  • Designed and printed in San Francisco Bay Area

Cultural Significance - Sacred Guardians of Puʻuhonua:

The "He kiʻi hawaiʻi ka mea akua nō" trash tee honors the sacred kiʻi (carved images) that stand as guardians outside Hale o Keawe at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau on Hawaiʻi Island. These powerful figures are named after the cloud form kinolau (physical manifestations) of the akua Kāne and Kanaloa—Kiʻei and Hālō—whose names carry deep kaona (hidden meaning).

The Hawaiian phrase "He kiʻi hawaiʻi ka mea akua nō" is screenprinted on the front of this tee alongside the two kiʻi, while an English translation "A Hawaiian Image is a divine one" appears on the reverse just below the back of the neck. This design carries an important message: kiʻi are sacred, godly objects created by oceanic peoples and should be held in reverence—not reduced to party themes or bar décor, with their divine vessels misused as drinking cups.

This tee invites us to look deeper, to peer beyond surface-level appropriation and reveal the truth in things. The names Kiʻei and Hālō themselves offer another layer of kaona—both can be translated as "to peer," "to gaze out," "to look through," and "to watch." In wearing this design, you carry a call to reorient how we see and honor Hawaiian culture, encouraging others to recognize the sacred in what has been trivialized.

The lehua red colorway carries additional cultural significance, honoring the sacred lehua blossom of the ʻōhiʻa tree. In Hawaiian tradition, the lehua is beloved by Pele, goddess of volcanoes, and represents the deep connection between akua, ʻāina, and lāhui. This vibrant red echoes the life force, passion, and spiritual mana embodied by the kiʻi guardians of Puʻuhonua.

Size:

Honor the sacred kiʻi (carved images) that stand as divine guardians at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau with this powerful design. Made from 100% sustainable reclaimed waste cotton in a vibrant lehua red colorway with Matsui ECO Series white water-based screenprint.

pattern: He kiʻi hawaiʻi ka mea akua nō - A Hawaiian Image is a Divine One

fit: loose, boxy, regular

ink: white water-based ink

model: 5ʻ7”, 160lbs, wearing a size M

This meaningful design celebrates the sacred kiʻi named Kiʻei and Hālō—cloud form kinolau (physical manifestations) of the akua Kāne and Kanaloa—inviting us to look deeper and recognize the sacred in what has been trivialized.

The lehua red colorway honors the sacred lehua blossom of the ʻōhiʻa tree, beloved by Pele and deeply connected to Hawaiian ʻāina. This vibrant red echoes the life force and mana carried by these sacred kiʻi guardians.

Key Features:

  • Made from 100% reclaimed waste cotton (Trash Tee Collection)

  • Screen printed with water-based ink in white

  • Regular fit, unisex sizing

  • Lehua red colorway with white ink

  • Hand-inspected for quality

  • Designed and printed in San Francisco Bay Area

Cultural Significance - Sacred Guardians of Puʻuhonua:

The "He kiʻi hawaiʻi ka mea akua nō" trash tee honors the sacred kiʻi (carved images) that stand as guardians outside Hale o Keawe at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau on Hawaiʻi Island. These powerful figures are named after the cloud form kinolau (physical manifestations) of the akua Kāne and Kanaloa—Kiʻei and Hālō—whose names carry deep kaona (hidden meaning).

The Hawaiian phrase "He kiʻi hawaiʻi ka mea akua nō" is screenprinted on the front of this tee alongside the two kiʻi, while an English translation "A Hawaiian Image is a divine one" appears on the reverse just below the back of the neck. This design carries an important message: kiʻi are sacred, godly objects created by oceanic peoples and should be held in reverence—not reduced to party themes or bar décor, with their divine vessels misused as drinking cups.

This tee invites us to look deeper, to peer beyond surface-level appropriation and reveal the truth in things. The names Kiʻei and Hālō themselves offer another layer of kaona—both can be translated as "to peer," "to gaze out," "to look through," and "to watch." In wearing this design, you carry a call to reorient how we see and honor Hawaiian culture, encouraging others to recognize the sacred in what has been trivialized.

The lehua red colorway carries additional cultural significance, honoring the sacred lehua blossom of the ʻōhiʻa tree. In Hawaiian tradition, the lehua is beloved by Pele, goddess of volcanoes, and represents the deep connection between akua, ʻāina, and lāhui. This vibrant red echoes the life force, passion, and spiritual mana embodied by the kiʻi guardians of Puʻuhonua.

Sustainability Story:

Part of our Trash Tee Collection, this shirt transforms textile waste into meaningful cultural fashion. By choosing reclaimed waste cotton and eco-friendly Matsui ECO Series water-based inks, we're reducing environmental impact while creating clothing that protects and honors Hawaiian sacred traditions.

Eco-Friendly Features:

  • Matsui ECO Series Ink: Premium water-based screen printing ink

  • OEKO-TEX certified for textile safety

  • Free from harmful chemicals and heavy metals

  • PVC-free and phthalate-free formulation

  • Soft hand feel that won't crack or peel

  • Environmentally responsible production process

  • Superior opacity and vibrant white coverage on dark fabrics

Material Details:

Fabric: 100% reclaimed waste cotton
Weight: Medium-weight, soft hand feel
Printing: Matsui ECO Series white water-based ink
Fit: Regular fit, loose and boxy
Care: Machine wash cold, hang dry recommended
Sourced through: Everybody.World partnership

Production:

Our Trash Collection clothing is made by Everybody.World, which has been creating biodegradable fabrics from cotton waste since 2016. They support local production in Los Angeles, and all their products are made in the Americas. Their processes use less water, energy, and chemicals to minimize our carbon footprint and environmental impact.

Kekoa Creative's Trash Tee Collection aims to return to the earth, so we made this collection fully biodegradable.

Each tee is screenprinted by hand in small batches at our San Francisco Bay Area studio using Matsui ECO Series water-based inks—a premium, environmentally responsible alternative to traditional plastisol inks. Pattern placement may vary slightly, and the design will naturally soften and fade over time with wear and washing, adding to its unique character.

Sustainability & Safety Certifications:

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (Matsui ECO Series Ink): The highest level of textile safety certification, ensuring our inks are tested for over 100 harmful substances including heavy metals, formaldehyde, and pesticides. Safe for direct skin contact.

Water-Based Ink Technology: Matsui ECO Series inks are water-based, eliminating the need for harsh chemical solvents used in traditional plastisol printing. This reduces air pollution and creates a safer working environment.

Biodegradable: This product is fully biodegradable and aligns with Kekoa Creative's commitment to minimizing environmental impact through sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

Cultural Context - MAI KAHIKO MAI Series

This design is part of our MAI KAHIKO MAI (From Ancient Times) series, celebrating the continuity of Hawaiian sacred traditions and the living cultural practices that connect us to our kūpuna (ancestors). Each piece in this collection tells a story that bridges ancestral wisdom with contemporary cultural protection.

Fit & Sizing

The Trash Collection features a loose, boxy fit. Garment measurements may vary slightly due to the dye process—please refer to our size chart below for guidance.

Size Chart:

The Trash Collection features a loose boxy fit. Each garment contains a unique blend of cotton recycled fibers. Measurements are approximate and may deviate 1" due to variances in the garment dye process.

Regular Trash Tee Size Chart

Care Instructions:

  • Machine wash cold with like colors

  • Do not bleach

  • Tumble dry medium, inside out

  • To reduce energy use, hang dry in the shade

  • Avoid leaving in the sun as textile dye is sensitive to UV light

  • Water-based ink will soften naturally with washing for a vintage feel

FAQ:

Q: What does "He kiʻi hawaiʻi ka mea akua nō" mean?
A: "He kiʻi hawaiʻi ka mea akua nō" translates to "A Hawaiian image is a divine one," emphasizing that kiʻi (carved images) are sacred, godly objects created by oceanic peoples and should be held in reverence—not appropriated or trivialized.

Q: Who are Kiʻei and Hālō?
A: Kiʻei and Hālō are the names of the sacred kiʻi guardians at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau. They represent the cloud form kinolau (physical manifestations) of the akua Kāne and Kanaloa. Their names carry kaona (hidden meaning) and can be translated as "to peer," "to gaze out," "to look through," and "to watch."

Q: What is the significance of the lehua red color?
A: The lehua red colorway honors the sacred lehua blossom of the ʻōhiʻa tree, beloved by Pele and deeply connected to Hawaiian ʻāina. This vibrant red represents the life force, passion, and spiritual mana embodied by the kiʻi guardians, creating a powerful visual connection between akua, ʻāina, and lāhui.

Q: Is this tee sustainably made?
A: Yes! Made from 100% reclaimed waste cotton through our partnership with Everybody.World, preventing textile waste while supporting eco-friendly fashion. Printed with Matsui ECO Series water-based inks that are OEKO-TEX certified and free from harmful chemicals.

Q: What makes Matsui ECO Series ink special?
A: Matsui ECO Series is a premium water-based screen printing ink that's OEKO-TEX certified, PVC-free, and phthalate-free. Unlike traditional plastisol inks that contain plastics and require harsh chemical solvents, water-based inks are environmentally responsible, create a softer hand feel, and are safer for both the environment and the people wearing them.

Q: Where is Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau?
A: Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau (Place of Refuge) is a sacred site on Hawaiʻi Island where the kiʻi Kiʻei and Hālō stand as guardians outside Hale o Keawe, protecting the bones of aliʻi (chiefs).

Q: How does the white ink look on lehua red?
A: The Matsui ECO Series white ink provides excellent opacity and vibrant coverage on the lehua red fabric, creating a bold, high-contrast design that honors the sacred kiʻi while maintaining the soft, breathable feel of water-based printing.

ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Glossary:

Kiʻi: Carved image, statue; sacred representation of akua
Akua: God, deity, divine being
Kinolau: Physical manifestation or body form of a deity
Kaona: Hidden meaning, veiled reference, layered significance
Puʻuhonua: Place of refuge, sanctuary
Aliʻi: Chief, royalty, ruler
Kūpuna: Ancestors, elders
Kāne: Major Hawaiian deity, god of life and creation
Kanaloa: Major Hawaiian deity, god of the ocean
Kiʻei: "To peer," "to gaze out"; name of one guardian kiʻi
Hālō: "To look through," "to watch"; name of one guardian kiʻi
Lehua: Sacred blossom of the ʻōhiʻa tree, beloved by Pele
ʻŌhiʻa: Native Hawaiian tree, first to grow on new lava flows
Pele: Goddess of volcanoes and fire
ʻĀina: Land, earth; that which feeds
Lāhui: Nation, people, race; Hawaiian people collectively
Mana: Spiritual power, divine energy, life force

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