Mahalo for Voting Us Honolulu's Best Local Brand for Kids

Aloha ʻOhana,

I am so honored. We found out we won the "Best Local Brand for Kids Clothes" in Honolulu Family Magazine's 2025 Readers' Choice Awards - and this incredible honor is ALL because of YOU.

When I started The Keiki Dept in 2016, it began with a simple mission: to connect keiki to Hawaiian culture through clothing. I never imagined that nearly a decade later, we'd be honored again as Honolulu's best local brand for kids, chosen by families who believe in  supporting local businesses made with aloha.

Over the years we've been on a mission to connect keiki to Hawaiian culture through clothing. Each piece teaches about our islands' native plants and animals, making every day a chance to learn about our ʻāina.

Every piece we create is a learning opportunity. Our prints feature native Hawaiian plants and animals, teaching keiki about our islands while they play and grow. From wrapping your keiki in our swaddles to dressing them in our clothing, we create pieces that connect your ʻohana to our islands' stories. Thoughtfully designed to become part of your cherished family memories.

Whether it's our Kapa Moe swaddles, clothes or bags, each piece is created with intention - to spark conversations about our islands' natural world and inspire the next generation to protect our island home.

This recognition means even more because it allows us to continue giving back to our community. With every online purchase, we donate to Ulu Aʻe. Their mission is to empower and enrich lives through culture and place-based programs that develop skills, build confidence and promote healthy relationships based on Hawaiian values and customs.

When you choose The Keiki Dept, you're not just getting authentic Hawaiian pieces - you're supporting local families and helping us give back to organizations that uplift keiki right here in our community.

We're creating a future where keiki feel connected to Hawaiian culture and inspired to protect our island home. When you choose The Keiki Dept, you're choosing education and quality that makes a difference.

This award belongs to every ʻohana who voted for us, every customer who has shared our story, and every keiki who has worn our pieces with pride. We are honored to be in the same room as other incredible local brands (including Coco Moon Hawaii who was the finalist along side us!) - this truly shows the power of our amazing community.

From the bottom of my heart, mahalo nui loa for this recognition. It validates everything we've worked toward - creating authentic Hawaiian clothing that connects families to our culture while supporting our island community.

Here's to continuing this journey together, one keiki at a time.

Me ke aloha,

Leilani & The Keiki Dept ʻOhana