Aloha, my name is Dani Lei. I was born and raised in Waimānalo, HI. After losing my 22-year-old son, Jack Ku'ukeikihiwahiwa, in 2018, I fell into a deep depression. I sat in this space for a long time until I reconnected with my art. I found the only thing that helped me was art. Whether it was sketching, watercolor or acrylic, as long as I was creating something, I was ok. Despite the inquiries and offers, I never wanted to sell my art because of the grief I poured into it. I didn't want anyone to bring that heaviness into their space. After years of "getting through" the waves of grief, I started to create pieces and gifting them to family and friends. Seeing the joy my art brought to them, and not the heaviness I thought it would, I decided to explore the idea of putting my art on apparel and home goods. After spending a good deal of time educating myself on the sublimation and vinyl process, I created designs and put them on t-shirts, hats, cups, tumblers and stickers. I now knew I was capable, the next step was creating a brand name. After talking to a dear friend, she came up with the name Hānau Hou. It means reborn, born again or second life. This entire process, from beginning to end, helped me find life after losing my son. This is how Hānau Hou was born. It has been a little over a year since I sold my first piece. Everything I create, I create from a space of aloha. A space where I hold every smile, laugh and hug given to me by my son. I hope you find something you love.

Mahalo piha for your kākoʻo!

Me Ke Aloha, Dani Lei