We’re so excited to share that Coconut Ave will be participating in the 4th Annual UH Mānoa Makers’ Market, happening on Wednesday, August 6th from 6–9 p.m. at the beautiful Royal Hawaiian Hotel — yes, that dreamy pink hotel right on the sand in Waikīkī! 🌺🌴✨
This one is especially close to our hearts because it brings things full circle for our co-founder, Kelly Pila, who is a proud UH Mānoa alum — class of 2019!
You might know Kelly now as one-half of the team behind Coconut Ave, but her path to fashion entrepreneurship has been anything but linear. We thought this would be the perfect time to share a little more of her story, especially as we head into an event that celebrates not just local makers, but the journeys, lessons, and experiences that shape their work.
An Island Girl with Big Dreams
Kelly was born and raised on the East side of Hawaiʻi Island, in the rainy little town of Hilo. Growing up surrounded by natural beauty and a strong community, she found herself drawn to creativity at an early age. As a young girl, she spent hours sketching outfit designs and learning to sew, thanks to the kind of programs that make small-town life so rich—like summer fun workshops and, of course, her mom.
Yup, you read that right—Kelly’s mom was also a local designer and boutique owner. So in a way, this whole fashion thing? It’s in the blood. Watching her mom run a creative business planted the seeds of what would one day become Coconut Ave. But before that could happen, there were a lot of adventures (and a few detours) to take.
Fashion School Dreams & The Road Less Traveled
Originally, Kelly had her sights set on Parsons School of Design in New York City. She wanted to study fashion in the heart of it all—bright lights, runways, the works. But life had other plans. Instead of heading straight into school, she did something many of us dream about: she traveled the world.
She surfed. She explored. She lived the beach bum life, chasing waves and chasing freedom. Those years weren’t about building a business—they were about soaking in life, learning from the world, and living fully. It’s funny how those seasons—ones that seem the most unstructured—often teach us the most.
Eventually, she found herself working in film production, a field that challenged her creativity in new ways. But with the long hours (hello, 12+ hour days!) and the fast pace of the industry, her artistic side took a bit of a backseat.
Still, that creative fire never really left.
A Return to Creativity (and the Classroom)
After a few years grinding behind the scenes in film, Kelly had a realization: she missed creating. She missed designing. She wanted to get back to the roots of what lit her up inside—sketching, sewing, and building something of her own.
So she did what any determined wahine would do: she saved her money, made a plan, and started putting the pieces together for her own business.
But just when things were starting to move, something else called to her—something she had put on hold for over a decade: finishing college.
She made the bold choice to pause her business ambitions and return to school full-time. (Cue the jokes about being a “geriatric student”—Kelly’s words, not ours! 😆 But hey, you’re never too old to start something new.)
She knocked out her prereqs at Kapiʻolani Community College, then transferred to UH Mānoa, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications in 2019.
Going back to school was a major turning point. Not only did it give her a new set of tools and skills, it gave her the confidence to dream bigger—and the community to support her in doing just that.
The Coconut Ave Origin Story
After graduation, Kelly began working at the State of Hawaiʻi Film Office, helping to support productions across the islands. Around the same time, she and her childhood friend, Mahea, started talking seriously about their shared dream: launching an island lifestyle brand that reflected their roots, their style, and their love for coastal living.
That dream became Coconut Ave.
They worked on the brand behind the scenes while Kelly continued her job with the state. And then... 2020 happened.
Like so many others, COVID-19 forced Kelly to leave Honolulu and return home to Hilo, where she continued working remotely for the Film Office. But the extra time at home, paired with the uncertainty of the world, made one thing clear: if there was ever a time to take a leap and build something of their own, this was it.
And so, in the winter of 2020, Coconut Ave launched—a small but mighty brand born out of a global pandemic, a ton of late-night design sessions, and a deep love for Hawaiʻi.
UH Mānoa: More Than a Degree
We often say that Coconut Ave is built on community—and that includes the incredible support system Kelly found at UH Mānoa.
Going back to school wasn’t just about earning a degree. It was about stepping into a new season of growth. It was about surrounding herself with professors who believed in her, classmates who inspired her, and a campus that gave her space to dream again.
“The tools I gained through my education at UH Mānoa helped shape how we built Coconut Ave,” Kelly says. “From Marketing, to communication strategy, to understanding how to build something with integrity—it all fed directly into our business.”
The Makers’ Market is a celebration of that journey. It’s not just about what’s on the racks or tables—it’s about the stories behind them. The paths that led each alum to take a leap, start something new, and pour their heart into their craft.
What You’ll Find at Our Booth 🌞🌴
At the UH Mānoa Makers’ Market, we’ll be bringing a curated selection of some of our favorite Coconut Ave pieces—perfect for that late-summer wardrobe refresh. Think:
👗 Light, breathable island wear
👙 Swim styles for those endless summer days
👜 Thoughtfully chosen accessories
🎁 Unique gifts
Whether you're coming to shop, meet local makers, or just hang out in one of Waikīkī's most iconic hotels, we’d love to see you there and talk story.
Come Say Aloha
Being part of this event is more than just a market for us—it’s a reflection of the journey we’ve been on. From childhood dreams to sketchpads in Hilo, from late nights at UH Mānoa to launching a brand in the middle of a pandemic… this moment feels extra special.
So if you're in the area, come say hi. Bring a friend. Shop small. Support alumni-owned businesses. And celebrate all the beautiful, winding paths that brought us here.
Wednesday, August 6th
6–9 p.m.
Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Waikīkī
Let’s make it a night to remember.
With aloha,
Kelly & the Coconut Ave ʻOhana 🌺