If you’ve ever stepped into one of our Coconut Ave boutiques—whether in Waikoloa, Hilo, or Ala Moana Center—you’ve probably felt it. That warm, welcoming energy. The dreamy island aesthetic. The colors, the textures, the scents. It’s not just a shop—it’s a vibe. A love letter to Hawai‘i.
But behind every perfectly folded pareo and custom print is a story. Actually, two stories—woven together like lauhala. And we think it’s time you got to know the wāhine behind Coconut Ave.
We’re Mahealani and Kelly, Hawai‘i Island girls, moms, surfers, dreamers—and co-founders of Coconut Ave.
How Coconut Ave Began
Coconut Ave was officially launched in 2020, but the dream started long before that—on the dusty backroads of Kalapana and Glenwood, where the mango trees hang heavy, the rains come hard, and community still means something. We both grew up immersed in the beauty of Hawai‘i Island and always felt a deep connection to our home, our people, and the ocean.
Our paths were different but complementary. Mahea left home to study Graphic Design at FIDM in Los Angeles, while Kelly stayed closer to home, graduating from UH Mānoa with a degree in Communications. We both had careers and full plates. But something was missing. That creative spark. The calling to build something that felt authentic to who we are—and what we love.
In 2020, just as the world was turning upside down during the pandemic, we decided to finally take the leap. We launched our very first Coconut Ave swimwear collection during COVID—despite every reason not to. No storefront, no guarantees—just a whole lot of hustle and heart.
We started small—pop-up events, handmade racks, and late nights packing orders from our living rooms. But the response was immediate. People felt what we were building. They connected with the textures, the stories, and the prints. After hearing “Where’s your store?” so many times, we finally looked at each other and said, “Let’s build one.”
The First Coconut Ave Boutique
In March 2023, we opened the doors to our very first Coconut Ave boutique in Waikoloa. We were emotional that day. Not just because it was beautiful (and it was), but because it felt like home. It was the culmination of years of dreaming, designing, and doing the work. It was also proof that even in the middle of chaos, creation is still possible.
Later that year, we opened our second boutique in historic downtown Hilo—just miles from where we grew up. It was emotional, grounding, and full circle. We filled the shop with local brands, handmade goods, and exclusive prints that tell stories of home. Every piece on the shelf is carefully selected, and every vendor we partner with shares our mission of celebrating Hawai‘i's creative spirit.
In 2024, we made our way to O‘ahu and opened at Ala Moana Center. It was a big move, and we were nervous. But we knew the magic would travel with us—because it’s never been about the location; it’s about the intention behind what we create.
Meet the Founders
Mahealani is our resident creative powerhouse. Born and raised in Kalapana, she brings the spirit of her hometown—resilient, raw, and radiant—into everything she touches. With her background in graphic design, Mahea is the creative eye behind our exclusive prints, swimwear silhouettes, and boutique layouts. She leads our brand development, buying, and merchandising, and has a sixth sense for what’s going to fly off the shelves (seriously—don’t question her instincts).
Outside of work, Mahea is a canoe paddler, surfer, and traveler. Her heart is fullest when she’s on the water, in the sunshine, or spending time with her family. She balances motherhood and entrepreneurship with grace—and never forgets to have fun along the way.
Kelly was raised in Glenwood, deep in the rainforest of East Hawai‘i. She earned a degree in Communications from UH Mānoa and has a long history in fashion and boutique ownership. Today, she leads our marketing, HR, and team development, while making sure everything is running (mostly) smoothly behind the scenes.
Kelly lives off-grid with her husband Shawn and their daughter Paisley on their solar-powered farmstead along the Hamakua Coast. Their days are filled with muddy boots, fresh eggs, garden bounty, baby laughter, and surfing whenever they can. It’s a busy, beautiful, back-to-basics kind of life—and it inspires the pace and purpose behind the way we run our business.
Why We Built Coconut Ave
Coconut Ave isn’t just a brand. It’s a space. A space for locals and visitors to feel seen, feel inspired, and find pieces that reflect who they are. From our buttery-soft swimwear to our one-of-a-kind home goods, we curate with meaning. We prioritize quality, longevity, and intentional design over mass production. We work with Hawai‘i-owned brands and international makers who reflect our values, and we’re always thinking about how we can support the community around us.
For us, fashion is just one part of the story. Connection is the bigger picture.
We want to give our team a place they’re proud to work. We want our customers to have a place where they can hang out, talk story, and return to again and again. Most of all, we hope to give our daughters an example of how to build something beautiful, meaningful, and rooted in culture.
What Makes Coconut Ave Different
What sets us apart? It’s not just the colors, the prints, or the way the light hits the dressing rooms (though that helps). It’s the feeling. The feeling of walking in and taking a deep breath. The way our customers light up when they find the dress. The way aunties, surfers, stylists, and travelers all seem to find something they love here.
We don’t believe in trends for the sake of trends. We believe in island wear that works for your real life—whether you're headed to the beach, a baby shower, or brunch in town. Effortless, comfortable, thoughtful pieces you’ll reach for again and again.
Looking Ahead
We’re just getting started. With three boutiques open and more endeavors in the works, we’re excited to keep growing in a way that stays true to our roots. We have new prints in the pipeline, new collaborations in the works, and so many more stories to tell.
But through it all, our mission remains the same: to celebrate the essence of island living with intention, creativity, and heart.
So, if you’ve ever shopped with us, shared our story, worn our pieces, or simply stopped in to say hi—mahalo. You’re part of our story, and we’re grateful to have you with us on this journey.
And if you’re new here—welcome to the ave.
Come visit us in Waikoloa, Hilo, or Ala Moana Center. Try on the dress. Smell the candles. Say aloha to our team. Take a moment for yourself.
We can’t wait to meet you.
With aloha,
Mahea & Kelly
Coconut Ave – Island Lifestyle Boutique