Hawaiian Airlines has launched a stunning new collection of uniforms for its front-line employees, designed in collaboration with renowned Hawaii-based designer Sig Zane. These Hawaii Uniforms, set to debut in late 2017, are more than just attire; they are a vibrant expression of Hawaiian culture and the airline’s commitment to its heritage. The unveiling coincides with the introduction of Hawaiian’s first A321neo long-haul aircraft, which, in keeping with tradition, will be named after indigenous plants and forests, further emphasizing the airline’s deep connection to the islands.
A Collaborative Design Rooted in Hawaiian Values
More than 5,000 Hawaiian Airlines employees, spanning roles from Airport Customer Service to Maintenance, will be outfitted in these newly designed Hawaii uniforms. The creation process was a true partnership, bringing together Affinity Apparel, the celebrated design firm Sig Zane Kaiao from Hilo, and a dedicated committee of 40 front-line Hawaiian Airlines employees. This diverse committee ensured that the uniforms not only looked exceptional but also met the practical needs of various job functions. The uniforms were publicly revealed at the airline’s “Runway to Runway” fashion show during HONOLULU Fashion Week, presented by Hawaiian Airlines at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.
In-Flight
Hawaiian Airlines In-Flight Team members showcase the new “Kū Mākou” uniform designs, reflecting a blend of cultural heritage and modern functionality.
The heart of the Hawaii uniforms design is the Kū Mākou print, meaning “Together We Stand.” This powerful theme emerged from in-depth “talk-story” sessions between Sig and Kuha’o Zane and the employee committee. Inspired by the concept of unity and shared journeys, the Zanes crafted a narrative print that deeply resonates with the employees and the spirit of Hawaiian Airlines.
“Kū Mākou embodies our unity – as a family, as a team, moving forward together,” explained Sig Zane. “It’s a privilege to join Hawaiian Airlines on this exciting new chapter, weaving a common thread throughout the company.”
Lehua and ‘Ohe Kapala: Symbols Woven into the Fabric
The Kū Mākou print intricately combines the lehua blossom and ‘ohe kapala (bamboo stamps), telling a visual story across every piece of the Hawaii uniforms. These elements are thoughtfully adapted in scale and tone for prints, linings, and woven details, ensuring a cohesive and culturally rich aesthetic throughout all uniform variations.
Avi Mannis, senior vice president of marketing at Hawaiian Airlines, emphasized the importance of cultural representation: “It was paramount that these Hawaii uniforms authentically represent Hawai‘i wherever we fly. Our dedicated committee and talented designers invested significant time and passion into this project, and we are thrilled to share this expression of Hawaiian culture with our global guests.”
In-Flight
A close-up view of the “Kū Mākou” print on Hawaiian Airlines’ new uniforms, featuring the symbolic lehua blossom and traditional ‘ohe kapala design elements.
The ‘ohe kapala, with its detailed patterns traditionally used in kapa decoration, and the lehua blossom, a native Hawaiian plant laden with cultural symbolism, form the core of the design. The color palette incorporates Hawaiian Airlines’ signature purple and the pacific blue from the previous uniforms, creating a visual bridge between the airline’s past and future.
Sig Zane elaborated on the lehua’s significance: “The lehua is truly emblematic of the Hawaiian people. It holds a prominent and powerful place in our legends, myths, and chants.”
Functionality Meets Fashion in Modern Hawaii Uniforms
Staying true to Hawaiian Airlines’ design philosophy, these Hawaii uniforms seamlessly blend cultural heritage with contemporary style and high-performance materials. Affinity Apparel collaborated closely with the employee committee to understand the demands of their roles and select materials that enhance both comfort and functionality for each uniform piece.
Marcia Hischke, vice president of product development at Affinity Apparel, stated, “We are honored to have partnered with talented designers and dedicated employees to create fashionable yet practical garments for Hawaiian’s front-line team.”
The rollout of the Hawaii uniforms will include on-the-job fit and wear testing by employees starting in January, ensuring optimal comfort and practicality before the full launch in late 2017. This launch is strategically timed to coincide with the debut of Hawaiian Airlines’ first A321neo long-haul aircraft, marking a new era for the airline and its visually striking new uniforms.
For more visuals and videos of the Kū Mākou uniform reveal, please visit HERE.
About Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines® has consistently been recognized for its punctuality, leading all U.S. carriers in on-time performance for 12 consecutive years (2004-2015) as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Prestigious consumer surveys from Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and Zagat consistently rank Hawaiian as the top domestic airline serving Hawai‘i.
Celebrating 87 years of continuous service, Hawaiian Airlines is Hawai‘i’s largest and longest-serving airline, and the leading provider of air travel from the U.S. Mainland to Hawai‘i. Offering nonstop service from more U.S. gateway cities (11) than any competitor, Hawaiian also serves destinations in Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa, and Tahiti. Within the Hawaiian Islands, the airline operates approximately 160 jet flights daily, with a total of over 200 daily flights system-wide.
Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HA). Further details can be found at HawaiianAirlines.com. Stay updated on Twitter (@HawaiianAir) and fare specials (@HawaiianFares), and join the community on Facebook (Hawaiian Airlines).
