Kapa Mag Hawaii
More than a magazine...
About Kapa Magazine Hawaiʻi (2025)
Kapa Magazine Hawaiʻi is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and professional creative platform rooted in fashion, performance, community, and education. Youth-driven and values-based, Kapa was founded to support Hawaiʻi’s emerging creatives, especially those seeking their first step into the professional world.
Why Kapa?
Kapa is a tribute—not to claim—but to honor. Inspired by the strength and legacy of Hawaiian barkcloth weaving, the name represents layers, process, and story. Just as kapa was crafted with intention and identity, our work supports youth and creatives as they layer their skills, shape their voices, and weave their futures. We focus on being rooted in respect—building a modern space for fashion, performance, and purpose to thrive together.
Why a Magazine?
In a digital world, print is rare—but that’s what makes it powerful. The Kapa magazine is more than paper; it’s proof. It’s seeing yourself, in full color, on a real page—a moment to pause, to be proud, and to be remembered. While our youth scroll, swipe, and post, this tangible piece says: you were here, and you matter. It’s for the classrooms, care homes, coffee tables, and archives that tell the story of this generation of creatives.
In 2025, our work continues to evolve through three guiding pillars:
Community Advocates
We believe in collective growth and care. From storytelling in The Franc Show, to healing acts of service through Mālama Moments, and joy-filled gatherings like the WE, our community programs are built on belonging, inclusion, and intergenerational connection. Whether we’re publishing Kapa Hard Copy or building confidence through The Kapa Closet, we center people first—on every island we serve.
Fashion Amalgamators
We approach fashion as identity in motion. Programs like Hawaiʻi on the Runway (HoTR) and An Intimate Afternoon Avec… spotlight emerging designers, youth stylists, and models of all ages. Our Peace Day fashion festival, The WE and runway segments in Class Is in Session, Kapa's BTS show in August, reminds us that style is more than what you wear—it’s how you move through the world. Through HMT Mx, our management and mentorship track, we support talent ready to take it to the next level.
Altruistic Educators
At Kapa, education is alive with values, voice, and vision. Koʻu ʻOihana Pono'i teaches "the business of me," helping students step into their power with confidence. We build leaders who are rooted in culture and ready for the future—on the runway and beyond.
Whether in a care home or on a catwalk, behind the camera or in the classroom, Kapa makes space for young talent to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
Inspired by the Hawaiian cloth kapa— layered, meaningful, and handmade—
Kapa Mag is more than a magazine.
It’s a platform, a training ground, and a movement.
Our printed pages give youth something tangible to hold onto: a visual legacy that says you matter.
HELP US KEEP CREATIVE COSTS AFFORDABLE
Creatives have long been called “starving artists!”
Kapa Mag exists to change that narrative in Hawaiʻi by committing to offering a true stepping stone for designers, models, actors, musicians, and small business owners through affordable classes, mentorship, and real-world opportunities.
Our biannual magazine provides a platform for these emerging talents to be seen, honored, and remembered—on the page and beyond.
You can be part of their story.
Support a student for a season or a full year.
Sponsor a class, a program, or one of our live showcases.
Intern with us.
Donate resources or time.
Every contribution helps bring Hawaiʻi’s creative youth one step closer to the stages, studios, and futures they deserve—with your support and with the full support of our team behind them.