Meet Kanani Mokiao-Lee | Fashion Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kanani Mokiao-Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kanani, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The success of SEWHI KINIS comes from staying rooted in Hawai’i is and is why it was created—to offer swimwear that makes real people feel confident, seen, and beautiful in their own skin. From day one, I knew this brand had to reflect more than just fashion. It had to reflect intention, culture, and care.

Every bikini is handmade in Hawai‘i, and designed with inclusivity, functionality, and style in mind. What sets SEWHI apart is that it’s personal—born from a dream and nurtured by love for Hawai‘i and the people who live here.

It’s not just about the bikini—it’s about the story behind it, the person wearing it, and the confidence they gain when they put it on. That’s what keeps us going. That’s our success.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career has been a journey of blending passion, purpose, and perseverance. As a mom, grandma, wife, and designer, I’ve worn many hats—and each one has shaped the way I approach SEWHI KINIS. I started this brand in 2019 with my husband, right here in Windward Oʻahu, out of a deep love for Hawaiʻi and a shared vision to create swimwear that’s not only stylish, but functional and made for real bodies.

What sets SEWHI apart is that everything is made by hand, with love. I design and sew each piece myself. Our bikinis are custom, reversible, and created to make women feel confident and seen—because I know firsthand how hard it can be to find something that fits, flatters, and feels right. I put my whole heart into every stitch.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I launched just before the pandemic, which challenged me emotionally and financially. There were days I wanted to quit. But I pushed through by staying connected to my purpose, leaning on my ʻohana, and remembering why I started: to make swimwear that empowers women, celebrates Hawaiian culture, and gives back to the place that raised me.

One of my proudest accomplishments has been showcasing SEWHI on national runways like Miami Swim Week—not just once, but year after year. That little brand from Oʻahu, built on faith and hustle, now walks alongside some of the biggest names in the industry.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Stay authentic. When your heart is in the right place, your work will speak for itself. I want the world to know that SEWHI KINIS isn’t just a brand—it’s a lifestyle, a message of body positivity, and a tribute to Hawaiʻi. We’re here to help women feel good in their own skin, one bikini at a time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Honestly, that’s a tough one—because living in Hawaiʻi, there’s beauty and mana everywhere you turn. There’s no perfect itinerary or checklist I could give. The best way to understand it is to come here and feel it for yourself.

From the ʻāina (land) to the people, the food, the ocean, and the culture—Hawaiʻi isn’t just a place you visit, it’s something you experience with your whole heart.

So my advice? Pack light, come with aloha, and let Hawaiʻi show you what she wants you to see. 💛

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a huge shoutout to all the models who have ever worn and represented SEWHI KINIS—whether it was on the runway, in a photoshoot, or just rocking it with confidence. You’ve brought life to my designs and helped share the heart of my brand with the world.

I also want to thank all the videographers and photographers I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years. Your creativity, skill, and support have helped boost SEWHI and uplift me personally through every stage of this journey.

Every photo, every walk, every moment captured has meant something. Mahalo for being part of the SEWHI story.

Website: https://sewhikinis.myshopify.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sewhi_kinis/

Youtube: @sewhikinisbysolidifhibrand

Image Credits
Alfy Pamatigan – Alfyz_angle
Joel Nakai – Jfxmedia