HŌ‘AWA & THE ‘ALALĀ ALOHA SHIRT

The Hawaiian crow, ‘Alalā (Corvus hawaiiensis), is a critically endangered endemic bird no longer found in the wild. They were once common throughout the Hawaiian islands. Highly intelligent and vocal, they are named after their vocalization that sounds like the cry of a child.

 ‘Alalā was an important seed disperser of Hō‘awa (Pittosporum sp.), a beautiful native shrub with tiny clusters of creamy-white flowers, small orange fruit pods that split open to reveal jet-black seeds inside. Lacking this important seed dispersing bird, several species of Hō'awa have become endangered themselves.

 The ‘Alalā Project is a partnership between several organizations which seek to bring these birds back to the wild through a captive breeding program. A portion of the proceeds from this print will go to one of the organizations involved in this program, the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project, which houses many of these birds.

 “Hawaiian forests are family; there is a shared ancestry among the people, plants, animals, and landscapes, including species like the ‘Alalā. By returning the ‘Alalā to the wild, we are welcoming home a family member that has been away for a long time and fulfilling our reciprocal responsibilities as stewards and ancestors of this land.” - The ʻAlalā Project

 -David Shepard

Made in Hawai‘i. 98% cotton poplin with 2% elastane. Fabric is soft, light, naturally breathable, and durable. Real coconut buttons. Print-matched left chest pocket. Button down shirt plus button on back of the collar. Limited quantity print. Designed, cut, and sewn in Hawai‘i on imported fabric. Fabric prints hand-drawn.