Thursday, March 6, 2025 • Hilo Palace Theater

That’s Sew Hilo! threads together the rich history of Hawai‘i’s sewing, tailoring, and garment-making, with a special focus on Hawai‘i Island. This compelling documentary journeys from the plantation era to today’s thriving fashion scene, highlighting the ingenuity of local creatives who crafted garments out of necessity and celebrating the untold stories of local businesses and artisans who shaped Hawai‘i’s distinctive style. Iconic names such as Kamehameha Garments and Evelyn Margolis, Hata’s, Lehua Hilo, Okolehao by Mark Yamanaka, and Kurohara’s are featured as pillars of industry.

The film delves into the present, showcasing the creativity of Hawai‘i Island designers, past and present, such as Sig Zane & Aunty Nalani Kanaka‘ole, Designs by Kamahoali‘i, House of Kamamalu‘u, Alohiwai, Ola Hou, and Syleste Williams. It further highlights the contributions of long-time vintage purveyors Hana Hou Hilo, Gwen Olins, and Peter Underwood, who preserve and celebrate the legacy of Hawai‘i’s iconic garments. Interviews with Dale & Sandy Tokuuke, David Kurohara, and Vern Yamanaka provide heartfelt insights into the experiences of their loved ones, who worked in the sewing industry, preserving a vital piece of Hawai‘i’s cultural and economic history.

The collective stories embody the spirit of ‘ohana and community while blending multicultural influences with modern flair. From past to present, That’s Sew Hilo! celebrates the intricate ways fashion, culture, and history are interwoven (hilo) to tell the story of our island’s diverse heritage. It offers an inspiring exploration of how sewing, tailoring, and garment-making have mirrored Hawai‘i’s societal evolution while serving as enduring expressions of aloha, identity, and creativity.

Documentary produced by Nā Leo TV, through support from the Atherton Foundation.

Tickets to the premiere event on sale January 2025! Wear your finest vintage aloha or modern aloha wear!