Additional Screenings: Tuesday, March 25, April 8, April 22.
Showtimes: 2PM and 6PM • Venue: Nā Leo TV (91 Mohouli St, Hilo)

That’s Sew Hilo weaves together the history of sewing, tailoring, and garment-making 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, are featured alongside vintage ‘ohana brands such as Hata’s, Okolehao by Mark Yamanaka, Kurohara’s, and Saturnino Cabanas.

The film delves into the present, showcasing the creativity of Hawai‘i Island designers such as Sig Zane & Kumu Nalani Kanaka‘ole, Kumu Micah Kamahoali‘i, Kira Kamamalu‘u, Alexis Akiona (LexBreezy Hawai‘i), Yari Rogers (Alohiwai), Sharayah Chun-Lai (Ola Hou Designs), Mahealani Gambill and Kelly Pila (Coconut Ave), and Syleste Williams (Sew Fine). It further highlights the contributions of long-time vintage purveyors including Michelle Zane-Faridi (Hana Hou Hilo), Gwen Olins (Flamingo’s), and Peter Underwood (Discovery Antiques), who preserve and celebrate the legacy of Hawai‘i’s iconic garments. Interviews with Dale & Sandy Tokuuke, David Kurohara, Vern Yamanaka, and Gabriella & Wendell Cabanas 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, narrated by Jackie Pualani Johnson, and made possible with support from the Atherton Family Foundation.