Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to Kahana Designs. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often about our handcrafted lauhala jewelry, Hawaiian-inspired apparel, and Hawaiian art prints. If you don't see your question here, please reach out through our Contact page — we'd love to help.
Shipping
Where do you ship?
We currently ship within the United States only. Apparel and art prints are produced and shipped through our U.S. production network from the facility nearest your shipping address, which keeps transit times and costs as low as possible. Lauhala jewelry ships from our studio in Hawaiʻi.
Do you ship internationally?
Not at this time. We currently ship within the United States only.
Where will my order ship from?
Apparel and art prints: from the U.S. production facility closest to your shipping address.
Lauhala jewelry: from our studio in Hawaiʻi.
How long will my order take?
Each order has two parts: production time, then transit time.
Apparel & art prints (made to order through our production network):
- Production: 2–7 business days
- U.S. shipping: 3–4 business days after production
Most U.S. orders arrive within 7–10 business days of placing the order.
Lauhala jewelry (handcrafted by us in Hawaiʻi):
- Production: 5–7 business days
- Hawaiʻi: 1–3 business days
- Continental U.S.: 3–7 business days
What if I order multiple item types?
If your order includes both an apparel/art piece and a lauhala jewelry piece, the items may ship separately from different facilities. You'll receive a tracking number for each shipment as it leaves.
Will I get a tracking number?
Yes. As soon as your order ships, you'll receive an email with a tracking link to the address you provided at checkout.
How are my items packaged?
- Apparel: shipped in a poly mailer sized to the garment.
- Canvas prints: shipped in a rigid box, stretched and ready to hang.
- Poster & paper prints: rolled and shipped in a protective cardboard tube to prevent bending.
- Lauhala jewelry: shipped in a protective gift box with care instructions tucked inside — ready to give or to keep.
Returns & Exchanges
Do you accept returns?
No. Every item we sell is made to order — produced specifically for you when you place your order. Because nothing sits on a shelf waiting to be sold, we are unable to accept returns or exchanges. Please double-check size, color, and quantity carefully before completing your order.
My item arrived damaged, defective, or never arrived — what now?
We'll honor it. Please contact us first at info@kahana.shop before taking any other action, and include:
- Your order number
- A clear photo of the damage (or the packaging if items are missing)
- A short description of the issue
We'll arrange a replacement at no cost to you, or issue a refund if a replacement isn't possible. Please reach out within 14 days of delivery.
What if I ordered the wrong size?
Because each piece is custom-produced after you order, we are not able to refund or replace items for sizing reasons. Please review the size guide on the product page carefully, and feel free to email us before placing your order if you'd like a second opinion — we're glad to help.
Can I cancel or change my order after placing it?
We can usually accommodate changes within the first 12 hours of placing your order. After that, your order has likely entered production and we can no longer modify it. Email us as soon as possible at info@kahana.shop if you need to update something.
Lauhala Jewelry Care
What is lauhala?
Lauhala is the woven leaf of the hala tree (Pandanus tectorius), a plant native to Hawaiʻi and the broader Pacific. It has been hand-woven by Hawaiian artisans for centuries — used for mats, hats, sails, and adornment. Each strand is harvested, cleaned, dried, and woven by hand.
Can my lauhala jewelry get wet?
Lauhala is a natural fiber, so we recommend keeping your piece dry. Brief contact with water won't ruin it, but please avoid swimming, showering, or extended exposure to rain. Don't apply lotion, perfume, or sunscreen directly to the weave — always let those dry on your skin first.
How do I clean it?
Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth. For a deeper clean, use a barely-damp cloth and let the piece air-dry completely before storing. Avoid soap, alcohol, or chemical cleaners.
How should I store it?
Store flat or hanging in a cool, dry place — out of direct sunlight, which can fade the natural color over time. The included gift box is great for storage between wears.
Will the color change over time?
Yes — beautifully. Lauhala deepens to a richer, warmer tone with age and gentle wear. That patina is part of its character. A piece you wear often will look different (and better, in our opinion) than one kept boxed.
How long should my piece last?
Lauhala woven well and cared for can last decades. We've seen heirloom pieces in families for generations.
A strand has come loose — can it be repaired?
Often, yes. Email us at info@kahana.shop with a photo and we'll let you know whether we can repair it or send a refresh kit. Light wear is normal, and most issues are fixable.
Still have a question? Reach us at info@kahana.shop or through our Contact page. Mahalo.