Kulia I Ka Nuu Hawaii T-Shirt | Hawaiian Aloha Tee, Hawaiian Culture Beach Shirt, Strive Gift | Hawaii Vacation Gift Island Souvenir Tee

Kulia I Ka Nuu Hawaii T-Shirt

Kūlia i ka nu'u — strive for the summit — the motto of Queen Emma.

The Story Behind the Motto

Kūlia i ka nu'u — strive for the summit. The motto of Queen Emma, and one of the most graceful pieces of advice ever offered in 'ōlelo Hawai'i.

Queen Emma Kaleleonalani, wife of Kamehameha IV, was a fierce advocate for Hawaiian education, healthcare, and culture in the mid-1800s. She founded what would become Queen's Medical Center and Saint Andrew's Priory School, and she chose kūlia i ka nu'u — strive for the summit — as her personal call. The phrase is not about competition. The nu'u is your own highest place, your own best work, your own clearest expression of kuleana. It is invoked today at graduations across the islands and remains a kind of quiet challenge anyone in Hawai'i may take on for themselves.

For Those Who Strive

For locals, this design honors a queen whose words are still doing the lifting. For visitors, it is a souvenir of Hawaiian ambition rooted in dignity.

Premium Gildan 5000 Unisex Tee

Fit & Sizing

True-to-size Gildan 5000 Unisex Classic Tee, sizes S through 2XL — order your normal size.

Care & Longevity

Durable DTG print. Machine wash cold inside-out, tumble dry low to keep the art vivid.

Designed by Kahana Designs

Kahana Designs is an independent Hawaiʻi design shop. Every design is researched with respect for Hawaiian place and culture, and every order supports a small maker — mahalo nui.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tee run true to size?

Yes — the Gildan 5000 is a classic unisex fit. Order your usual size; size up one for a relaxed look.

What colors are available?

Available in 8 colors.

How is it printed and will it last?

Direct-to-garment printed with durable inks designed to hold color through regular washing.

More Hawaiian designs: Hawaiian mythology & akua tees, all our Hawaii t-shirts, and Hawaii art posters.