Who is Kahikina Kreations?

Kahikina Kreations is a very small one man business located in Upcountry Pukalani on the Island on Maui. I have always been a crafty person for most of my life- making this n that from what I had or could get my hands on. I took the Plunge and bought an investment after watching QVC (YES I KNOW!) I began as just a hobby using the Cricut cutting machine in 2018. Learning how to make things for family friends and co-workers. As any hobby it, it's an investment, not only in time but tools and supplies. Those that know me, know I can't just have one I need multiple and I need ALL the extras- so yes, it was an investment. Although at the time it was fun, this "fad" soon faded.

One day strolling at a craft fair I came across a craft vendor who had these beautiful wooden lamps. I was so intrigued and facinated, I had to make friends with him. After chatting for some time he suggested that if I could ever afford it to give it a try and let me creativity flow. Now, at this time I said to myself " Shawn are you gonna commit? and How are you gonna afford this?" Well after going back and forth and talking to friends and family and doing INDEPTH research on who, when, when, where and why- I finally said "YES!" im gonna commit. Next step was the financial part - Yes I did have some funds, I fundraised and worked here and there to make extra funds to acquire this new investment. Talking to my Hanai sister on the Island of Molokai she was curious on my new venture and what it could do etc. I believe it was that week I jumped on a (small) plane and flew to Molokai to help her with her TWO businesses. That was FUN, HARD WORK, ALOT OF WORK- YET I had an AMAZING experience. During this whole week of me helping her with her two businesses- we kept talking about this investment I want to make. *FAST FORWARD* ....Her sister (who also lives on Maui) is returning from a trip to Molokai and I was instructed to meet her at the airport. Upon meeting her at the airport and gives me some goodies from Molokai and an envelope. Not thinking anything of it, head back to my car, once inside- I open the envelope and my hanai sister from Molokai sent me 3/4 of the funds for my investment!

FAST FORWARD...We are now in 2019- After MUCH research and talking to those in this industry- I made the leap and place my order for my next venture - LASER WOOD CUTTING. My MUSE 3-D laser arrives from Full Spectrum Laser in Las Vegas- cutting bed size is 12"x20", I learn it after trial and error (thanks to some amazing laser friends), I create things and it has become the best decision for a craft I have EVER made. I can make just about anything now and I can allow my creativity to flow as it wishes. I need some and say oh let me make. I need a stand- no probs let me make one. I started to get really creative and branch out and make ALL SORTS of things and started to post them on social media for fun. By doing that it opened up a WHOLE NEW WORLD that I never dreamt of. Inquiries, questions and even orders started coming in- IS THIS FOR REAL? The projects and order kept coming and coming (blessed). Then in 2020 I believe I was invited to be a vendor at a pop craft vent. I said eh why not, made a ton of things cause this was my first doing this craft and I didn't know what people may want. I did this craft fair solo and YET again, it opens up a whole new world of customers and NEW orders (blessed). Well now by this time my Laser wood cutting machine is working over time. *note* I never wanted to become a big business- this was just a fun hobby.

Fast Forward to 2022-  One of my dreams with my work was to have it showcased in an Art Gallery- AND IT HAPPENED! Yes, I have exclusive products showcased and sold at U'i Gallery by Rachael Ray in Maui! Dreams do come true! Well now that The Gallery orders pretty regularly, plus my own customers and the special occasions that happen nearly monthly- my small laser was taking a beating.....Can you tell where this is going? YES, Kahikina Kreations upgrade the 12x20 MUSE 3-D laser to a 24x48 MUSE TITAN - YES DOUBLE! Same amazing company -Full Spectrum Laser. But now comes the learning ALL OVER again- still while orders are coming in! It was a challenging time for sure. 

It's now 2023-.....Ok, now things take a turn (for the good) ....Although I love my laser and what I can create, I wanted to expand to offer my customers something fresh exciting and new.....Here is comes......SUBLIMATION! Yes, I started with tumblers, designing most of my own design (my creativity is flowing again) and now I have included make up bags, tote bags, ceramic mugs and ornaments and even puzzles- all sublimated! Imagine putting your own photo or graphic on one of those products and it doesn't wipe off! It's permanent! Giving myself AND the customers the artistic freedom to create their own gifts!

As you now know- Kahikina Kreations can do most of it all: Permanent Vinyl work (stickers-decals), Heat Press Transfer work for T-shirts, hats, bags & more, Laser wood cutting, Engraving and NOW Sublimation!

So as to what started out as a fun Hobby as truly turned into a small business. I am blessed and grateful to all my customers and supporters over the years! THANK YOU for believing in me and trusting me to create your projects!

THANK YOU to my Hanai Sister Michelle for your love, support and for believing in me! We may not be blood but family is family -I LOVE YOU!

THANK YOU to ALL of those in the craft and laser communities for your help and guidance when I needed it- Thank you for NOT being gate keepers of information- I promise to do the same.

THANK YOU to my FT employer at the time, Pukalani Superette. Everyone there and everything they have done to help support, encourage and build me up.

THANK YOU, Yes, YOU for coming across my website and reading this far- thank you for being you and wanting to know who kahikina Kreations is.

One Take away from all this is: DREAM BABY, DREAM!- I AM living proof that dreams DO come true. Manifest it and it WILL happen.If I can do it -YOU CAN do it!

NOW....DREAM! DREAM BIG!- I BELEIVE IN YOU! YOU GOT THIS! Let's GO!

Aloha,

Shawn