Our Story.
Hanakini is Hawaii's leading curve friendly swimwear brand, based on the island of Maui. In 2018 we set out to redefine the fit and functionality of swimwear offering a timeless tropical wardrobe for women with curves.
Using our signature curve tested rib, non-dig seamless hems, recycled luxury fabrics, and functional designs that keep you feeling sexy, confident, and covered in all the right places. Known for fostering a community of familiar faces and a generous size range, we are the first to pioneer our shop by every size model in every style feature offering a more relatable experience.
We aspire to change the swimwear industry to re-think the "traditional" woman. Curves come in ALL sizes and we are here to celebrate that every step of the way. Through slow fashion practices, sustainable and ethical production methods, and an evolving collection that is true to our core values. We are so grateful to have you on this journey with us.
A Hawai'i heart, Italian soul, and california upbringing- Mel has lived many lives around the world. Sewing from a very young age, she was fully immersed into the fashion industry by the age of 18, wearing many hats from Runway, PR Agencies, and Visual Styling with large companies like Anthropologie and Warner Bros. In 2011 she moved to Italy to take time off, learn new skills, and travel. She met her partner in Rome, who was from the North Shore of Maui, and eventually settled on island in 2016.
"I was cruisin' with my girl gang learning to surf, adventuring, and spending 12 hours in my bikini. I found a need to have swimwear that was so many things that I couldn't find. Practical, comfortable, flattering without digging, & true to size for my latina hips."
She set out to solve the discomforts in bikinis she had as curvy mid-size gal. "What you see today is compilation of everything I always wanted in swimwear from the styles, to the models, and overall shopping experience. I still today work mostly as a one woman show but I am working on growing this self-made start up. Currently every package is still wrapped with love by me, and every design was inspired by somewhere special in the Hawaiian Islands and Italy."
