Hawaiian Island Creations

Hawaiian Island Creations (HIC) started as a small bike shop in Kailua in 1971, but since has grown to become one of the most recognized brands by surfers around the globe. Founded by Kailua surfers and brothers Stephen and Jimmy Tsukayama, the company lists 14 stores across Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island. A new shop is expected to open later this month at The Outlets of Maui in Lahaina.

“The brothers started the business shortly after Stephen had graduated from University of Hawaii with a degree in travel industry management, and Jimmy had just graduated from Kailua High School,” shares Mitch McEwen, Brand Manager. “They recognized a need for surf-related products on the Windward side, and many of the early surf apparel brands were just starting to gain popularity.”

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Jessica Hoepfl: HIC ‘Aka' crop tank in berry $22, Volcom ‘Yae' cutoff shorts $49.50, VonZipper ‘Trudie' sunglasses in tortoise $70, Sector Nine longboard skateboard $189

HIC carries a large selection of surf-branded clothing for men, women and children, as well as surfboards and surf accessories, bodyboards, skateboards and skate gear. HIC’s surfboards are shaped by Eric Arakawa, a highly respected shaper whose boards often are used by top pros. According to McEwen, three HIC team riders have ridden Arakawa’s boards to world championship victories, including the late Andy Irons (three-time ASP world champion), Kelia Moniz (two-time longboard world champion) and Josh Moniz (ISA world junior champion).

The Kailua store, which originally was located on Uluniu Street before moving a few years later to a larger space on Hahani Street, houses HIC’s corporate offices and distribution center. It includes a separate Roxy/Quiksilver “store within a store,” offering a much larger selection of these brands than you’ll find almost anywhere else on Oahu. More recently, HIC Kailua became home to a thriving bike-rental and canoe-tour business, run by its sister company Kailua Ocean Adventures, providing locals and visitors a great way to day-trip around Kailua town.

“HIC’s strength as a business comes from the importance Stephen and Jimmy have placed on maintaining local values and always treating the customer like ohana,” McEwen adds. “HIC prides itself on providing Hawaii’s biggest and best selection of surf gear, with the most popular brands of beach clothing and highest-quality surfboards, skateboards, bodyboards and surf accessories available.”

On Oahu, HIC is located in Kailua (348 Hahani St.), Ala Moana Center, Waikiki (280 Beach Walk), Pearlridge Center, Mililani Town Center, Kapolei Marketplace and Haleiwa (66-224 Kamehameha Hwy.). For more information, visit hicsurf.com.

photos by Nathalie Walker // page design by Nicole Thommes