About Us
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about the family behind Kalapana Beauty!
We are an intergenerational family-owned business, all born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, where we grew up picking macadamia nuts and harvesting mangoes on our extended familyʻs agricultural farm. Though primarily operated by four of six siblings, Kalapana Beauty is a multi-generational collaborative effort of our entire family.
Driving the business side of things on the east coast is Ekolu who, as the youngest of six, has learned to negotiate the chaos of five older siblings with a shrewd entrepreneurial-mindedness and resourceful approach to any situation.
Behind the skincare formulations and research is older sister, Moani, also on the east coast, who has always fostered a love for skin and beauty products. As kids, Moani would insist on giving elaborate makeovers to her sisters for homemade photo shoots and fashion shows.
Nahum, an older brother on the Big Island, oversees operations of macadamia nut harvesting and processing. As the older brother, Nahum has always been attuned to what needs to get done and figuring out what is the best and most efficient way to do it.
Hiʻinae, the youngest sister, also lives on the Big Island and lends her talents and creative eye through her photography and videography skills, as well as digital media experience. She loves capturing spontaneity through a photographic lens and finds humor in awkward moments.
Weʻre excited to share more of our story with you and have you join us on this journey!
THE KALAPANA BEAUTY PROMISE
We Do It All – Start to Finish
From harvesting the macadamia nuts, to pressing the oil, formulating and blending each serum, bottling by hand, and packaging with care — we oversee every step. It’s how we ensure the quality and authenticity of our products. Small Batches, Big Intention Everything is handcrafted in small batches, so we can track and authenticate each harvest of macadamia nuts used in all of our formulas. We Keep It Simple and Transparent If we canʻt pronounce an ingredient, we refuse to use it. Most beauty products are made with long, convoluted ingredient lists that mask low-quality synthetic ingredients harmful for your skin. Our products will always contain pure, simple, natural ingredients, carefully researched and chosen for optimal results.WHERE IS KALAPANA?
Kalapana is a small coastal area located on the southeastern tip on the Island of Hawaii. it is located near the base of the Kilauea active volcano that feeds its rich soil.
Living Volcanic Landscape: Kalapana sits at the edge of one of the world’s most active volcanic regions, where the land is constantly evolving. This dynamic terrain, shaped by ancient and recent lava flows, gives the area a distinct energy and raw, natural beauty.
Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil: The volcanic legacy of Kalapana has created exceptionally fertile soil, infused with minerals from deep within the earth. This rich foundation is ideal for nurturing resilient, nutrient-dense crops like macadamia nuts.
Perfect Growing Conditions: The combination of warm tropical climate, abundant rainfall, and nutrient-rich earth creates a naturally thriving environment for macadamia nut cultivation, resulting in robust trees and high-quality nuts.
Meet the Team
A passionate team dedicated to crafting clean, effective, and nature-powered skincare for every skin type.
Ekolu (Aka Ralph)
The Entrepreneurial Mind
Ekolu, the youngest of six siblings, honed his resourcefulness and entrepreneurial spirit early on, later strengthened by military experience and a background in business and finance. With the support of his family in Hawaiʻi, he helped turn the dream of creating all-natural, Hawaiʻi-based skincare products into a reality.
Nahum (Aka Nahum)
The Operations Bossman
Nahum, an older brother on the Big Island, oversees operations of macadamia nut harvesting and processing. As the older brother, Nahum has always been attuned to what needs to get done and figuring out what is the best and most efficient way to do it.
Hiinae (Aka Naebemo)
The Photography Maven
Hiʻinae, the youngest sister, also lives on the Big Island and lends her talents and creative eye through her photography and videography skills, as well as digital media experience. She loves capturing spontaneity through a photographic lens and finds humor in awkward moments.
Moanililia (Aka Moani)
The Skincare Guru
Moanililia, one of the eldest of six siblings, has nurtured a lifelong love for skincare and beauty, starting with childhood makeovers and homemade photo shoots. Today, she channels that passion into creating simple, plant-based skincare rooted in natural ingredients.
