Nā Manu ʻŌiwi consists of activewear inspired by three extinct birds and two endangered birds, like a chilling conversation in which the ʻŌʻō, Poʻouli, and ʻUla ʻAi Hāwane tell the story of their disappearance as they urge to the Kiwikiu and ʻĀkohekohe, “Donʻt be like us.” It serves as a haunting reminder that our native species are going extinct every year - and it’s up to us to stop it. Portions of the sale from Nā Manu ʻŌiwi will be donated to Friends of Hakalau Forest to support their efforts in native bird and habitat conservation.

The name ʻUla ʻAi ʻHāwane translates to the red (ʻula) bird that eats (ʻai) the fruit of the native Loulu palm (hāwane). Fun fact: our very first collection featured a light green color named Loulu!

Last seen in 1892 on Hawaiʻi Island, fossils of close relatives have also been found on Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi, and Oʻahu. Not much is known about the ʻUla ʻAi Hāwane or its extinction. The usual causes are suspected: deforestation and avian malaria.

For resources on the ʻUla ʻAi Hāwane, visit https://www.iucnredlist.org and search the scientific name Ciridops Anna.