Origin of the Company Name

Where did we get our name? Hilo Hattie was the stage name for a very popular entertainer in Hawaii during the 1950’s and 1960’s. She was born Clarissa Haili on October 28, 1901, but everyone called her Clara. She began her career as a schoolteacher however it was her singing and dancing that gave her a place in modern Hawaii history. She popularized the comic hula style with such tunes as "Princess Pupule Has Plenty Papayas" and "When Hilo Hattie Does the Hula Hop".

Clara "Hilo Hattie" Haili passed away in 1979, happy that her name was to be carried on by a quality company that continued to generate the Aloha spirit. Each year, in memory and honor of Clara, Hilo Hattie gives UH scholarships to deserving students so they may continue their education in Hawaiian studies and music.

Hilo Hattie Today

Over the past 47 years, Hilo Hattie has grown into Hawaii’s largest retailer, manufacturer and wholesaler of Hawaiian fashions and gifts. Since 1963, over 60,000,000 visitors have shopped with Hilo Hattie, making Hilo Hattie the largest shopping attraction in Hawaii.

At Hilo Hattie, you’ll discover Hawaii’s largest selection of Hawaiian fashions, gifts, souvenirs, t-shirts, home & beach accessories, beauty products, gourmet foods and stunning Island jewelry. Hilo Hattie guarantees its shoppers the best values, largest selection of Made-in-Hawaii gifts and a 100% quality guarantee on thousands of Hawaiian products.