We’ve never heard of a Hawaiian Strategy Studio either…
…but we felt Hawai‘i needed one. DTL (detail) is a multidisciplinary studio that helps businesses, governments, organizations, and communities navigate change. Our unique approach, moves clients from where they are to where they need to be.
We’ve built a respected reputation within our community as a creative interpreter of culture through planning and design. Our deep understanding and knowledge of Hawai‘i’s sensibilities and sensitivities has resulted in successfully facilitating dialogs, bridging perspectives and developing appropriate collaborative solutions to both challenging issues and exciting opportunities within our community.
OUR CLIENTS
KŌKUA
DTL is committed to our community and culture and giving back through in-kind kōkua. 20 percent of our time is spent providing in-kind kōkua to support projects, non-profits and causes that champion the community and culture.
Our process + services
We frame our practice within a Hawaiian sense of place, because to know a place is to know its environment, its people, and its culture across time. Place sits at the intersection of Hawai‘i’s past and future, the physical and the cultural. Understanding it gives way to opportunities, obstacles, and points of convergence. We know that with each client, the best way forward is a matter of orientation — where you come from, where you are, and where you’re going. If strategy is a process of repositioning, we believe that success requires the alignment of a client’s genealogy, journey, stories and values.
OUR PROCESS IS CENTERED IN OUR CULTURAL METHODOLOGY
GENEALOGY
We begin every project as close as we can get to its source, and through cultural and historical research, we trace its lineage, origin to outcome.
STORIES
Navigation is both science and art, and we bring a diverse network of expertise to ensure the utilization of both. Listening to the stories of a place and its people shows you the way forward.
JOURNEYS
From visuals and messaging to presentation and promotion, we deliver the story of a future that you and your stakeholders tell together.
VALUES
We help you know your values so you can better share them through what you create. Hawai‘i is a complex place to do business, and in order to embrace change, you must know why you excel.
OUR SERVICES
STRATEGY
Positioning
Training
Coaching
Executive Placement
Entitlements
PLANNING
Community Engagement
Cultural Integration
Placemaking
Events
Cultural Programming
DESIGN
Branding
Graphic Design
Content Development
Web/Mobile Development
Environmental Graphics
COMMUNICATIONS
Public Relations
Crisis Management
Media Relations & Training
Social Media
Translations
STRATEGIC PARTNERS
Featured Work
Let’s Talk Story
725 Kapi‘olani Blvd, 4th Floor
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813
(808) 593-3048
@dtlhawaii
November 19th is National Entrepreneurs Day, a reminder to uplift the small businesses that shape our communities. By supporting local, you invest in our lāhui, preserving culture, creating jobs, and keeping Hawaiʻi’s economy strong. Here are a few to check out:
🧘🏽♀️ @kumanaactive: Founded by Kawehi Leon Guerrero, this eco-friendly brand promotes healthy lifestyles and sustainability with activewear made from recycled ocean materials.
🌱 @polipolifarms: Lehia Apana and Brad Bayless grow indigenous and Polynesian canoe crops using ancestral knowledge and sustainable farming practices to support ecosystems.
👚 @puahinahawaii: Started by Loui and Fumi Cabebe and now owned by Kūpaoa musicians Kellen and Līhau Paik, this Kauaʻi-based brand celebrates Hawaiian flora with timeless, elegant fashions.
🧩 @surfshackpuzzles: Mahina Tuteur and her family create marine-themed puzzles featuring work by wāhine artists, crafted from 100% recycled materials, with proceeds supporting ocean conservation.
📚 @shopmoohawaii: Kailee Freitas and her ʻohana design school supplies to immerse keiki in Hawaiian culture and values, making it part of everyday life.
#dtl #dtlhawaii #hawaii #shoplocal #supportlocal #shoplocalhawaii #smallbusinesses
#DTLProjectHighlight ~ Turtle Bay Resort is located in the moku of Ko‘olauloa along O‘ahu’s northeastern coast. The moku, which stretches from Waimea to Ka‘a‘awa, was abundant with good soil well-watered by mountain streams.
A string of settlements hugged the coast, sandwiched between well-stocked bays, reefs, and rich, productive valleys. Legends of Kahuku speak of it as a once-floating island, famous for hala groves that sheltered its people in this windy northern corner of the island.
In an effort to honor and revitalize this heritage, Turtle Bay Resort underwent an extensive redesign of its 410 guestrooms, public spaces, food and beverage outlets, and pool areas in 2021.
Working with WCIT Architecture, DTL contributed in-depth cultural research to inform land planning and programming. DTL also developed a comprehensive Cultural & Historic Report, facilitated community outreach, and coordinated messaging. The project culminated in updates that reflect the region’s identity, completed with community support and a shared vision for the future of this storied land.
#dtl #dtlhawaii #strategy #planning #design #culture #community #hawaii #wahipana #hawaiianculture #hawaiianhistory #kuilima #kuilimapoint #turtlebay #turtlebayresort #northshore #northshoreoahu
Aloha Lā Hānau e ka mōʻī ʻo David Kalākaua! He was born on November 16, 1836, to Chief Caesar Kapaʻakea and Chiefess Analea Keohokāole near Pūowaina (Punchbowl).
During a time when Hawaiian traditions were in decline, Kalākaua was determined to revive the culture and restore pride among his people. His guiding motto, “Hoʻoulu Lāhui,” meaning to increase the nation, reflected his vision for the future.
Kalākaua`s efforts ensured that hula, music, and other cultural practices continue to thrive today. We honor him for his kindness, resilience, and aloha.
#dtl #dtlhawaii #hawaii #hawaiianculture #kalakaua #kingkalakaua #merriemonarch #merriemonarchfestival
Makahiki season marks a time of celebration and rest, honoring Lono, the god of peace and fertility. Traditionally occurring from around November to February, Makahiki was a time for games and festivities across the islands, where skill, strength, and teamwork were put to the test through various competitions.
What other Makahiki games have you participated in or would like to try?
#dtl #dtlhawaii #culture #community #hawaiianculture #hawaiianhistory #lonoikamakahiki #makahiki
The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the cultural, economic, political, and community development of Native Hawaiians. They provide access to capital, financial education, and counseling services, particularly for low and moderate-income families. CNHA also offers various community programs and has partnerships to support workforce development, housing, and business growth.
In 2020, DTL provided graphic design services for CNHA, including designing their website and preparing advertisements and collateral materials, for their annual convention. For the convention, DTL led the communications and public relations efforts by connecting CNHA to various news and media outlets, helping to amplify their mission and events. Additionally, to introduce new leadership and reexamine the organization`s priorities, DTL facilitated a strategic planning session with members of the board, ensuring a clear vision for CNHA’s future impact.
#dtl #dtlhawaii #strategy #planning #communityengagement #projectmanager #projectmanagement #hawaii #cnha #councilfornativehawaiianadvancement #nativehawaiian
Makahiki season, beginning with the sighting of makaliʻi (the Pleiades constellation), is a time to honor Lono, the Hawaiian god of agriculture, procreation, and rain.
From late October or early November until February or March, work pauses, and both the aliʻi and makaʻāinana join together to celebrate their hard work through feasting, competing, and playing games like ʻulu maika (disk rolling), mokomoko (boxing), and kūkini (foot racing). It was a time to honor the abundance of ʻāina and wai that sustain and nourish our islands.
During Makahiki, Lono was traditionally honored through a carefully crafted wooden image assembled on every island. This image stood around twelve feet tall, featuring a carved head at the top and a crosspiece at the neck, adorned with white kapa cloth, ferns, and feather lei.
Known as the akua loa for its long circuit around the island, Lono traveled clockwise, stopping at each moku, where konohiki presented offerings for Makahiki, including feathers, pigs, kapa, and poi.
#dtl #dtlhawaii #culture #community #hawaiianculture #hawaiianhistory #lonoikamakahiki #makahiki
It’s the anniversary of the world premiere of Waterman! 🎬 Three years ago, the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival opened with this powerful documentary at Bishop Museum, celebrating the life and legacy of Duke Paoa Kahanamoku.
Waterman, directed by Isaac Halasima and produced by @gsd_sidewinder, reveals Duke’s profound impact as a global icon, cultural ambassador, and waterman. Mākaha’s own Duane DeSoto brought Duke to life in the film’s reenactments of iconic moments.
DTL was honored to support this project through brand development, website design, graphic design, PR, and social media content. Our team collaborated with local partners to amplify Duke’s legacy and connect Waterman with audiences in Hawai‘i and beyond.
Follow @waterman_movie to relive the journey and celebrate Duke 🏄♂️
#dtl #dtlhawaii #ambassadorofaloha #dukekahanamoku #dukepaoakahanamoku #waterman #watermanthemovie #legend #waikiki #hawaii
Kamehameha V was the first Mōʻī who did not name a successor, which led to the Hawaiian Kingdom’s first election in 1873. William Charles Lunalilo and David Kalākaua were chosen as candidates, with Lunalilo ultimately winning. However, his reign was brief, as he passed just a year later. In 1874, a second election was held, and our Merrie Monarch, King Kalākaua, was elected to lead the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Voting was, and remains, as essential and important as every other initiative and movement to aloha ʻāina, to kākoʻo kānaka, and hoʻoulu lāhui. By engaging fully in the political process, we contribute to a brighter future for our islands and the generations to come. Be sure to VOTE! It`s our kuleana. 📮
PC: @kamehamehaschools
#dtl #dtlhawaii #culture #community #election #voting #votehawaii #hawaiivotiinig #hawaiielection #alohaaina #kakookanaka #hooululahui #kingkalakaua
Liholiho was born in Hilo to High Chiefess Keōpūolani and Kamehameha I in 1797. Although the exact day of his birth is largely unknown, we know he was born in the month of November.
Ascending to the throne in 1819 after Kamehameha’s passing, Liholiho shared power with Kaʻahumanu, who served as Kuhina Nui. Just six months into his reign, he abolished the kapu system, the religious and political code of Hawaiʻi, by eating a meal with Kaʻahumanu and his mother Keopuolani, which was taboo.
Liholiho`s reign was also noted for his commitment to preserving the independence of the Hawaiian Kingdom. In 1823, he and his wife, Kamāmalu, sailed to England to meet with King George IV. Tragically, they contracted measles and passed away before they could meet Captain George. Today, we celebrate Liholiho’s legacy and the significant changes he brought to our history.
#dtl #dtlhawaii #culture #community #hawaii #liholiho #kamehameha #hauolilahanau #alii
Hauʻoli Lā Heleuī! 🎃 To close out this spooky season, we’re sharing one last chicken skin story.
The Green Lady of Wahiawā is said to be a mysterious figure with hair like flowing seaweed, webbed feet, and scales covering her skin. Kūpuna recall being told stories as children about a moʻowahine dwelling in the Wahiawā gulch and nearby areas that could be the same lady. She`s been seen on several occasions in the Wahiawā gulch.
One story says she lost her children in the area and has wandered ever since, searching endlessly for them. Another tells of a flood that swept her away as she tried to save her infant, only to have the child torn from her grasp.
To this day, her presence is said to linger, haunting the Wahiawā gulch, Botanical Gardens, and even the grounds of Wahiawā Elementary School.
#culture #community #hawaii #halloween #halloweenstories #halloweenhawaii #ghoststories #wahiawa
#DTLProjectHighlight ~ Kupōpolo Heiau is located in the ahupua‘a of Kawailoa within the moku of Waialua on Oʻahu. Kūpopolo Heiau is believed to have been constructed during the rule of Kahāhana, the late 18th-century ruler of O‘ahu, who was in conflict with Kekaulike of Kaua‘i.
To seek guidance on whether to invade Kaua‘i, Kahāhana asked his kahuna nui, Ka‘opulupulu, for insight. In response, Ka‘opulupulu instructed that a heiau be built to receive a sign. After completing Kūpopolo and making offerings there, Ka‘opulupulu received no vision. He then directed that a second heiau, Pu‘u O Mahuka, be built on a higher point overlooking Waimea Bay. From this elevated vantage, Ka‘opulupulu received a vision advising against an invasion of Kaua‘i.
In 2016, DTL assessed the land use options and limitations of this property to inform stewardship and educational initiatives. This evaluation focused on the cultural restoration potential of Kūpopolo Heiau and included the development of a landscape plan to enhance ongoing engagement at the site.
#dtl #dtlhawaii #strategy #planning #communityengagement #projectmanager #projectmanagement #hawaii #waialua #kupopoloheiau #heiau
We’re counting down to Heleuī with a few more of Hawaiʻi’s spookiest stories 👻
One of Oʻahu`s most well-known urban legends is Morgan`s Corner in the Nuʻuanu Pali area. The story tells of a young couple who parked under an old tree one night. When their car wouldn`t start, the boy left to find help, leaving his girlfriend alone. She fell asleep to scraping sounds on the roof, thinking it was branches. Police arrived in the morning and asked her to step away, but as she glanced back, she saw it was her boyfriend scraping the car.
Nuʻuanu Pali has a history of eerie happenings. Moʻolelo says that carrying pork over the Pali can anger Pele, breaking a truce with the pig god Kamapuaʻa. Many drivers claim their cars mysteriously stall until they throw the pork out. The Pali was also the site of a bloody battle between the armies of King Kamehameha I and Maui chief Kalanikupule. Many warriors fell off the cliff during the battle, and their ghosts are often seen at night today.
PC: Mysteries of Hawaiʻi
#culture #community #hawaii #halloween #halloweenstories #halloweenhawaii #ghoststory #pali #nuuanupali #nuuanupalilookout #morganscorner