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
I ka wā ma mua, ka wā ma hope.
The future is found in the past.
Today is International Archaeology Day, which invites us to reflect on the significance of cultural preservation and the stewardship of sacred sites. By looking back at our history, we build a foundation that informs our present actions and future direction.
Archaeologists play a key role in this process, ensuring that what we learn today becomes part of the legacy we leave for tomorrow. Our sister company, ʻĀina Archaeology, is among the many groups dedicated to safeguarding the stories, artifacts, and landscapes that define Hawaiʻi`s history. Through their commitment to mālama ʻāina, they help ensure that future generations remain deeply connected to these sacred spaces.
Follow @ainaarchaeology to learn more about archaeology in Hawaiʻi!
#dtl #dtlhawaii #hawaiianculture #community #hawaii #internationalarchaeologyday #hawaiianarchaeology #archaeologyday
“Today, I, a poor, weak girl, with not one of my people near me and all of these ‘Hawaiian’ statesmen against me, have the strength to stand up for the rights of my people.
Even now I can hear their wail in my heart, and it gives me strength and I am strong. Strong in the faith of God, strong in the knowledge that I am right, strong in the strength of seventy million people who in this free land will hear my cry and will refuse to let their flag cover dishonor to mine!”
Princess Kaʻiulani, born on October 16, 1875, exemplified the grace and leadership of a true aliʻi. When the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1893, she was studying in England but traveled to the U.S. to rally support for the kingdom`s restoration. Though her efforts did not succeed, Kaʻiulani dedicated the rest of her life to advocating for the rights of her people under the US government.
#dtl #dtlhawaii #culture #community #hawaii #princesskaiulani #kaiulani #hauolilahanau #alii
On Indigenous Peoples` Day, we pause to recognize and honor the Indigenous cultures around the world. Here in Hawaiʻi, we celebrate our own culture, the ʻike of our kūpuna, and the practices that connect us to this ʻāina and each other.
At DTL, we recognize our collective responsibility to protect and perpetuate Hawaiʻi for future generations. We strive to uplift the voices and stories of Native Hawaiian and Indigenous communities. Through our work, we remain committed to ensuring that Indigenous knowledge continues to thrive in every aspect of life.
#dtl #dtlhawaii #culture #community #hawaii #indigenouspeople #indigenouspeoplesday #nativehawaiian #nativehawaiianpeople
#DTLProjectHighlight ~ Baldwin Beach Park, located in the ahupuaʻa of Hāmākuapoko on Maui`s north shore near Pāʻia, was used by our kūpuna for fishing and resource gathering. In the mid-1800s, the land transitioned to commercial agriculture, coming under the control of Alexander & Baldwin (A&B) as the sugar industry developed.
The land eventually evolved into the Baldwin Beach Park recreational space in the mid-20th century. In 2014, Maui County acquired land from A&B and expanded the park. Today, Baldwin Beach Park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
In 2020, DTL collaborated with the Maui County Department of Parks and Recreation on the Baldwin Beach Park Master Plan, focusing on enhancing safety and family-friendliness. DTL`s role as Project Manager included managing landscape architects and coastal consultants throughout the project. In addition, DTL facilitated dialogue with the community and Project Advisory Committee Meetings; hosted and managed three community open houses; and conducted knowledge leader interviews.
#dtl #dtlhawaii #strategy #planning #communityengagement #projectmanager #projectmanagement #hawaii #paia #paiatown #baldwinbeach #baldwinbeachpark
October invites us to share a few of our favorite spooky stories and eerie encounters 👻 Did you know that Hawaiʻi boasts its own unique collection of moʻolelo and ghostly tales?
One moʻolelo revolves around Kāneana, also known as Mākua Cave, located in Waiʻanae on Oʻahu.
Kāmohoaliʻi, the king of sharks and a powerful shapeshifter, had a son, Nanaue, with a human woman named Kalei. Nanaue inherited his father`s dual nature and, as he grew older, developed an insatiable hunger for human flesh. He lured unsuspecting victims into Kāneana Cave, where he would devour them.
Nanaue`s secret was eventually uncovered, leading to his capture and death. However, many believe that the souls of his victims still haunt the cave. There are even reports of a creature with glowing red eyes emerging from its depths. Some say the cave is a portal to the underworld, and it`s considered by many to be a powerful source of psychic energy.
PC: Honolulu Magazine
#culture #community #hawaii #halloween #halloweenstories #halloweenhawaii #ghoststories #makua #makuabeach
#DTLProjectHighlight ~ Following the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893, the teaching of the Hawaiian language was banned in schools. It wasn’t until 1982, a century later, that a group of Hawaiian language educators met to discuss ways to perpetuate the language. They knew that creating Hawaiian Medium Education schools was essential to preserving the language.
The first ʻAha Pūnana Leo preschool was established in Kekaha, Kauaʻi in 1984, followed by schools on other islands. ʻAha Pūnana Leo has since become a global model for language revitalization, playing a pivotal role in lifting a 90-year ban on teaching Hawaiian in schools and advocating for the protection of indigenous languages.
In 2022, DTL Hawaiʻi supported @ahapunanaleo by developing a public relations strategy to boost enrollment, showcase the haumāna and kumu of ‘Aha Pūnana Leo, and identify stories that highlight the mission, vision, and values of the school. DTL created a media calendar to ensure consistent messaging, coordinated media interviews, tracked coverage, and provided media training to spokespeople.
#dtl #dtlhawaii #strategy #planning #hawaiianculture #hawaiicommunity #hawaii #makena #publicrelations #socialmedia #olelohawaii #ahapunanaleo #hawaiianimmersion #hawaiianimmersionpreschool
For over two decades, our sister firm, @wcitarch, has been an award-winning design leader, known for weaving Hawaiian values and cultural narratives into every project. From hospitality and residential spaces to public and commercial designs, their work is all about creating meaningful connections to place.
October is Architecture Month, and we’re thrilled to see WCIT featured in @aiahonolulu annual Firm Crawl! This is your chance to visit the WCIT office, meet the talented architects and designers, and learn more about their latest projects.
Join us on October 4th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM for a FREE open house. Grab drinks, eat pupus, and connect with the creative minds shaping Hawaiʻi’s landscape 🤙🏼
#architecture #hawaiiarchitecture #designfirm #hawaii #hawaiidesign #aiahonolulu #aiafirmcrawl #aiahonolulufirmcrawl #aiahonolulufirmcrawl2024
🏡 Making financial and housing decisions in Hawaiʻi can feel overwhelming. Getting advice from a trusted expert can make a huge difference, but we know that sometimes the title of the person helping you can feel intimidating.
So we want your input! If you were looking for someone to guide you, which title would make you feel the most comfortable and supported?
👇 Comment below or vote in the poll! 👇
➡️ Coach
➡️ Consultant
➡️ Alakaʻi
➡️ Specialist
Your opinion helps us better serve our community—mahalo for sharing!
@hiffhawaii is hosting its 44th Fall Festival featuring over 200 films, including 92 feature films, 114 shorts, 40 world premieres, and 31 U.S. premieres!
Tickets are now available for screenings from October 3-13 at Consolidated Theatres Kahala, with additional showings from October 15 to November 10 on Oʻahu`s West Side and neighboring islands.
🎬 Check out the films that we`re most excited to see.
#hawaii #hawaiiinternationalfilmfestival #hiffhawaii #hawaiifilm #filmfestival #hiff44
#DTLProjectHighlight ~ Situated in the moku of Honuaʻula on Maui, Mākena provided food and shelter for many generations. Sweet potatoes were the main crop cultivated on land, and the area’s fisheries were well-known and protected by Kingdom law. In the 1800s, the rise of sugar and cattle industries commercialized the areas from mauka to makai, reshaping the shoreline to accommodate growing business interests. Mākena Landing became a significant hub for Maui’s exports. By the 1970s, Mākena had become a resort destination with hotels, residential developments, and recreational areas.
DTL provided cultural training and community engagement services to the Discovery Land team in 2015. This work included a historic timeline and a community workbook, helping to preserve the values, traditions, and relationships that shaped early life in Mākena and inform decisions today.
#dtl #dtlhawaii #strategy #planning #design #hawaiianculture #hawaiicommunity #hawaii #makena #makenamaui #honuaula
Hōkūleʻa has embarked on their Pae ʻĀina Statewide Sail, spanning seven months, covering 3,000 miles, making stops at 31 ports, and reaching 34 communities across Hawaiʻi. The primary aim of this sail is to train and connect with our communities and gain insights into how the Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS) can best serve them.
Upon completion of the Pae ʻĀina Sail, Hōkūleʻa and its sister canoe Hikianalia will resume the Moananuiākea Circumnavigation of the Pacific in March 2025.
See the schedule to learn when Hōkūleʻa will arrive in your community, and follow @hokuleacrew on Instagram for events at each port 🤙🏼
#dtl #dtlhawaii #culture #community #hawaii #hokulea #paeainasail
DTL Hawaiʻi and ʻĀina Archaeology are excited to support Nā Kama Kai’s 13th Annual Paʻakai Awards, their first in-person celebration since 2019!
This gala raises essential funds for Nā Kama Kai`s mission to empower children by fostering connections to both the ocean and land. All of the proceeds from the gala and silent auction contribute to expanding Nā Kama Kai`s outreach programs, which enhance keiki awareness of ocean culture, safety, and conservation.
We’re honored to stand with @nakamakai as they continue to nurture the next generation of ʻāina and ocean stewards 💙
#dtlhawaii #ainaarchaeology #nakamakai #paakai #paakaigala #paakaiawards #keikialohakaialoha #supportourkeiki #oceanstewards #alohaaina