DTL is a Hawaiian
Strategy Studio
As a native Hawaiian owned and operated firm, it’s in our DNA to celebrate and elevate our host culture....
This year as we celebrate our 5th anniversary we reflect back on all the things we've done.
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
#WahiPanaWednesday ~ Waipiʻo Valley means “curved water,” given its name because of the twisting river that flows through the valley. Waipiʻo is known as the Valley of the Kings, once home to many ancient Hawaiian rulers, including Kamehameha who was raised in the valley in the 1700s. There are also many burial sites located along the caves in the valley walls. As a result, Waipiʻo Valley is known to have an abundance of spiritual power, or mana.
#dtl #dtlhawaii #strategy #planning #branding #communications #culture #community #design #newsletter #wahipana #hawaiianculture #hawaiianhistory #wahipana #wahi #hawaii #hawaiiisland #bigisland #hamakua #waipiovalley #kamehameha #kingkamehameha #mana
#WahiPanaWednesday ~ Although Mauna Kea stretches across multiple moku, a fairly good chunk of the mountain resides in Hāmākua. Mauna Kea was born from Wākea, sky father, and Papahānaumoku, Earth Mother, becoming the origin spot, or piko where all life begins. This connection bridges the realms between heaven and earth, and because of this only high chiefs and priests were allowed to visit the summit.
Poliʻahu is the snow goddess that resides on Mauna Kea, and she is the sister of Pele, goddess of fire. Poliʻahu is said to have enjoyed hōlua sledding and often slid down the slopes of Mauna Kea to the coast of Hāmākua. Moʻolelo tells us that Pele, who appeared in the form of another woman, once challenged Poliʻahu to a hōlua race. As Poliʻahu took the lead, Pele became furious, causing a series of earthquakes and eruptions. Their battle resulted in a series of eruptions known as the Laupāhoehoe Volcanic series, resulting in the formation of Laupāhoehoe.
There are many sacred sites atop Maunakea, including burial sites, stone quarries, and lake Waiau. Associated with the god Kāne, the water of Waiau was collected and used for practices and ceremonies by native healers. Queen Emma visited Waiau in 1881, and swam across its waters in a journey of spiritual and physical well-being.
#dtl #dtlhawaii #strategy #planning #branding #communications #culture #community #design #newsletter #wahipana #hawaiianculture #hawaiianhistory #wahipana #wahi #hawaii #hawaiiisland #bigisland #hamakua #maunakea #poliahu #waiau #lakewaiau
Repost @ainaarchaeology | Learn more about Public Assistance available for Private Nonprofit Cultural Institutions & Arts Organizations.
Public Assistance (PA) is a FEMA program that reimburses state and local governments and certain types of private nonprofit organizations for the cost of disaster-related debris removal, emergency protective measures to protect life and property, and permanent repair work to damaged or destroyed infrastructure, which can include the repair or replacement of collections.
To learn more, attend one of the briefings on September 20th or September 26th.
#kokuamaui #kakoomaui #alohamaui #mauiresources #mauistrong
#ExtendAloha 💗 We had a wonderful time last night at @qkcmaui for their Kamaʻāīna Nights: Kōkua Edition to uplift our Maui and Lahaina community in pule, music, lei, and love. A 200+ feet long lei lāʻī was made throughout the night by community members to represent our coming together in strength and mana for all those affected by the Maui fires. 🌱
Several local resources and services were available including our friends from @hawaiian_community_assets!
Mahalo nui to all who made this event possible.
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#dtl #dtlhawaii #strategy #planning #branding #communications #culture #community #design #weareqkc #qkcmaui #mauistrong #lahainastrong #aloha #lei #makelei #supportlocal #kakoomaui #alohamaui #mauinokaoi
#WahiPanaWednesday ~ Translated to “healing island,” Moku Ola was once the home of a heiau dedicated to healing. Moʻolelo tells us that anyone feeling sick would be healed by swimming around Moku Ola three times. The island was also used as a puʻuhonua, or place of refuge. Anyone who broke kapu could seek protection at Moku Ola and be pardoned for their crimes. Today Moku Ola is known as Coconut Island, given its name from the coconut trees that were planted and continue to thrive on the island.
#dtl #dtlhawaii #strategy #planning #branding #communications #culture #community #design #newsletter #wahipana #hawaiianculture #hawaiianhistory #wahipana #wahi #hawaii #hawaiiisland #bigisland #hilo #mokuola #healing #puuhonua #coconutisland
MAUI 💕 Join @qkcmaui and @kpoafm for a special kōkua edition of Kama’aina Nights on Friday, September 15th from 4-9pm in Center Court!
The evening will feature opening pule by Kahu Kanani Franco and performances by Maui’s own @hhbmusic , @wehilei , @dillonpakele , @stephenhmusic , @kuikawa_music , @halau_o_ka_hanu_lehua , Hālau Ke’alahinano O Puna, and @maui.taiko . The evening will close with a community rendition of “All Hawaii Stand Together” led by Shane Kahalehau @hhbmusic
Contribute to our ‘Lei for Lāhainā’ in honor of loved ones lost. Ti-leaf will be provided while supplies last.
Resources and services for those impacted by the Maui wildfires will be provided by @mauirapidresponse @ohanakeikiexchange (clothing items for the family), @womenhelpingwomenmaui (community resources), and @hawaiian_community_assets (financial resources) + more!
@qkcmaui x @pacificretail x @dtlhawaii foundation have partnered to raise money for those impacted by the Maui Fires. You are invited to #ExtendAloha with us. For the full details see the link in bio and join us for an evening of community.
#weareqkc #mauistrong #lahainastrong
On Monday, the new Kākoʻo Maui Relief & Aid Services Center opened in Kahului (at Maui Mall near TJ Maxx and Subway) as a specialized hub to provide aid, services, and resources to the Maui families affected by the wildfires. On the first day, over 300 people were served, and will continue to serve the community daily from 10am - 6pm.
Supported by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement @hawaiiancouncil, this modern puʻuhonua (or place of refuge and care) includes representatives from Imua Family Services, Hawai‘i Community Lending, Hawaiian Community Assets, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i, Papa Ola Lōkahi, FEMA, SBA, and Red Cross.
Our friends from Hawaiian Community Assets (@hawaiian_community_assets) and Hawaiʻi Community Lending (@hawaiicommunitylending) (second photo) are onsite to provide specialized financial counseling, guide application processes for survivors to get direct aid and services, and housing support now and into the foreseeable future.
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#dtl #dtlhawaii #strategy #planning #branding #communications #culture #community #design #newsletter #alohamaui #hawaiiancommunityassets #hawaiicommunitylending #kakoomaui #cnha #mauistrong
PC: CNHA
#WahiPanaWednesday ~ The 7,000 pound Naha Stone originated from Kauaʻi and was brought to Hilo by canoe. It was used to prove legitimacy of the bloodline of the Naha rank. When a child was born they were placed on the rock. If the baby was silent, then the baby was considered Naha, but if it cried, then the baby was cast out.
A legend existed stating that if someone were to overturn the stone, they would have the power to unify the islands of Hawaiʻi. It is believed that Kamehameha was able to do so at 14, later becoming the king of Hawaiʻi. The Naha Stone is currently located in front of the Hilo Public Library.
#dtl #dtlhawaii #strategy #planning #branding #communications #culture #community #design #newsletter #wahipana #hawaiianculture #hawaiianhistory #wahipana #wahi #hawaii #hawaiiisland #bigisland #hilo #naha #nahastone #kamehameha #kingkamehameha #moolelo #hilopubliclibrary
We`re delighted to officially welcome the lovely and talented Emmalie Payton to our DTL team as a Marketing Assistant 🎉 She recently graduated from Seattle University with her Masters in Business Administration, during which she provided DTL with excellent support to our Communications team.
"As a native Hawaiian student, I was eager to find something I love to do and tie it into a career that uplifts my home and culture. I was excited to find this with DTL, and I’m extremely grateful to be part of the ʻohana officially. I can’t wait to work with an amazing team, learn new skills, make a positive impact, and contribute to DTL’s success!" - Emmalie
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#dtl #dtlhawaii #dtlworkflow #strategy #planning #branding #communications #design #culture #community #dtlteam @em.payton
Hauʻoli Lā Hānau to our last reigning mōʻī, Lydia Lili‘u Loloku Walania Wewehi Kamaka‘eha.
Queen Liliʻuokalani lived a life of leadership, dedication, and service. She was a talented artist and musician, composing over 150 songs including “Aloha ʻOe.” She also helped to raise funds for Queen’s hospital, established a bank for women, created the Queen Liliʻuokalani Trust to support orphan children, and published the book Hawaiʻi’s Story by Hawaiʻi’s Queen.
During her rule, she had a heavy kuleana and fought tirelessly to preserve Hawaiian rights and traditions. She was a role model to her people, and we celebrate and honor her legacy today.
#dtl #dtlhawaii #strategy #planning #branding #communications #culture #community #aloha #hauolilahanau #alohalahanau #happybirthday #alohaaina #queenliliuokalani #liliuokalani #mahopemakouoliliuolani
Our keiki are our future and the foundation we lay before kindergarten will help to grow their confidence, build a love for learning, and create lifelong healthy habits. ‘Ohana play an important role in building this foundation. Whether in school, at home, or elsewhere, it’s important for both caregivers and keiki to establish a nurturing environment of learning and support.
Family-Child Interactive Learning (FCIL) is a multi-generational approach that engages parents, families, and caregivers, and places them in the center of their child’s education. With a dual focus on parent education and child development, these programs provide a holistic early learning experience to build skills, knowledge, and strategies for family members to effectively advocate and participate in their keiki’s academic journey throughout life.
INPEACE, Partners in Development Foundation, and Keiki o ka ‘Āina have been at the forefront of providing FCIL programs centered around Hawaiian values and traditions. If you’re not familiar, take a look at a variety of their programs to see what works best for you and your ʻohana.
#dtl #dtlhawaii #dtlworkflow #strategy #planning #branding #communications #culture #community #design #waikiki #dtlproject #earlylearning #earlyeducation #familychildinteractivelearning #fcil #inpeace #keikiokaaina #partnersindevelopment
Aloha Lā Hānau to DTL`s very own, Mālia Kaʻaihue! 🎉
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#dtl #dtlhawaii #dtlworkflow #strategy #planning #branding #communications #design #culture #community #alohalahanau #hauolilahanau #dtlbirthdays #makingmagic #maliakaaihue @makemagicmalia