Get Fit in the New Year with These Stylish Hawai‘i Activewear Brands

If you’re reading this post there's a good chance that your New Year's resolutions, like mine, include getting in shape in 2023. And for me, getting in the right head space and actually feeling excited about working out requires more than just a can-do attitude—it requires new outfits.

Here's the math: If you feel good about putting on your workout wear, by proxy you’ll start to feel good about working out. Getting dressed is half the battle. And to help you win that battle, let me introduce you to two up-and-coming local activewear brands whose stylish workout gear has been inspiring me to get up, get out and get going.

Looks from the Ua Collection / Photos: Zack S. Jr., Courtesy of Kūmana Activewear

While its chic neutral color palette and timeless silhouettes first drew my attention to Kūmana Activewear, I quickly found them to be just the tip of the iceberg when it came to what makes it special.

Native Hawaiian designer Kawehi Leon Guerrero, sees the line as a vehicle for education and environmentalism. "I chose to go into activewear because Native Hawaiians rank among the highest at risk for various health ailments in Hawaiʻi, so I wanted to be part of inspiring the Hawaiian community to live healthy, active lifestyles," she explains.

Looks from the Wāwāmalu Collection / Photos: Craig Chang, Courtesy of Kūmana Activewear

Each hue in its range is named after an element of Hawaiian culture, thoughtfully explained on the brand's website: inky black leggings in Pō, for instance, reference night or darkness, as well as the realm of the gods. Select pieces are even printed with Hawaiian proverbs, such as "Uē ka lani, ola ka honua" which translates to "When the sky weeps, the earth lives."

And the stretchy-yet-supportive, moisture-wicking fabrics are made from sustainable materials, including recycled plastic and bamboo. For Leon Guerrero it's not just activewear, "it's activismwear." kumanaactive.com, @kumanaactive

Looks from the Sedona and Terra collections / Photos: courtesy of Love Fitness Apparel

Created by husband-and-wife duo Crystal and Brandon Goode, this Waipahu-based brand has a knack for turning out cool, minimal styles and tropical, hand-drawn prints inspired by Hawai‘i. Launched in 2013 with screen-printed tanks and leggings, the family-run label has since evolved its range to include shorts, sports bras, tops, jackets, sweats and more.

What I really like about Love Fitness Apparel's designs are the interesting details: the new Bodhi active dress features a playful scalloped hem, while the straps of the Lily sports bra overlap sleekly on one shoulder and the waffled Phaedra hoodie boasts both a cropped drawstring waist and balloon sleeves.

Looks from the Bloom Collection / Photos: courtesy of Love Fitness Apparel

I also appreciate that the label values inclusivity. As a minority-owned brand, it's important to the Goodes to "fight social beauty stands, environmental challenges and inequality issues," says Crystal, and to foster a community that shares in those ideals.

Several of Love Fitness Apparel's styles are sized extra-small to 2Xl or 3XL, and the design team is working to expand all styles to 3XL in 2023. The Goodes also make it a point to feature diverse groups of models in the brand's photo shoots. "I want individuals to feel empowered, confident and beautiful." lovefitnessapparel.com, @lovefitnessapparel