Introducing Rocket Ahuna: Hula Meets High Fashion

A Journey of Resilience and Cultural Expression

Rocket Ahuna, a 23-year-old Kānaka Maoli designer, is making waves in the fashion world with his unique blend of cultural storytelling and sustainable design. His work has recently gained attention after being featured in Apple TV+’s Chief of War, where stars Luciane Buchanan, Mainei Kinimaka, and pro surfer Maluhia Kinimaka wore his designs inspired by the history of Hawai’i. This moment marks a significant milestone for both Ahuna and the Pasifika community, as it highlights the importance of representation in mainstream media.

Ahuna’s journey to success has not been without challenges. At just 14 years old, he was diagnosed with bone cancer in his brain stem. Despite this, he continued to pursue his passion for fashion, even while undergoing treatment. In July, he shared his story with Teen Vogue, revealing that he had surgery at Duke University last month and has been recovering since. He chose to keep his health battle private until closer to the premiere date of Chief of War. For Ahuna, designing the looks for the show became a source of strength and motivation during his recovery.

Inspiration from Culture and Nature

Growing up in Hawai’i, Ahuna draws much of his inspiration from the art of hula and the connection to the land, or āina. He began dancing hula at a young age, learning to create garments and leis for performances. This experience deepened his understanding of the cultural significance of hula, not just in movement but also in the regalia and items worn during performances. Ahuna sees fashion as a powerful tool for storytelling, aiming to represent the traditions and histories of his ancestors.

After moving to New York to attend FIT, Ahuna eventually returned to Hawai’i to care for his grandmother. While back on the island, he felt like a “bigger fish in a small pond.” Despite this, he remained focused on his dreams of pursuing fashion. He carved out his own niche in Hawaiian fashion, debuting his first fashion show, Lau Kī, last year. Since then, he has released more collections and created custom pieces for the stars of Chief of War.

Sustainability and Community Impact

Sustainability plays a crucial role in Ahuna’s work. He emphasizes the importance of āina in Hawaiian culture and how it influences his approach to design. He uses dead stock fabrics and natural dyes to create his pieces, aiming to minimize waste and promote eco-friendly practices. One of his t-shirts, inspired by Limahuli Gardens, supports the garden by covering all manufacturing costs, with donations going directly to programs for children.

Ahuna also hopes to continue working with his auntie to volunteer at Limahuli Gardens, helping kids connect with āina through various creative outlets such as videography and photography. He believes that fostering awareness of the land’s importance can lead to a more sustainable future.

Looking Ahead

Currently, Ahuna is excited about new opportunities in New York City, where he plans to develop a collection that blends his experiences in Hawai’i with the city’s unique energy. He aims to create something small but meaningful, focusing on intent and purpose.

For young designers and creatives looking to enter the fashion industry, Ahuna offers valuable advice: “Just go for it.” He encourages them to embrace their unique paths and not be held back by overthinking. He believes that the key to success lies in taking action and blending one’s passions into their work.

As Ahuna continues to grow and evolve, his story serves as an inspiration to many. Through his designs, he not only tells stories of resilience and culture but also promotes sustainability and community impact. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to one’s roots.