Releasing exclusively in-store and online (FittedHawaii.com and PaieaProjects.com) this Saturday, November 1 at 11am HST.
When Fitted and Paiea Projects discuss history we view i ka wā ma mua through an urban lens: hoops, hip-hop, and Hawaiiana.
From 1795 to 1872 the Kamehameha Dynasty changed the game in Hawai‘I by embracing a world view. Paiʻea came first — the unifier, the OG. He pulled all the islands together by utilizing Western tech and laid down Kānāwai Māmalahoe. Then Liholiho stepped in — bold moves only. He broke the kapu system and opened Hawaiʻi to the world. Kauikeaouli brought structure and vision — first constitution, land reforms, and that timeless line: “Ua mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka pono.”ʻIolani? Heart of gold — started Queen’s Hospital to care for the people. And Kapuāiwa? Pure backbone — held it down for the culture, language, and Hawaiian pride — established Kamehameha Day and the Royal Order of Kamehameha. Gang, gang!
Fast forward to 1991, University of Michigan freshmen rolled onto the court like a hui of young warriors, bringing swagger and a whole new style of play. They made NCAA history as the first team to start five freshmen in a championship game — and they did it twice (’92 & ’93). They didn’t win the title, but they won the culture. Maize and blue. Baggy shorts. Black socks. Attitude for days. Their merch? Flying off the shelves — even more than Michigan’s own 1989 national champs. They weren’t just hoopers — they were trendsetters that changed the game, ushering in hip hop style, and influencing the narrative of college basketball forever. We see you, NIL.
The Fitted + Paiea Projects Kohala “Fab 5” Collection pays homage to the Kamehameha Dynasty, drawing inspiration from the maize and moniker of the early-90s Wolverines: KOHALA x “Fab Five” Basketball Jersey; Kamehameha Dynasty "Fab Five" Tee; and Kamehameha 9FIFTY Snapback “Maize & Blue” Denim Trucker. No matter the vehicle, how we drive mo‘olelo to the present is always with the intention: I ka wā ma mua, I ka wā ma hope (The future is in the past).