Hakulei by Kay, owned by Kaylee Kataoka, a junior computer engineering major at UH Mānoa, beautifully encapsulates the essence and beauty of the ʻohana and the rich history of Hawaiian culture. Her business offers a wide range of flowers and arrangements for residents of O‘ahu, specializing in lei po’o, boutonnieres, corsages, bouquets, and le’ahi. She also provides wedding florals and lei-making classes, ensuring that each piece she creates carries a personal and meaningful touch.

Kaylee started her small business, Hakulei by Kay, in 2021 during her senior year of high school, seeking an outlet to push her creative side and discover her passion. What began as a hobby — making haku leis for friends and family — soon blossomed into a thriving business, thanks to her loved ones' constant support. Interestingly enough, the name Hakulei by Kay was chosen to reflect her identity and to create a business name that would rhyme with Kaylee.

Kaylee, deeply connected to her Hawaiian heritage, learned the art of lei-making from her aunt in middle school, sparking a passion that has only grown stronger over the years. Her dedication to the business is evident in every floral arrangement — each flowery is a carefully designed masterpiece, that reflects hours of skill and care. Beyond crafting, her commitment to customer engagement sets her apart, ensuring every creation is meaningful and tailored to the individual.

Balancing a growing business while managing school has been challenging, requiring long hours and unwavering dedication. However, Kaylee’s perseverance and passion continue to drive Hakulei by Kay forward, proving that with hard work and love for one’s craft, success blooms.

Kaylee’s ultimate goal is to open a floral shop in Mililani, fulfilling a valuable need in that community. She also envisions expanding into wedding services and other creative business ventures that push her artistic boundaries.

As the Aloha Diary’s first official small business feature, we are honored to spotlight Hakulei by Kay and her impact on our community. During our magazine photoshoot, Kaylee’s generosity stood out as she donated stunning florals that made the experience enchanting. Here at the Aloha Diary, we express a huge thank you to Hakulei by Kay, and if you ever need a gorgeous, handcrafted floral, Hakulei by Kay is the way to go.