Definition of Puinsai

Though originally known as a Hawaiian pidgin surf term meaning to “pull inside” the tube, “puinsai” has since become a description for many more actions. Like, to “put inside” the cup or basket, as in golf or basketball. It has even come to describe the inviting Hawaiian pastime of the horizontal hula. So, while PUINSAI has many meanings, nearly all can agree the saying was born and raised in the Islands of Hawaii.

Being a brand from Hawaii, PUINSAI Clothing Co. has adopted the responsibility to “Spread the Aloha” around the world. If you are unfamiliar with the meaning of “aloha,” Pilahi Paki, a time honored figure of Hawaii’s past, best described it. She wrote, "Aloha is the coordination of mind and heart . . . it's within the individual. It brings you down to yourself. You must think and emote good feelings to others.”

We hope you will join us in our desire to “Spread the Aloha.” We leave you with Paki’s lasting description of the word aloha in hopes that you will find this action as honorable as we have.

A is for AKAHI-meaning kindness, to be expressed with tenderness.

L is for Lokahi-meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony

O is for ′Olu′olu-meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness.

H is for Ha′aha′a-meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty.

A is for Ahonui-meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance.