Still Moving. Still Becoming.

The name Nikau Kai (pronounced: Knee-co K-eye) comes from our kids — Nikau (a palm native to New Zealand) and Kai (the ocean, in Hawaiian). So yes, this is a family thing. It always has been.

We started back in 2011 with a couple paddleboards, a trailer made from a double stroller, and a simple idea: create something for people who feel most at home near the water.

Back then, it was surf and stand-up paddle lessons. Riding bikes to the beach and sharing what we loved.

In 2012, we opened a little shop in downtown Manhattan Beach, three blocks from the water, offering gear that leaned off-center: alaias, paipos, handplanes, and lots of SUPs. Boards you didn’t always see, but a fun, different way to express yourself.



Over time, we started making more of our own things. First boards, then tees, hoodies, and of course, truckers. As things evolved, so did the focus — from a shop to a brand. From just selling gear to building something that reflected how we actually live. Prioritizing better materials, intentional fits, and a cleaner, quieter approach to design.

Today, we still chase waves. But we’ve come to believe the real win is in the balance.
Nikau Kai is about more than where we came from — it’s how we approach each day: with purpose and intent. 

Built for everyday. Made for you.
"Do Less, Be More."