Aloha and welcome to Kaniwai.
Our company was founded and designed by my mother, Raelynn Broad-Kela, who was born and raised on the island of Oʻahu in the small town of Kāneʻohe. From a young age, she felt a deep connection to the ocean—whether surfing, paddling, or snorkeling in search of shells, the sea was always home to her.

In 1981, shortly after graduating high school, she joined the United States Army Reserve to pursue higher education. In 1987, she began her career as a flight attendant with Hawaiian Airlines. She married my father, Adren Kela, in 1992, and together they raised two daughters.

In 2006, my mother retired from the United States Army Reserve with the rank of Sergeant Major (E-9). Following her retirement, Kaniwai was created—bringing together her life experiences, love for the ocean, and creative vision.

Kaniwai is my mom’s passion, woven into every piece of jewelry she creates. She finds inspiration in nature—especially in the moment when the wind rushes in just before the calm of the rain. From that love came our names: Makani, meaning wind, and Nawai, meaning waters.

Over the years, Kaniwai has evolved. What began as simple Tahitian pearl jewelry on durable, waterproof cording has grown to include gemstones, glass, and wood. Sandalwood, in particular, came to my mom through a vision she had while paddling, when she fell in love with the way the ocean meets the land.

That connection deepened after God blessed her with her first moʻopuna (grandchild), Tahetaheavai, a Tahitian name meaning the center or heart of a tree. This moment further shaped the spirit and story behind Kaniwai.