Our Story
Our Story
Mālama in Hawaiian, it means to care for, to nurture, to protect, to give back. It's a word that has guided every bar of soap and body care product we've ever made, and it's the heart behind everything this brand stands for.
From One Island to the Next
Kiara was raised in Okinawa, Japan. In the summer of 2007, she made the journey across the Pacific to Honolulu to begin a Bachelor of Science program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. After completing her degree, she chose to stay and put down roots in the islands that had become her second home.
Debut During the Lockdown
When the world paused in 2020, Kiara saw an opportunity to revamp her hobby to turn into a full blown business. With an entrepreneurial spirit passed down from her business forward grandfather that she couldn't ignore, she launched Mālama Soaps in Hawaiʻi. After a few years of practice and feedback from her friends and family, the lock down was the best time to hard launch her quiet hobby. After a few slow starts and a steep learning curve, Mālama Soaps quickly blossomed into a self-sustaining brand rooted in community and care.
Caring for the Land That Cared for Us
The name says it all. Mālama, to care for. Kiara's vision was never just to make beautiful soaps. It was to honor the land, the culture, and the community that had welcomed her so warmly. Mālama Soaps has participated in fundraisers, charities, and causes with the people of Hawaiʻi in mind, and that spirit of giving back remains central to who we are.
Working alongside local farms and businesses, Kiara wove the flavors, botanicals, and soul of the islands into every product, bringing a little piece of Hawaiʻi to your hands, your skin, and your home.
Mālama on the Move
Today, Kiara's journey with the military has taken her beyond the shores of Hawaiʻi, but the mission of Mālama travels with her. Wherever she goes, she carries the same aloha spirit and a commitment to caring for the people and places around her.
Mālama Soaps is still Hawaiʻi but made in heart and soul, and always will be.
Shop Our Collections
Ready to experience a little Mālama for yourself? Explore our handcrafted soaps and body care.