More than a decade after launching its high-end leather sandals, OluKai is opening its first two company-owned retail locations. Both stores will be in the Hawaiian Islands — one in Maui and the other in Oahu — the birthplace of the brand. 

Until now, OluKai shoes have been available online or through other retailers. Both stores will feature signature premium leather sandals, along with OluKai's latest shoe and sneaker designs for men and women. Exclusives, such as artist collaborations and limited-edition shoes, will also be showcased and updated regularly.

"Hawaii, its culture and people inspire us, so Maui and Oahu are deliberate locations for OluKai's first retail experiences," said Kerry Konrady, OluKai vice president of marketing. Each location is styled to capture the stories of culture, conveyed through material selections, imagery and local artwork. The Whalers Village location, for example, has nine shapes of a voyaging canoe sails representing nine major trade winds of Maui.

Though OluKai designs and sells sandals, boots, shoes and slippers, its high-end sandals have garnered special attention. Forbes has credited OluKai with “redefining the flip flop”, with premium leather sandals that have anatomically contoured footbeds and cost between $65 and $120.

Image: OluKai Whalers Village  Credit: OluKai