Our Story

Born by the Ocean. Inspired by Home.

AOKAI was founded by sisters Tina and Sally Cohen, born and raised on the North Shore of Oʻahu, where life has always revolved around the ocean.

Growing up, the sisters spent more time barefoot in the sand than anywhere else. Their father worked as a surf photographer, documenting some of the world's best surfers, while their mother, originally from Japan, was a professional bodyboarder. From an early age, they were taught not only how to enjoy the ocean, but how to respect it.

Homeschooled by their parents and raised speaking both Japanese and English, Tina and Sally were fortunate to experience a childhood shaped by two cultures, endless beach days, and a deep connection to the water.

The ocean wasn't just something they visited. It was where they learned, played, traveled, and built many of their earliest memories.

As they grew older, so did their love for swimwear. What started as a shared fascination with bikinis, design, and ocean lifestyle eventually evolved into a dream: creating a swimwear brand of their own.

Years later, that dream became AOKAI.

 

The Meaning Behind AOKAI

The name AOKAI reflects both their upbringing and heritage.

AOKAI
[ao] "BLUE" in Japanese
[kai] "OCEAN" in both Hawaiian and Japanese 

Together, AOKAI represents the blue ocean that has shaped their lives from the very beginning.

More than a name, it serves as a daily reminder of where they come from and the lifestyle that continues to inspire every collection.

 

Designed for Life In and Around the Ocean

Every AOKAI piece is designed with intention.

Inspired by long days at the beach, surf sessions with friends, family adventures, and travel, the sisters create swimwear that feels timeless, functional, and beautiful season after season.

Rather than chasing fast fashion trends, AOKAI focuses on small-batch collections, thoughtful details, and pieces that women will continue reaching for year after year.

As a family-owned business, every collection is personal. Every print, fit, and design is influenced by real experiences and the places they love most.

 

Today

While AOKAI remains at the heart of what they do, Tina and Sally continue to live the lifestyle that inspired the brand in the first place.

Whether surfing, traveling, spending time with family, or simply enjoying life on the North Shore, their goal remains the same as it was when they first dreamed up AOKAI:

To create swimwear that celebrates the ocean, encourages adventure, and helps women feel confident wherever life takes them.

From our family to yours, thank you for being part of the AOKAI story.