From The Islands To The Bay
My name is Leilani, and I am the founder of Kanahele Krunch. I grew up in Mill Valley, California, but my heart and heritage are in Hawai‘i. I spent much of my childhood visiting family across the islands, and I wouldn’t be who I am without the ‘āina (land), my ‘ohana (family), and my kūpuna (ancestors).
I come from a line of warrior wāhine — strong women who lead with heart, give back where they can, and live every day with deep mahalo. They’ve taught me that every sunrise is a gift, and I express that gratitude through movement — surfing, skiing, running, and connecting with the land.
Kanahele Krunch was born from that spirit — and from a craving for something that reminded me of sweet niu (coconut). I wanted a snack that captured those island flavors but could also keep up with my lifestyle: light, simple, and made to move.
Every bag is a little piece of that balance — a taste of aloha, made for chasing waves, summits, and all the good things in between.
1% for ‘Aha Pūnana Leo
In Hawaiian culture, language is more than words — it’s identity, connection, and the foundation of aloha. When a language thrives, so does the culture, the values, and the spirit of its people.
By the 1980s, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) was nearly silenced — spoken fluently by fewer than 50 children across the islands. But thanks to the vision and determination of Hawaiian educators, families, and community leaders, the ʻAha Pūnana Leo movement began — building schools that immerse children from birth in Hawaiian language and values.
Today, there are over 20 immersion preschools and K–12 programs across Hawaiʻi, and thousands of students are once again growing up fluent in their native tongue. It’s living proof that language can be reborn when it’s taught, spoken, and celebrated with purpose.
Kanahele Krunch is proud to support this mission. 1% of all proceeds are donated to ʻAha Pūnana Leo, helping ensure that future generations can learn, live, and dream in the language of their ancestors.
For me, it’s a way to honor my great grandmother, Annie Kanahele — an educator who fought to keep Hawaiian culture in schools — and to give back to the community that shaped my story.
From the Islands to the Bay, we’re carrying that legacy forward, one bag — and one word — at a time.
Learn more: https://www.ahapunanaleo.org
