About Makai

About Makai Beauty

Of the Sea, For the Sea

Makai—meaning towards the sea in Hawaiian—is more than a word. It reflects a way of life, a sense of direction, and a commitment to the ocean that shapes everything we do.

 

 

Our Origin Story

Makai Beauty was born out of personal urgency and deep ancestral roots. After losing the use of my thyroid, a Canadian doctor told me it was likely due to long-term exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals—found in common sunscreens and body care. As the first Waterman in five generations of my Hawaiian family, I spent much of my life in the ocean. My Hawaiian heritage gave me strong bones and wide feet—but not the melanin-rich skin that protects from sun damage. To shield myself, I applied sunscreen multiple times a day, and showered often. I thought I was taking care of my body. Instead, I was harming it.

My second wake-up call came as I watched Hanauma Bay, one of my most treasured reefs, degrade due to overuse and chemical-laden products washing off visitors into the water.

 

 

Returning to the ‘Āina

Last year, I returned to Onomea on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi—the birthplace of four generations of my family—with my father. What I found disturbed me: misleading labels, “reef safe” products that were anything but, and high-end body care formulas filled with chemicals harmful to people and planet alike. The more expensive the product, the more toxic it often was.

So we moved to the Big Island to help educate and offer a better alternative.

 

 

Makai Beauty Is Our Response to Greenwashing & Toxic Skincare

Makai Beauty is a premium line of sun and body care products designed with intention: effective formulations rooted in science, inspired by Hawaiian ecology, and created without compromise. We are science over marketing, people and planet over profit.

Our signature Ocean-Botanical Blend features time-tested, antioxidant-rich botanicals that nourish the skin and protect marine ecosystems:

  • Wakame Seaweed – A nutrient-dense ocean superfood that detoxifies and revitalizes the skin

  • Tulsi (Holy Basil) – An adaptogen that helps skin resist environmental stress and inflammation

  • Chamomile – Soothes redness and irritation while supporting skin repair

  • Green Tea & White Tea – Rich in polyphenols to reduce oxidative damage and improve skin’s elasticity

  • Aloe Leaf – Hydrates, heals, and refreshes sun-exposed skin

  • Rosehip Seed Oil – Featured in our Squalane Serum for brightening and rejuvenation

Our formulations are high-performance, luxurious, and always reef safer and Hawaii compliant. We avoid the greenwashing found in many “natural” products by using only ingredients we trust—for both their efficacy and environmental safety.

 

 

Our Mission

Makai Beauty is committed to regenerative practices, transparent science, and community care. We work alongside schools, nonprofits, scientists, and cultural leaders to create long-term impact in Hawaiʻi and beyond.

We also raise awareness around the lesser-known facts: while Hawaii has banned two sunscreen chemicals, those same compounds are still allowed in most plastic packaging and non-sunscreen personal care products.

 

 

A Movement, Not Just a Brand

Makai Beauty is a return—to the ocean, to the truth, and to the traditions that honor the interconnectedness of people and place. It’s for those who believe in doing better: for our bodies, for the reef, and for future generations.

We invite you to join us as we move Makai.