Q&A with Dale Hope

Photo Courtesy: Flux Hawaii

Innovator, entrepreneur, visionary and waterman are just a few words to describe Hawaiian native Dale Hope. Coming from a family of fabric manufacturers on the island of Oahu, Dale took the foundation laid by his parents and ran with it, incorporating art and inspiration from the beautiful and laid-back surroundings of his childhood home of Waikiki and its surrounding neighborhoods. Over the years, what came to be known as the 'Aloha Shirt' has flourished and become one of the world's most iconic styles of clothing, embodying the island's ethos of love, respect, positivity and peace. Enjoy this special Q&A with him below.

What is your favorite outdoor activity?

Being in the salt water, anything in the ocean... Swimming, stand-up paddling, one-man canoeing, lay-down paddle boarding, canoe sailing.

What is your ideal of perfect happiness?

Productive projects, collaborations when one plus one equals three.

What historical figure do you most identify with?

Lots of respect for Duke Kahanamoku, his Aloha spirit and Hawaiian heart.

Who is your favorite artist?

John Severson

What talent would you most like to have?

Be able to surf like Carissa Moore.

What is your greatest extravagance? 

Extra avocado on a bowl of poké.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Wearing an Aloha Shirt.

What do you most value in your friends?

Their passion, humor and sincerity. 

Who are your heroes in real life?

Joe Quigg

What is your most treasured possession?

Our daughter and a watercolor painting by Mike Field. 

What words or phrases do you most overuse?

"Trust me…"

What is your motto?

"Got to get in the Ocean."

What is your favorite Aloha shirt?

One my dad made in the 60s… A classic with the Waikiki Beachboys playing music while Tutu’s dance the hula.