Hale-Niu of Honolulu was a manufacturer of sportswear established in 1946 by the Kato Family. “Hale Niu” can translate from the Hawaiian language as “coconut house”. The company, located at 1022 Kapahulu Avenue, had a bowling team between 1955-1957, with Ed Kato and Chandu Kato serving as managers. Hale-Niu sponsored bowling tournaments, and registered Hale-Niu shirts were required to be worn by bowling competitors to win monetary prizes. Some shirt tags reference this specification with labels stating, “Hit the Hale-Niu Jack Pot Honolulu.” The company would later rent formal wear.
Written by Tory Laitila
from a 1949s rayon shirt
Courtesy of pinky-a-gogo
