Our Story

Sleepy car rides to the beach at dawn, with my two little brothers in the backseat and my dad at the wheel, is one of my favorite childhood memories. My dad, Liko Villatora, was the person who instilled a sense of adventure in me and taught me that the best adventures happen spontaneously and with loved ones. Together we’d travel from one side of the island to the other looking for waves. I used to love how our morning adventures often turned into all day excursions. My dad had a way of making weekends feel like summer and trips to the beach feel as if we were going to the most exciting place on earth.

Along with my sense of adventure, my dad also played a huge role in my love of business and design. In the early 2000s my dad created “Liko surfboards” & “Dacrip on da Islands”. Through these businesses he shaped surfboards and created merchandise, such as hats, stickers, men’s, women’s, and baby clothes. I’ve always felt a connection to his creations and knew that one day I would follow in his footsteps. 

It has now been 13 years since his passing and I feel the call to revive what my dad created all those years ago. To this day I still see his stickers on trucks on the road and friends of his still wearing his line. It’s the best feeling to see these reminders of my dad and it is also a sign that it is time to continue his legacy. 

The literal meaning of Kūliko is a striking/strong new bud. In naming the business I wanted to leave room for new budding growth as my fiancé Kulani & I take on the journey of parenthood. From the moment i talked about reviving my fathers line, Kulani was right on board helping with designs and ideas, this brought us even closer together knowing that one day soon we could see our little one dressed in thoughtful designs we created, just as their papa Liko did for me.

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Kū: stand, strike, remain exist. It also can mean to appear, resemble, show or reveal.

Liko: leaf bud, newly opened leaf, to bud, descendant, shining (like dew). 

Kūliko is all about new budding lifestyles and sweet island adventures while honoring the beautiful life of Liko Villatora.

With that being said, I want to introduce Kūliko.