In 2017, on the island of Kauaʻi, The Spirit of CAN was established as a positivity spreading, lifestyle apparel company. Producing menʻs and womenʻs tanks, shirts, and hats, each piece of apparel reads: CAN.
Why? Because they believe in each person’s ability to accomplish whatever they aspire to. The Spirit of CAN is truly unique in this sense, and a major reason why Destination Residences Hawaiʻi chose to collaborate with them on a t-shirt design for employees who would participate in the annual Charity Walk on Maui, which raises money for hundreds of local charities throughout the state.
“Kākou CAN” is the phrase on the front of the t-shirt. The Hawaiian word “kākou” means we together, inclusive of me, you and others. It is unifying, and sends a call to all who are able to help in working towards the completion of tasks, goals and aspirations. “Kākou CAN”, then, can literally be translated, “We Can.” This phrase is one that is so perfectly epitomized by Hawaiʻi, where helping others is a prominent part of daily life. As the saying here goes, “If can, can. If no can, no can.” However, if you ask both The Spirit of CAN and Destination Residences Hawaiʻi, they might tell you they believe it should go: “Can, period.”