A Legacy of Ocean Love
The KaiAloha Supply family is reflecting on the life and legacy of a woman who was truly the heart of our brand. It is with heavy hearts that we honor the memory of our co-founder, Candace Shaw Faust (1960–2026).
While many knew her as a legendary swimmer or a pioneering lifeguard, to us, Candace was the bedrock of KaiAloha Supply. Alongside her long standing relationship with other co-founders, Tommy (leftmost) & Adrian (rightmost), she helped build this brand from a shared vision into a community, infusing every piece of gear and every island initiative with her intelligence and tireless work ethic (Image courtesy of KaiAloha Supply).
A Mission of "Watchful Care"
As a founder, Candace’s "lifeguard’s heart" dictated the way we do business. She believed in looking out for others, whether they were athletes in the pool, neighbors in Lahaina or the employees in our stores. Her knowledge guided our growth, but her character guided our values. She was a woman of unwavering commitment, who ensured that KaiAloha Supply stood for resilience, safety, and the spirit of the ‘ohana (Image courtesy of Mariana Markouizos).
A Sea of Blue: The Saturday Paddle Out
This past Saturday, May 2nd, the KaiAloha Supply team, friends, and family gathered on the shores of Lahaina to honor Candace in the way she loved most: on the water.
It was a breathtaking sight as a "sea of blue" took to the sand. To celebrate her life, KaiAloha Supply produced custom memorial shirts in her favorite shade of blue, worn by the dozens of employees and loved ones who came to pay their respects.
The ceremony followed the timeless tradition of a paddle out. A large circle formed on the water; a symbol of the unbroken bond of our community. Amidst shared stories and tears, we performed the traditional splash-out, sending a roar of water and love toward the sky. With the tossing of flowers into the center of the circle, we said our "until we meet agains" to a woman who gave so much to these islands and our brand (Image courtesy of Mariana Markouizos).
Carrying Her Light Forward
Candace will be remembered as a devoted mother to Kaili and Caitlin, a beloved wife to Pete, and a huge part of KaiAloha Supply. Though she is no longer with us on the sand, her influence remains as constant as the tides. We carry her mission forward every time we hit the water, keeping a watchful eye on our community just as she always did.
Candace, thank you for your help in dreaming this brand into reality. Your light remains as bright as a Maui sunset, and we will remember you forever in our hearts (Image courtesy of KaiAloha Supply).
