This is Maria “Malia” Penner, the founder of Ka‘ānani‘au Studio of Wai’anae, O’ahu, Kō Hawai’i Pae ‘āina. For over two decades prior to opening the studio, Malia created and learned as a visual artist across many mediums. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Arts, Culture & Conflict Transformation and minoring in History, supported by teachers across four universities in four different nations. Through the years, she’s cherished her pilina with both soil and sea. From harvesting and forming pottery to restoring and caretaking lo‘i, the dirt has always called her in. Whether surfing, diving, or lifeguarding, the kai has always guided, sustained, and nourished her. This mauka-to-makai connection shapes how Malia tends to her life and work: grounded, attentive, and deeply aware of the rhythms of people and place.

 

After a serious injury shifted her path, a call from an admired Lāhui steward led her back to an unexpected artistic medium: graphic design. As her recovery progressed, that call inspired Malia to learn everything she could about effective brand design and its potential to serve lāhui and ‘āina. Her studio has grown steadily ever since, giving her the privilege of creating high-impact transformations for purpose-driven businesses and organizations.

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When you work with Malia, you’re not just getting a designer, you’re gaining a guide, a strategist, and a partner who champions your story as if it were her own. With her leading the way, every decision and detail is made to honor your mission and achieve results that exceed expectations. Each project is approached with intention, care, and uncompromising standards, resulting in a brand that stands tall, speaks clearly, and makes a lasting impact you can own with pride.