One-on-One with Kihi Tuiho
From our lands where coconut palms sway in the island breeze, where coconut milk, water, and meat are staples of everyday life, we are proud to introduce Kihi Tuiho, founder of Au’a Tahiti.
An environmental engineer specializing in waste management and a passionate advocate for sustainability, Kihi launched Au’a Tahiti in 2020, during the quiet days of confinement. Observing how coconut shells were routinely discarded after coprah processing, she asked a simple but powerful question:
“What if we gave these shells a second life?”
That question sparked a beautiful idea—engraved coconut bowls—and soon after, Kihi and her partner Eriata began their creative journey.
What started as an eco-conscious initiative quickly grew into a vibrant example of local innovation and cultural pride.
From the signature bowls, Au’a Tahiti expanded into artisan workshops, inviting guests to craft their own pieces, and later developed coconut and wood utensils, each made with care, intention, and respect for the land.
Today, Au’a Tahiti is more than a brand—it is a movement. A way of reminding us that sustainability can be beautiful, and that even the humblest materials can carry deep meaning when shaped by heart and heritage.
Photo credit: Au’a Tahiti
