Built on the Island of Maui in the style of the an 1800s tall ship, Hawaiian Chieftain is a piece of Hawai`i history that is finally returning home. Shift was engaged to help with branding and positioning for Hawaiian Chieftain’s next chapter as a Research, Education and Tour Vessel.
Our goal was to create a brand that evoked the promise of adventure and experience on the sea. The identity illustrates the ship at full sail under the guiding light of Hokule`a, the navigational zenith star of Hawai`i. The overall design marries the historic styling of the ship with a fresh and modern island vibe. A full restoration effort is now underway and the Hawaiian Chieftain is set sail again in Hawai`i in 2023