About Us

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Michael "Mike" Ichiyama is the owner of Koa Designs, LLC, DBA Designs by Kadooka, a Pearl City-based woodworking and gift shop.   Carrying forward the legacy of master artisan Pat Kadooka, Mike learned much of his craft from the shop’s original founder, blending time-honored woodworking techniques but elevated it by adding his own innovations.

With a background in various woodworking ventures, Mike brings both skill and vision to the business. Under his leadership, Koa Designs LLC, DBA Designs by Kadooka, continues to thrive as a beloved fixture in Hawaiʻi’s local arts and crafts community. His collection highlights handcrafted koa wood pieces—each one a reflection of the natural beauty and cultural richness of the islands—alongside a curated selection of locally inspired gifts and décor.

Driven by a deep respect for Hawaiian materials and traditions, Mike remains committed to preserving the essence of local craftsmanship while evolving it for today’s generation.

Dawn Kent serves as the Office Manager and Laser Engraver Specialist, where she plays an integral role in both administrative oversight and hands-on production - notably help with the shopʻs laser-engraving operations.  Her unmatched attention to detail, remarkable efficiency, and extraordinary organizational skills keep our production running seamlessly. A true perfectionist, she is an invaluable asset to the company.

Becky Kanenaka, a retired microbiologist, has traded in her lab coat for a lathe, turning her lifelong appreciation for precision and detail into a passion for woodworking.  Now, she crafts beautiful, functional pieces from Koa and other local woods.

Her creations include:

• Hand-turned pens 
• Salt and pepper grinders 
• Whiskey and wine stoppers 
• Whistles 
• Wine openers

Every piece Becky makes carries the same meticulous care she once applied in the lab—now expressed through the grain, texture, and shape of finely crafted wood.

Marcus Young is a skilled woodworker known for his strength in handling large pieces of wood.  Whether itʻs cutting slabs down to size or assisting with detailed builds, Marcus plays a key role in bringing a wide range of woodworking projects to life.  His versatility makes him an essential part of the workshop team.  In his spare time, he is a jewelry artist who crafts unique pieces using koa wood and shells, and often repurposes found "treasures."

Darryl Fukunaga has been a valued member of the Designs by Kadooka team for many years.  With a keen eye for detail, he adds the perfect finishing touches to each handcrafted piece, ensuring every item meets our highest standardds.  A true handyman at heart, Darryl brings creativity, skill and dedication to everything he does.  His craftsmanship and versatility make him an essential part of our worshop and a trusted part of our 'ohana.

Carole Chong brings warmth and positivity to Designs by Kadooka during the few hours a week she spends helping us finish and prepare items for our customers.  A devoted caregiver for her mother and a former athletic director, Caroleʻs cheerful spirit and can-do attitude brighten the shop.  Her attention to detail and welcoming smile make her a truly appreciated part of our team and a joy to work with.

Pat Takumi Kadooka is a third-generation artisan from Kona, Hawaiʻi, with deep roots in craftsmanship tracing back to Kumamoto, Japan.  A descendant of a master carpenter, Pat inherited an innate talent for creating with his hands—a gift that began as a hobby in 1969 and eventually blossomed into a thriving business on Oʻahu by 1995.

Throughout his artistic journey, Pat explored a range of mediums including ceramics, paper arts, fresh flowers, and Fimo clay. However, it was wood—especially the rich, native Hawaiian Koa—that ultimately became his material of choice.  He began showcasing his work at local craft fairs before transitioning to selling exclusively through local stores that celebrated Hawaiʻi-based artists.

Pat’s earliest designs started with just a few box styles.  Over time, his collection grew to over a hundred unique handcrafted items, many of which continue to be featured on the company’s website today.  Each piece reflects Pat's signature blend of Japanese craftsmanship and Hawaiian spirit, crafted from Koa and other locally sourced woods such as mango, sandalwood, milo, and lychee.

Though Pat has since retired, his legacy endures through his designs—each one a tribute to his heritage, vision, and the beauty of Hawaiʻi.

At Koa Designs, LLC DBA Designs by Kadooka, our mission is to honor and preserve the spirit of craftsmanship through the creation of timeless, handcrafted pieces made primarily from sustainably sourced koa wood from Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island). We are dedicated to blending traditional woodworking techniques with modern design, producing functional art that reflects the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and enduring craftsmanship of the islands. Every piece we create is a tribute to the legacy of local artisans, the richness of Hawaiian hardwoods, and the values of quality, authenticity, and aloha.