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We know that you buy sunglasses to stylishly protect your eyes. We sell them to help protect the land and sea that we love. Since our founding in 2019 Lani Shades first partnered with One Tree Planted, planting approximately 1,740 trees around the world as part of global reforestation programs.
Update: April 2026
Lani Shades is now using Ecodrive to manage our verifiable impacts in global reforestation and clean oceans and beaches projects around the world.
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What originally inspired the founding of Lani Shades was the problem of plastic pollution in the ocean and on our beaches. Its a serious problem but there are two things as individuals that we can do about it:
1. Reduce the consumption of unnecessary plastic
2. Help clean up the huge mess that's already out there
While Lani Shades wood sunglasses may be just a small, though practical alternative to unnecessary plastic that could end up in the ocean, organizations like 4ocean are out there everyday hauling plastic trash out of the oceans around the world. 4ocean makes beautiful things like bracelets out of some of it. Lani Shades is committed to pulling one pound of trash out the ocean for every sale through our Ecodrive integration with 4ocean.
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Deforestation is a worldwide problem of more than just losing trees. Restoration Era is an organization that combines biodiversity recovery with economic development, community training and education ensuring long term sustainability and ownership with projects all around the world.
Lani Shades is committed to planting one tree for every sale to help restore the mangrove forests in the Maranhão state of Brazil through our Ecodrive integration with Restoration Era.
Check out our Ecodrive public dashboard for the latest stats on our impact. We have two active projects that we're supporting but the dashboard defaults to only one at a time. We're just getting started with Ecodrive and occasionally we'll switch default views between 4ocean and Restoration Era, while still supporting each. We have a long way to go - but as we grow, so will our impact.
We get it, most people just want a cool pair of sunglasses. But before we got into the sunglasses business we were sailors who loved the ocean and being outside in nature first and so the idea that you can make an awesome product that everyone loves and also help make a positive difference in the world is what really drives us. That's our kuleana that we're lucky to do with Lani Shades Hawaii.
* Numbers so far since we started with Ecodrive. Check back again and let's make these numbers grow!
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Let customers speak for us
I purchased my first set of Lani Ohe Mana Kai shades in Oahu while on vacation in 2023. Since then I have sent them through the ringer and have cracked them repairing them with glue and retrieved them from rivers, lakes, and after dropping them out of the pickup many times. I’m a blue collar worker yet care about this beautiful earth we live on, these glasses have been with me through the last several years and still look great. Sustainability and attention to detail is why I love these glasses so much I purchased both a set of Mana Kai, because I love the engraving, and a set of Lanikai Iwas. I purchased them online as the mainland doesn't sell them and I searched for over a week in Maui while on vacation this last week but couldn’t find them. Honestly my favorite pair of glasses and I’ve owned a lot over the years. I will buy again, and again for as long as Lani Shades sticks around.
I love these glasses and the fit ! The color is so cute, I got the pink ones and the sun protection was fabulous! Used it on the boat I work and was able to see the water clear!
Love these shades so much. Theyre stylish, sustainable, and great for being out on the ocean. I can see so well when its sunny, it makes a huge diffrerence. Also I can relax knowing that they'll float if I ever drop them. Recommend to anyone looking for new shades. Greg is awesome!
Packaging and shades are next level! Very comfortable fitting and good for any occasion.
Love my white Lani shades with hot pink lenses they are the best…. Solid ski / surf lenses and float on water… when I was in Hawaii I lost my sunnies in the surf so these are perfect for me!
We were given these floating bamboo sunglasses for our instructors to use on the water, and they’ve been great so far. They’re lightweight, comfortable for long days outside, and the fact that they float is a huge plus for a marine environment. The bamboo frames feel solid without being heavy, and they’ve held up well to salt, sun, and constant use. Overall, they’ve been a practical and reliable addition for our team, and we’re happy with how they’ve performed. Thank you Lani Shades for your support in teaching sailing to the youth of Oahu.
Environmentally conscious, fashionable, and most importantly polarized. As someone who spends a lot of time in the sun, on land and at sea, sunglasses are a must. I've gone through many pairs from different brands, and honestly Lani Shades are the best because they're made from sustainable bamboo and they FLOAT. Less pollution for our oceans and planet.
These sunglasses are amazing! Perfect for the ocean. They are not your typical sunglasses, they are the new thing!
Im in Waikiki and bought these new Lani Shades with the pink lenses and white frames. They are soo cute and I constantly get compliments. They came with a great case and also float when in the pool or beach. Seriously awesome buy!
Just got the sunglasses from lani shades and I’m honestly impressed. Super light, comfy, and the natural wood look is clean. Lenses are clear and block the sun well. Didn’t expect to like them this much, but they’re officially my new everyday shades.
I love that Lani Shades isn’t just another sunglasses brand. I got the pink lens pair and they’ve honestly become my go to for work on the water. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and I don’t have to worry about losing them to the ocean because the wood frames actually float, which is perfect when you’re on a boat all day. What I really like is that they feel purposeful. They use less plastic, and they help pull plastic off the beaches, and all of that matters when you literally spend every day in the ocean. But at the same time, they’re just the cutest! I get so many compliments on the shape and color. They’re durable, stylish, ocean-friendly, and definetly my favorite sunglasses i’ve ever owned!
These glasses are perfect for sailing, both big boat cruising and dinghy racing. The lenses are high quality and super clear. This style is great for people with smaller faces as they stay on really well.
I absolutely love these glasses, even more because working on boats it protects me from the sun and my visibility to the ocean is so clear and blue.
These sunglasses are AMAZING! I spend all day conducting conservation field work on remote islands where eye protection is essential. No sunglasses ever looked so fetching while protecting against sun and sand. They are light weight, stay on my face while boating, and come with a beautiful case to store them in while I rest up for the next days' adventures. Part of my work is removing plastic marine debris from beaches and I that is why I searched for a bamboo frame. I sure am glad I found Lani who shares in my passion for clean oceans! I will never have to shop around for another company. Lani Shads is part of the family now!
"I absolutely love these sunglasses! After spending over 35 years on the water as a boat captain, having sailed countless miles around the world and across the Pacific, I can confidently say I wish I had these shades on every voyage. They’re practical, fit perfectly, and even manage to make an old captain like me look great! A perfect blend of style and functionality."