Summer H. Kaiawe

Partner
Distinctions
  • Pacific Century Fellows (Class of 2026)
  • Pacific Business News 40 Under 40, Honoree (2024)
  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America – Commercial Litigation; Intellectual Property Law; Land Use and Zoning (2022-2026)
  • Chambers & Partners, Band 2 – Real Estate: Zoning/Land use (2024-2025)
  • Chambers & Partners, Band 3 – Litigation (2024-2025)
  • Chambers & Partners, Up and Coming – Litigation (2021-2023)
  • National Association of Women Lawyers Rising List (2022)
  • Hawaii Business Magazine 20 for the Next 20, Honoree (2021)
  • Hawaii Super Lawyers® – Business Litigation (2022-2024)
  • Hawaii Super Lawyers®, Rising Stars (2017-2021) - Business Litigation (2017-2021)
  • Hawaii Federal Trial Academy (2018)
  • United States District Court Judicial Conference, District of Hawaii, Delegate (2018-2020)
  • Hawaii State Bar Association, Leadership Institute Fellow (2015)
Representative Clients
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Summer H. Kaiawe is a litigator and advocate with a practice focused on business and real estate disputes, land use entitlements, and intellectual property. She represents clients in litigation involving contract, land title, and encroachment disputes, as well as trademark and copyright infringement. Her work also includes guiding clients through the land use process by securing development permits and related approvals. She also advises clients on protecting their intellectual property through trademark and copyright registration. Summer represents clients in administrative hearings, contested cases, trials, and appeals, and also uses mediation as a practical alternative to litigation when appropriate. Known for her thoughtful, client-centered approach, she balances strong advocacy with practical solutions. Beyond her legal practice, Summer is deeply committed to community service, dedicating time to pro bono work and leadership with nonprofit organizations that provide critical social services in Hawaiʻi.

Education
  • University of Hawaii, William S. Richardson School of Law, J.D. cum laude (2011)
  • Environmental Law Certificate (2011)
  • Linnel Nishioka Environmental Law Fellow (2010)
  • University of Hawaii, Shidler College of Business, Master of Accounting (2008)
  • University of Hawaii, Shidler College of Business, BBA in Accounting (2007)
Community Involvement
  • Partners in Development Foundation, Board of Directors, Director (2022-Present), Treasurer (2024-Present)
  • Helping Hands Hawaii, Board of Directors, Director (2021-Present), Secretary (2022), Vice-Chair (2023), Secretary (2024), Chair (2024-Present)
  • Aloha Harvest, Board of Directors, Director (2016-2025), and Vice Chair (2018-2019, 2021-2022), Secretary (2022-2025)
  • Federal Bar Association, Hawaii Chapter, Board Member (2023-Present), CLE Committee (2023-Present)
  • Hawaii State Bar Association, Nominating Committee, Member (2025)
  • Hawaii State Bar Association, Well-Being Committee, Chair (2021-2022)
  • American Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, House of Delegates, Hawaii Delegate (2020-2021)
  • Hawaii Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being (2019-2021)
  • Hawaii State Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, President (2019), Vice President (2018), Secretary (2017), Director (2016-2019)
  • Hawaii Federal Court Pro Bono Panel member (2018-2025)
  • University of Hawaii, William S. Richardson School of Law Alumni Association, Director (2011-2016)
Notable Cases