" A fishermen of shallow seas uses only a short line; a fishermen of the deep sea uses a long line"
                                                 -Hawai'ian proverb

      You'll reach only as far as you aim, so prepare to reach.
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Testimonials

Vince is awesome and his work is truly amazing. He worked with me to custom tailor several pieces based on my individual preferences and he nailed it each time. Whenever I wear one of his Makaus, his work turns heads and I make new friends. Everyone wants to know where I found such amazing pieces. 

                                                                                            Christopher Todd-Miami Beach, FL





I learned about Vince’s work years while doing an online search for traditional Hawaiian makau. His work exemplified the ancient style I had been looking for and I happily made my first purchase. Fast forward to my current work in celebrating and preserving Hula through photography. I had been given a gift of a Niho (whale tooth) considered a sacred object in ancient Hawaii that I wanted to use in a photo shoot. I turned to Vince to help determine the best way to represent what would be done in ancient Hawaii. His advice and talent helped create something that looks like it belongs in a museum. 

                                                                                               Peter T. Richards, The Hula Dance



I first bought one of Vince Cabanilla's makau's almost a decade ago and I'm still wearing the very same original.  Since then I've purchased numerous works of art from Vince, and now my entire family proudly sports his amazing makau's.  His pieces are exceptional, they are both beautiful and of the highest durability.  His cords are like no other, I've even had him relash other people's work, who's cords were questionable.  I am very thankful to have found Vince and his wonderful art.  Once you wear one of his makau's, you need not look anywhere else.  I now consider Vince to be a good friend of mine.  Mahalo Vince, best of luck brah!

                                                                                                         Jared Bish-Anchorage, AK



I have seen many Makaus in my life, but none match the quality, style, and unique craftsmanship of those created by Vince. His pieces are true works of art that start conversations every where I go. I could swear that they also seem to hold some sort magical powers that often bring good luck! ;)


Renata Santos-Miami Beach, FL



I've been collecting, making, and admiring island style makau for around 20 years. I've seen a lot of the cheap knock-off's, some nicer pieces and a few quality pieces here and there…

After receiving this Pa Kahawai Lure style of yours… I must say, and no bull s*** brah… You have some skills. Were talking  MUSEUM QUALITY .. Took my breath away!

                                                                                                          

                                                                                                             Lou Joest-Eagle River, AK




Vince is an exceptional artist and businessman. His customer service was amazing. No matter how many questions I had, he was quick to answer them. I placed an order for a custom piece and was breathtaken by the final product. I will have no problem ordering from him again. 
                                                                                                                   MC-Baltimore, MD



I had a custom design in mind for an Ankh. So I sent it to Vince who made suggestions on the materials and styling. A short time later I was holding the piece. I was totally impressed with the quality of Vince’s work, and his superb service!

                                                                                                          Ken Davis- Nashville, TN


I have only made one purchase through Vince but the experience was exceptional. I found his website through an internet search and contacted him by email. He responded in a timely manner and accommodated ALL of my special requests (throughout the process and prior to payment) without hesitation - including sending photos and sketches. The custom piece arrived safely and on time as promised. The makau was a gift for the newest addition to our family and everyone was pleased with his work.
                                                                                                  LiveLaughLove-New Freedom, PA



I have many pieces created by Vince and have had great customer service experiences with him. If there was ever a question or concern he was quick to get back with me so that I was happy with his product. Vince has been great answering any questions I have about carvings and designing personal creations. I wear one of his pieces daily and it always brings me mana. I have no reservations about doing business with Vince in the future. He's been a stand up business man with me and I know I can trust him when it comes to the quality of his products.

Aloha a hui hou e Vinny, e malama pono i kou kino.
                                                                                                              Alika- Sacramento, CA



I have had nothing but positive experiences while doing business with Vince...

He has always been professional in our interactions; he was always prompt with communications, and made efforts to ensure I would be satisfied with my purchase. My purchases always arrived when he said they would; they arrived packaged with an obvious care that speaks to the pride that he puts into his work. He even sent me an email to ensure that the package arrived--and that I was happy with it. In this day and age--it's nice. Nothing will stop--or even slow--me from doing business with Vince in the future. In my opinion, fueled by my numerous business interactions with him, Vince is good as gold.
                                                                                                            JF-San Francisco, CA


I was and continue to be thoroughly pleased with my transaction with Vince. The custom makau he made for me as a gift to my husband is beautiful. Right from the start I appreciated Vince's open and friendly demeanor and responsiveness to my inquiries. He was pleasant to speak with on the phone as well. He was very helpful and patient as I figured out what I wanted to get for my husband. He was very quick in sending me the makau and it was as beautiful as I'd hoped. My husband loved it. I mis-measured, though, and the cord/necklace portion was too small. Vince was more than happy to braid a new, longer cord, in a different color no less, and did it all free of charge. It took a little while for this re-cording to be done, but the makau was received back to me in good enough time. My husband loves it and proudly wears it every day. I would not hesitate ordering another makau from Vince. His craftsmanship is excellent and while he may not always be the quickest, he follows through on what he pledges and does so in a most pleasant manner.
                                                                                                Private collector, Iowa city, IA



My name is Chris and I own many custom makau's made by Vince. I have never had a problem ONCE with ordering his work. He is very dedicated and takes great repletion in every one of his pieces. He also has great communication and describes everything with great detail. After I have ordered he will call and give me updates and also send me pictures of the "work in progress." Shipping is always cheap, fast and with delivery confirmation and Im very satisfied.
                                                                                       Chris-Toms River (Ocean beach), NJ



I ordered a custom necklace and recieved it in a timely manner. Since I live locally, he even delivered it in person to my house. I was very satisfied with the necklace he made for me.
                                                                                                               Sam- Long Beach, CA

My name is Raymond and I live in Jupiter Florida.When I first contacted Vince for my Tiki Makau I was impressed with his open sincerity.He spent alot of time and patience with me going over each piece and sent me several detailed e-mails of the pieces. When I finally picked out a piece he told me when it would be shipped and when I should expect it.Vince was right on and even sent me several e-mails to make sure I recieved the piece and if I was Happy.

I was so impressed with his business acumen that I ordered another piece and had a repeat performance  of A+++ service.I will be ordering other pieces for friends and family moving forward in the new year. He has a way of setting up a great feeling of trust and commitment when you talk to him ---- even though I have never met Vince I consider him a Friend. Bottom line : Do yourself a favor if you want the best in artistry and honesty buy a piece from him, a stand up merchant.
                                                                                                                    Ray-Jupiter, Florida


Two makaus without a hitch! The 1st one i ordered in 2004 on ebay.  It was a half koa half bone piece lashed together with a mother of pearl keystone.  The lashing snapped after being repeatedly caught up in my sweater while snowboarding.  I sent it to Vince and he relashed it for like 15 bucks.  I was impressed with his service and quality so I bought another one, all bone, because I knew the lashed together style would break again eventually.  Well it sucks but another winter later and it broke again and Ill fix it someday but Ive worn the all bone piece everyday since 2006.  It has held up well from scuba diving in the Galapagos, surfing Huntington Beach, and cliff diving in the Manu region of the Peruvian rainforest it has held up solid.  Its aged very well as it always gets a good rub everyday and all of the materials are still strong.  The pieces I ordered were already made when I bid on ebay for them so I received my orders within a week or so but Vince has always answered my questions and has always been very nice.  I only have much Mahalo! for the kupanaha no'eau of da kine makau!
                                                                                                                        Chris-Denver, CO


I am not a friend, only a consumer. I purchased my first Makau from Vince 3 years ago and had no problem. I purchased another one last year and again had no problems. Both were beautifully carved and arrived in a normal amount of time, considering they are hand carved. While awaiting my purchases, he always updated me as to the progress, even sedding my pictures of each process it took to carve. There was a discrepancy as to the size of my first purchase, which as a bit too short. He sent me an extension at no cost. I would recommend him to anyone who wishes to purchase hand carved Hawaiian jewelry.
                                                                                                                       Doug-Glendale, CA 

Dear Fellow Hawaiian Ivory Hook Lovers:
Worth the wait! I ordered a large hook from Vince. I informed him that I was not in a hurry and wanted something special. It took six (6) months, but I am now the owner of a very special hook! It should be noted that a hook will last a lifetime and that the materials Vince is working with are becoming harder and harder to find. I am very happy with my hook! 
                                                                                                                        Paul, Boston, MA
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