Summer H. Kaiawe

Partner
Awards and Recognition
  • Pacific Business News 2024 40 Under 40, Honoree (2024)
  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America – Commercial Litigation; Intellectual Property Law; Land Use and Zoning (2022-2025)
  • Chambers & Partners, Band 2 – Real Estate: Zoning/Land use (2024)
  • Chambers & Partners, Band 3 – Litigation (2024)
  • 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)
  • 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 focuses her practice on business and real estate litigation, land use entitlements, and intellectual property. Within these areas, Summer handles a diverse array of issues, such as land titles, water rights and resources, encroachments, and other complex matters affecting property rights. As a skilled advocate and experienced litigator, she represents clients through all stages of dispute resolution, including administrative and contested case proceedings, trials, and appeals, while successfully utilizing mediation as a practical alternative to litigation where appropriate. Summer is known for her thoughtful, client-centered approach. In addition to her legal work, she is deeply committed to serving the community through pro bono efforts and charitable activities.

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
  • Aloha Harvest, Board of Directors, Director (2016-Present), and Vice Chair (2018-2019, 2021-2022), Secretary (2022, 2023, 2024)
  • Helping Hands Hawaii, Board of Directors, Director (2021-Present), Secretary (2022), Vice-Chair (2023), Chair and Secretary (2024)
  • Partners in Development Foundation, Board of Directors, Director (2022-Present), Treasurer (2024)
  • Federal Bar Association, Hawaii Chapter, Board Member (2023-Present), CLE Committee (2023-Present)
  • 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-Present)
  • University of Hawaii, William S. Richardson School of Law Alumni Association, Director (2011-2016)
Notable Cases