Our Logo

The story that started on a napkin

During a flash of lunchtime inspiration more than 25 years ago, founder Chris Dawson sketched the DAWSON logo on a napkin while sitting in the concession area of Pioneer Plaza in downtown Honolulu.

The hibiscus depicts the native white Hawaiian hibiscus varietal (Kokiʻo Keʻokeʻo) that grew in the yard of his family home in Nuʻuanu Valley—where it still flourishes today.

Noted for being the only hibiscus that has a scent, the hibiscus flower symbolizes DAWSON’s Hawaiian heritage and core values of aloha and ʻohana as exemplified by Beadie Kanahele Dawson, Chris Dawson’s mother.

The crescent moon surrounding the hibiscus symbolizes rebirth and renewal. It is a daily reminder that at DAWSON, we’re never done evolving, we never stop learning, and we will continue riding the next wave of emerging opportunities.