about the artist
Kalama Studio, led by Carson Butterbaugh, is not a separate entity from Mānoa Chocolate, but rather an extension of the brand’s ethos. Born and raised in Hawai‘i, Carson’s art is inspired by real scenes across the Islands. Each piece has its own story and represents a piece of home.
Carson has been working alongside his brother, Mānoa Chocolate founder and owner Dylan Butterbaugh, since the very beginning. When Dylan started the company at 24 years old, Carson was just 12. He ran around the factory, helping wherever he could (and eating as much chocolate as he could). By 18, he began contributing more seriously within Mānoa’s creative departments.
Kalama Studio’s mission is to create art that authentically represents Hawai‘i. The goal of these works goes beyond making something beautiful. The aim is to tell Hawai‘i’s story: its past, its present, and the beautiful future we are constantly working toward here at Mānoa Chocolate.
