Business Features

Meet the Makers: Aloha Modern, Mana Up

Founders of Aloha Modern, Mālia Kaʻaihue and Reyn Mukawa, offer products that can be used casually in daily life that have the heart of an heirloom. Their prints authentically share the islands' stories, honor the past, and offer a genuine product for the generations to come.

Meet the Makers: Vitalitea Hawaiʻi, Mana Up

Two craft brewing connoisseurs on Maui decided to get together and make some booch, laying the groundwork for the successful beverage company that is Vitalitea Hawaiʻi. After William Davis and Dante Valentino met at a craft brewing club in 2017, the two decided to turn an enterprise out of Davis' passion project.

Meet the Makers: Nāpili FLO Farm, Mana Up

The foundation for Nāpili FLO Farm’s locally-crafted artisanal kimchi and fermented foods is embedded in family love and determination to create a business that benefits the land and community. Meet the founder, Monica Bogar, who is behind the sustainable and organic urban farm.

Meet the Makers: Ua Body, Mana Up

Ua Body was created through the succession of a recipe book, family business, and the desire to continue a mother's legacy. Owner Leala Humbert, in partnership with her husband Blaine, continued her mother Alice's mission and natural skincare products when taking on the business.

Meet the Makers: Ao Organics Hawaiʻi, Mana Up

The idea for Ao Organics Hawaiʻi sparked when its founder Chelsa Davis was looking for a safe product to shield her family from the sun. The reef-safe skincare company started with Davis sharing her skincare line with friends and family. Now, Ao Organics is sold in more than 40 stores with locations across the islands, in New York, California, as well as Belgium.

Meet the Makers: Jules + Gem Hawai'i, Mana Up

The origin of Jules + Gem Hawai'i traces back to Lana Gronwald discovering her love for candles when she and her husband bought a candle kit for date night. Now, natural and authentic hand-poured soy candles and other bath and body products made by Jules + Gem Hawai'i are sold in specialty boutique stores across Hawaii, the continental United States, and the world.

Meet the Makers: Haku Collective, Mana Up

Haku Collective, founded by Scotty Wilks and Kimié Miner, works to support Hawai'i-based musicians through live events, production, publishing, product, and mentorship opportunities.