Hawai‘i entrepreneurs will soon take the center stage as part of the Mana Up Showcase 2026.
Mana Up, a business accelerator founded by Meli James and Brittany Heyd, helps Hawai‘i companies expand within the state and globally through a six-month accelerator and alumni program that offers workshops, mentorship and sales opportunities, resources and more.
Its 11th cohort of companies from across the Islands was announced this summer. Just 11 businesses were selected from a record 256 applicants this year and they'll be introduced during a television broadcast and livestream that premiers on Sunday Oct. 18.
An in-person marketplace will follow from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at Bloomingdale’s in Ala Moana Center, although early access tickets can get you in a half-hour earlier. You can get tickets here.
More than 65 Mana Up alumni and current cohort companies are expected to participate, a recent announcement noted. An Artists to Watch concert and official Showcase afterparty will follow at Mai Tai's Ala Moana.
"The Showcase is the culmination of the Mana Up accelerator experience," James told Aloha State Daily in an emailed response to questions. "Throughout the program, our entrepreneurs work to refine their brands, strengthen their businesses and prepare for their next stage of growth. Showcase gives them a platform to share that work — and their stories — with people across Hawaiʻi and around the world.
"It is also about highlighting the incredible talent we have here in Hawaiʻi," she continued. "We have best-in-the-world products and entrepreneurs, and we want more people to know about them, celebrate their successes and recognize their global potential. For the cohort, Showcase is both a celebration of how far they have come and a launchpad for what comes next."
The Mana Up Showcase Broadcast premiers at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, on Hawai‘i News Now (KHNL) and will air again at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 and 30 on K5; and 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25 on KHNL.
Joining James as co-host of the broadcast this year is Honolulu-born singer and actress Hoku, the daughter of Hawai‘i entertainer Don Ho. Hoku is known for the songs "Another Dumb Blonde," featured in the film "Snow Day," and "Perfect Day," which is used in the opening of "Legally Blonde."
"We are thrilled to have Hoku join me as a co-host this year," James says. "She brings such warmth, energy and authenticity to Showcase, along with a natural ability to connect with people.
"We wanted a co-host who has deep roots in Hawaiʻi, understands the power of storytelling and can help us share these entrepreneurs with audiences here and beyond the Islands. Hoku was a natural fit," she continued. "As an artist, she understands what it means to represent Hawaiʻi on a larger stage, and she brings so much heart to the experience. I am excited for audiences to see what we have created together."
According to the announcement, for the first time, Showcase will extend through October with online flash sales, product previews, limited releases, giveaways and chances to meet the entrepreneurs behind the brands.
"When we support Hawaiʻi’s entrepreneurs, we are investing in a more diverse and resilient economy for our state," James says. "These companies create jobs, keep more dollars circulating within our communities and share authentic stories about Hawaiʻi through products that can reach customers around the world."
One of the biggest challenges for any growing company is visibility, she told ASD.
"Showcase introduces our entrepreneurs to consumers, retailers, media, investors and potential partners," James continued. "Someone may discover a product, connect with a founder, share their story or create a new business opportunity. A single connection can lead to a wholesale account, collaboration, media story or loyal new customer.
"The event also gives our community a meaningful way to participate in their success. Every purchase, introduction and social share helps a local entrepreneur continue building a company here in Hawaiʻi."
According to James, more than 2,000 people are expected to attend the in-person marketplace and celebration Nov. 5 at Bloomingdale's, but the Oct. 18 television broadcast and global livestream via YouTube means people around the world "can meet this year's cohort, hear their stories and support local from wherever they are."
This year's cohort includes:
- Ahualoa Family Farms from Honokaʻa on Hawaiʻi Island, which produces gourmet products from 100% Hawaiʻi-grown macadamia nuts.
- BUJO BAE from ʻAiea, created by Hilo-raised artist Jenna Aina Ikeda, offers planners, guided journals, notepads and hand-drawn stationery.
- Good Mana from Oʻahu and Hilo on Hawai‘i Island, offering farm-to-table wellness supplements made with Hawaiʻi-grown botanicals.
- Island Essence from Kahului, Maui, has offered locally handcrafted bath, spa and body products for over 35 years.
- Maebo Noodle Factory Inc. from Hilo, a fourth-generation institution known for its One-Ton Chips, fresh noodles and its One-Ton Chip Cookie.
- Oceans End from Kailua, which designs handbags, lei-adornment keychains, and accessories.
- Oysters Hawaiʻi from Honolulu, the state's first mobile oyster shucking and caviar catering company with a signature smoked ponzu sauce.
- Vaui Social Liquids from Haʻikū, Maui, which offers sparkling, alcohol-free kava beverages.
- Wailua Granola Co. from Kauaʻi, crafts small-batch, dairy-free granola using fresh Kauaʻi coconut and raw Kauaʻi honey.
- Waimea Herb Co., from Waimea on Hawaiʻi Island, offers herbal and black tea blends from locally grown botanicals.
- Yick Lung – Hawaiʻi’s Choice from Honolulu, a century-old heritage snack brand known for faves like Nibb-its and Li Hing Plum and Mango tablets.
Stephanie Salmons can be reached at stephanie@alohastatedaily.com.
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