P Ā K Ō L E A - 2 0 2 6
Selected from communities across the pae ʻāina, these 16 entrepreneurs represent a diverse range of products, ideas, and businesses, and a shared commitment to building sustainable enterprises rooted in Hawaiʻi. Over the coming months, Pākōlea participants will engage in intensive training, mentorship, and hands-on learning focused on becoming retail and buyer ready.
From pricing and packaging to brand storytelling, operational capacity, and building relationships with industry buyers, the cohort is gaining the tools, foundations and connections needed to take their businesses to the next level!
M E E T T H E 2 0 2 6 C O H O R T
Through the cohort, NaHHA will equip participants with tangible pathways to enter the tourism sector.
Pākōlea supports a minimum of 10 businesses annually and is offered at no cost.
Through the cohort, NaHHA will create a pipeline for authentic Hawaiʻi products.
Through the cohort, NaHHA will create circular economy opportunities for visitors and residents throughout Hawaʻi.
The first P Ā K Ō L E A Cohort 2 0 2 2
IN 2022, PĀKŌLEA WAS PILOTED AND OFFERED FOR THE FIRST TIME BY THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN HOSPITALITY ASSOCIATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PURPLE MAIʻA FOUNDATION AND INCLUDED A 1-MONTH-LONG, INTENSIVE, COHORT-BASED VIRTUAL PROGRAM FOCUSED ON PREPARING LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESSES TO DISTRIBUTE THEIR PRODUCTS IN THE VISITOR INDUSTRY AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER VALUES-ALIGNED ENTREPRENEURS AND DISTRIBUTION PARTNERS THROUGHOUT THE INDUSTRY.
PRESENTED BY:
K U P U K U P U C L A S S
A single kupukupu fern peeks out from the vast plain of Pele's flow. One of the first plants to cultivate new life, the foundation of a new ecosystem, the hope for the future. With each new frond comes new opportunity, new life, and a new community is born. Its ability to climb and sprout symbolizes growth and the unfurling of knowledge, Yet, kupukupu can be found in the wet forestland, mauka, makai, thriving even indoors. Sturdy. Flexible. Pono.
By honoring a continuum of genealogy, stories, journeys and values, we nourish, grow and inspire ‘ōiwi and kamaʻāina entrepreneurs, leaders who contribute to the vitality of our ‘āina, ‘ohana and communities throughout Hawai‘i and beyond.
As the first PĀKŌKEA cohort, the KUPUKUPU class, our hope is that, like the buds of the kupukupu ferns, you build and shape our community, sprout and spread your businesses beyond your wildest dreams, and thrive from the relationships built right here. And, that you do so together.
M E E T T H E 2 0 2 2 C O H O R T
