From Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise Entrepreneurs

Meet The Entrepreneurs

From Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise

These local value-added entrepreneurs were selected by application for Hawaii Ag & Culinary Alliance’s® (HACA) ChefZone Presents From Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise Program in partnership with Leeward Community College (Leeward CC) and the Wahiawa Value-Added Product Development Center (WVAPDC). Their innovative food products showcase the best of Hawaii-grown, raised and caught ingredients. Explore their delicious offerings below!

Cohort 4 - 2024

AlohaMade Bites

Marshall Dumadag

At AlohaMade Bites, we’re not just in the business of making pies – we’re crafting experiences. Rooted in the vibrant culture and warm spirit of Hawaii, our company is a testament to the fusion of tradition and innovation. From humble beginnings in our kitchen, we’ve grown into a cherished local brand known for our delectable Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Pies, Tarts, and Bites. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity. We source macadamia nuts locally to ensure that every bite is a true taste of paradise.

DontBAJrk

Shaina Wright

Founded by Shaina Wright, our Hawaii-based family business began as a fundraiser to support our children’s soccer travels. What started as a way to fund their dreams has grown into a thriving venture, driven by the overwhelming demand for our premium beef jerky. We produce three distinct flavors—Jalapeño, Garlic Shoyu, and Pineapple Pepper—using quality ingredients sourced locally.

Farm to Table Hawaii

Justine Ma

Farm to Table Hawaii is a culinary haven that encompasses farm stays, cooking classes, holistic wellness workshops, and gourmet meals, showcasing our passion for sustainable culinary practices, including local, seasonal, zero-waste dumplings. Cultivating ingredients on our 1-acre farm and sourcing locally from farmers’ markets, butchers, fishermen, and hunters has helped us understand the culture and cuisine of Hawaii, paired with our passion for small-batch artisan dumpling making.

Farming Aloha

Christine Yuu-Suan

Farming Aloha was created out of a love for good food, good company and the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Our flavors of aloha sauce is greatly influenced by the melting pot of plantation workers and their contribution of wholesome and natural ingredients from the land to create flavorful meals with simplicity and ease. Excellent for basting fish and any seafood and serves as a fine marinating sauce for meats and poultry. Or use as a salad dressing on micro-greens or to enhance your sushi craving!

Hawaiian Farm Fresh Spirulina

Kanani Plunkett

Established in 2023, Hawaiian Farm Fresh Spirulina is committed to crafting distinctive yet familiar food items spotlighting locally-grown fresh spirulina as its primary ingredient. While the remarkable benefits of consuming spirulina in any form are undeniable, opting for fresh spirulina provides even greater advantages, including twice the amount of protein as beef, twice the amount of vitamin A and five times the amount of iron than spinach, and twice the amount of folate than kale. Some of our sugar-free, vegan offerings include ice cream, popsicles, pesto, and hummus.

Hometown BBQ

Charles Etsinger

Hometown BBQ, situated in the heart of Oahu, provides a culinary experience rooted in the flavors of Texas and Hawaii. From the moment you walk up to our food truck, you’re greeted with the irresistible aroma of smoked meats and the genuine Aloha spirit from our staff. Our menu reflects the fusion of traditional barbecue techniques with the unique flavors of Hawaii. Each dish is handcrafted with care, from our signature smoked brisket to our award-winning desserts and sauces.

Honobono

Fred Ison

At Honobono, our mission is deeply rooted in the belief that plant-based eating can be both delicious and accessible to everyone. Driven by creator Himi’s plant-based lifestyle, Honobono is committed to crafting Modoki dishes—inventive plant-based alternatives inspired by her Japanese heritage. Our Onomeat creation is a 100% plant-based meat alternative that is preservative-free and serves as a key ingredient in the dishes featured on our monthly changing menu. Through our Modoki creations, we’ve discovered new ways to enjoy previously restricted foods and extended a compassionate introduction for others to embrace plant-based foods.

Ike Solutions

Matthew Carnes

Ike Solutions was founded during the 2019 Purple Prize technology innovation challenge to aid in the collection of fisheries data to better understand how to fish the ocean in a sustainable manner for generations to come. As partners in a sustainable future of fisheries in our islands, we hope to bring back a thriving value-added operation that provides much-needed avenues for cheap, sustainable protein produced right here on the island while supporting the 8th most valuable fishery in the United States.

Kalili Farms

Ann Casson

Kalili Farms is an organic practice diversified family farm in Waialua. Together with her husband John, they partner to create value-added products using the produce that he grows, such as pickled vegetables. Kalili Farms aims to produce clean food and value-added products for the community. We believe it is important to work towards self-sustainability as individuals and as a state by growing, buying, and eating locally.

Kalo and Cream

Bethany Letoto

Kalo and Cream was born from a desire to serve our community and spread happiness within it. We offer sodas inspired by local flavors and childhood memories, aiming to encapsulate the essence of growing up in Hawai’i. Our syrups, when combined with soda water, create the beloved sodas that have garnered a dedicated following such as Crack Seed Soda, Pickled Mango Soda, Kulolo Soda and Ume Shiso Soda. Kalo and Cream can be found at markets and pop-ups, and our soda syrups are available for shipping.

Makaha Mangoes

Candy Suiso

For over seven decades, Makaha Mangoes has been synonymous with excellence in cultivating and harvesting mango trees, delivering some of the finest mangoes to the island and local community. Presently helmed by Mark and Candy Suiso, and established over six decades ago by Mark’s father, Reuben Suiso, Makaha Mangoes has seamlessly integrated mango cultivation into their heritage, transforming it into a thriving livelihood. With 70 trees and a diverse selection of 12 mango varieties, Makaha Mangoes remains committed to providing top-quality produce and upholding its reputation as a beacon of excellence in the agricultural landscape.

Mala Mama Farm

Natasha Gourlay

Mala Mama Farm is a sustainable urban farm dedicated to curating the finest in Hawaiian plant medicine. Grown and produced with the purpose to heal, Mala Mama specializes in growing mamaki, comfrey, olena, and many other healing plants. Mala Mama cultivates a variety of natural remedies, utilizing sustainable practices and a deep reverence for ‘aina. From bottled mamaki tea blends to potent healing salves, it is our goal to help people integrate healing remedies into their daily lives.

Maui Cocktail Kits

Katy Kahele Tsark

Maui Cocktail Kits offer a packaged, DIY cocktail-creating experience using local Maui fruits paired with alcohol spirits to craft unique island-flavored liqueurs. Their menu features six carefully curated flavors, each designed to perfectly complement a different spirit—Vodka, Gin, Rum, Bourbon, Tequila, and even wine. It’s been an adventure bringing these flavors to life and sharing them with everyone. Here’s to many more delicious concoctions!

Naike

Jamesie “Nani” Kahinu

Evolving from MK Services to Naike’s Creations and finally to Naike LLC, this dynamic company offers a diverse range of high-quality value-added products. Their signature product, Naike’s Chili Pepper Shoyu Blend is crafted in small batches and bottled, labeled by hand. Their commitment to sourcing local and supporting Molokai farmers has remained steadfast, and they continue to explore new avenues such as organic farming to further enhance their business and contribute to the community.

Petite Sweets

Francesca Lee

Petite Sweets specializes in crafting mini desserts from scratch for any special celebration. Beyond traditional celebratory desserts like buttercream and cakes, Petite Sweets is renowned for its variety of dessert bars, brownies, and dessert cups that highlight local ingredients and flavors. Pairing classic desserts with beloved local flavors, Petite Sweets uses ingredients sourced from both the Big Island and Oahu in popular desserts, such as the Okinawan Haupia Cheesecake, Lilikoi Shortbread, and Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta.

Cohort 3 - 2023

ALOHA AINA FARMS HALEIWA

John Rust

Featured Product:
Smoked Habanero Hot Sauce

ALOHA RAW

Aloha Bugakova

Featured Product:
Pono Bread, Kraut & More

BIG ISLAND BITTERS

Summer Akuna

FOR J’S HAWAII

Janis Tanga

Featured Product:
Hawaiian Chili Oil Dressing & Hot Hawaiian Chili Oil

Shop In-Store:
ChefZone, Dean & Deluca, Kalapawai Market

HUMBLE FOOD DESIGN

Robert Kekoa

Featured Product:
Mr. Guava Lava Chili Pepper Water, Hot Shot Lilikoi Chili Pepper Water

Shop In-Store:
Aoki Shave Ice, Rajah Dat Snack Shop, Tasty Jerky Hawaii

ISLAND SAUSAGE

Terrence Enomoto

Featured Product:
Salami (Spanish Chorizo, Sea Salt Mac Nut, Finocchiona, Cacciatore)

Shop In-Store:
Island Sausage

KUPUNA KALO

Weston Yap

MAUNA KEA TRADING COMPANY

Gloria Ilagan

PALAMAN PURVEYORS

Randy Cortez

Featured Product:
Pandan Butter, Ube Halaya

OAHU GROWN MAMAKI

Jon Watase

POP CULTURE ARTISAN POPS

Justin Udom

Featured Product:
Coffee Cacao Nib Swirl, Matcha Honey Cream, Cookie Monster, Hibiscus Passion Punch, Strawberry Guava Creamsicle

Shop In-Store:
Feast, Kalapawai Market, KualoaGrown Market, Navy Exchange, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and more

OKONOKAI

Jina Wye

Featured Product:
Gluten-Free Seaweed Crackers, Hawaii-Grown Furikake

SOULSUM

Raymond Trinh

Featured Product:
Tepache – Pineapple Powered Probiotic Soda

SUGARLESS BITES & DELITES

Brittany Egnew

Featured Product:
Guava Cheesecake with Guava Curd

3 SPOONFULS OF SUGAR

Jamie Cabuag

Featured Product:
Mango Raspberry Butter, Mango Lilikoi Butter (no added sugar), Strawberry Guava Butter, Lilikoi Butter

Cohort 2 - 2023

ANY KINE SNAX

Wendy Iwasaki

Featured Product:
Freeze Dried SNAX (Lilikoi and Lychee)

Shop In-Store:
ABC Stores, Foodland Farms, Island Country Markets, Noeau Designers, Sun Chong Grocery and more

BOXED UP COOKIES

Leea Kalilimoku

THE CORNER ROLLS

Philip Nguyen

Featured Product:
Handcrafted Spring Rolls

HAWAIIAN KRUNCH

Tootsie Davis

Featured Product:
Kalo Krunch, Uala Krunch, Ulu Krunch

HAWAIIAN SODA CO

Caesar Ho

Featured Product:
Sparkling Passion Orange Guava, Sparkling Lilikoi Lychee, Sparkling Pineapple Citrus

Shop In-Store:
7-Eleven Hawaii, Foodland, Don Quijote, Down To Earth, Times Supermarkets

HAWAII’S WÜRST

Micah Richards

Featured Product:
USDA Sausage Product with Hawaii-raised Livestock

MOCHI MOMMA HI

Stacey Robinol

MORNING GLASS COFFEE

Mahina Akimoto Reppun

MY SWEET WORLD 808

Trisha Kawakami

THE ORIGINAL ISLAND CEVICHE

Xiomara Guevara

Featured Product:
Salvadoran Style Ceviche

THE PAU HANA CO.

Alyssa Yafuso

SAKI’S ALOHA LAB

Saki Kawanabe

Featured Product:
Fermented Fruit Syrups

TWISTED LUMPIA

Rhandi Ardona

Featured Product:
Pastele Lumpia, Uala Lumpia, Kulolo Lumpia

ULU & KALO BAKERY

Maile Kamisugi

Featured Product:
Sesame Garlic Ulu Crackers

Shop In-Store:
Bean About Town, The Locavore Store, Nalu Health Bar, Olena Cafe, Poai by Pono Potions

Cohort 1 - 2023

BARRIO CAFE

Miriam Olivas

CHIBI CONFECTIONERY

Garrett Shiroma

Featured Product:
Lilikoi, Guava or POG Shortbread Cookies

THE DISCO FARMER

Jason Weintraub

Featured Product:
Hand-picked Tea Blends with Local Fruits

HALEIWA SALT CO

Scott Potter

Featured Product:
Hand-harvested Sea Salt

Shop In-Store:
Bodega Hawaii, The Local General Store

HAWAIIAN VINEGAR & SPICE CO

Poni Askew

Featured Product: Drinking Shrubs & Vinegars

Shop In-Store: Bodega Hawaii, Hawaiian Vinegar & Spice Co, Island Boy Shop, Kualoa Grown, The Punt Wine, Namea Hawaii

THE HOIO GUY

Brandon Chung

ISLAND RAYNE GOURMET

Becky Shuck

Featured Product:
Tropical Fruit Hot Sauces

LUAU BOMBS

Michael Yamauchi-Yamate

MAHINA MEA

Anuhea Sills

Featured Product:
Original Kimchi Cucumber Chips

MILO’S PASTELE STOP

Martha Lanoza

THE MOCHI BAR

Christina Peterson

MOSSY MOKES

Misty Sommo

Featured Product:
Premium Sea Moss Gels and Beverages

Shop In-Store:
Down To Earth, Good Health Food Store, Lanikai Juice, The Source

PATA PATA HAWAII

Queena Tahi

Featured Product:
Honey Lilikoi Protein Butter

POCKET BARS

Kaena Galdeira

Featured Product:
Mini Macadamia Snack Bars

SAKATA SWEETS

Mahealani Badua