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) From Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise 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 6 - 2025

Chef David Paul Food Products

David Paul Johnson

Chef David Paul Food Products was founded by renowned chef David Paul, whose culinary career centers on creating gourmet dishes and food products known for unique flavors, inventive combinations, and island-inspired ingredients. His philosophy emphasizes quality ingredients and innovative techniques, believing every meal should be an experience that delights the palate and nourishes the soul. The company’s current line features gourmet salad dressings crafted in Hawaii, with standout flavors like Lilikoi, Hawaiian Chili Pepper, Kaffir Lime, and Roasted Shiitake Mushroom with Truffle. His commitment to small-batch, handcrafted production and maintaining the “Made in Hawaii” identity remains central to the brand.

Da Tomato Guy

Danny Rudometkin

Founded in 2023 by Danny Rudometkin, Da Tomato Guy was created to give new life to off-grade tomatoes that would otherwise go to waste. Inspired by his background in farming and a 30-year career working with at-promise students, Danny built the business on the belief that there’s value in everything—and everyone. Da Tomato Guy produces fresh salsa and chips using flavorful off-grade tomatoes from Kamuela on Hawaii Island, paired with other fresh, local ingredients. The result is a product that’s simple, honest, and full of aloha. Rooted in values of kindness, community, and sustainability, the company believes in treating others the way you want to be treated and giving back whenever possible.

Ginniberries, Inc.

Michelle Nakaya

Founded in 1996 by Michelle Nakaya, Ginniberries, Inc. began as a private chef venture that quickly blossomed into a thriving catering business. Over nearly three decades, Michelle has overseen events ranging from intimate dinners for 10 guests to large-scale gatherings like the grand opening of the Kapolei Target Store for 2,500 attendees. Michelle’s expertise spans menu creation, food presentation, event logistics, and maintaining strong community and vendor relationships, all while prioritizing quality local ingredients and meticulous attention to detail. Today, Ginniberries continues to evolve with the launch of a high-end boutique line of house-made food products.

Healthy Baby Hawaii

Nicole Dodson

Founded in 2017 by Nicole Dodson and Aly Akina, Healthy Baby Hawaii was born from two moms’ mission to provide fresher, locally sourced baby food options for families across Oahu. The company began with a focus on fresh foods and has since expanded to offer both fresh and frozen products to better serve customers’ needs. Their offerings include purées, snack pouches, finger foods, and other nutritious options crafted with care. A highlight of their line is the signature Poi Melts, made with locally grown kalo, putting a local spin on traditional yogurt melts. Nicole and Aly remain dedicated to delivering quality nutrition straight to families’ doors, ensuring little ones thrive. They’re excited to bring their newest products to store shelves and into the hands of families throughout the island.

Ken's Korner

Kendra Wong

Ken’s Korner is a Mom and Son test kitchen located in Kailua, Oahu and the proud home of Aunty Kendra’s crackseed li hing-lemon peel-prune mui gummies, a truly unique and flavorful snack. Our gummies are made with love and infused with li hing mui powder, lemon peel, and prune mui, creating a taste experience that is truly one-of-a-kind. We carefully source our ingredients to ensure the highest quality and authenticity. At Ken’s Korner, we offer both shipping and pick-up options for your convenience. If you’re in the Kailua area, you can swing by our kitchen to pick up your favorite gummies. For those who are not local, we can ship our delicious treats right to your doorstep.

Kuawehi Farm

Akil Kofi

Kuawehi Farm is a developing, small-scale, one-acre vegetable operation rooted in Akil Kofi’s transition from chef to farmer. A graduate of GoFarm Hawaii’s Kamananui Cohort 12, Akil blends their passion for food, farming, and community resilience by cultivating two wetland kalo sites—Na Mea Kupono Learning Center and Hooulu Punaluu—where they integrate annual vegetable crops into traditional loi systems. Kuawehi Farm specializes in root crops like carrots, beets, and radishes; specialty vegetables including broccoli, cauliflower, and onions; an array of leafy greens, along with papaya, culinary herbs, and edible flowers; and plans to introduce signature value-added products such as dairy-free salad dressings and dipping sauces made from macadamia nuts and farm-grown herbs.

Lilikoi Vineyards

Maureen Severson

Founded by small farmer Maureen Severson, Lilikoi Vineyards specializes in transforming homegrown lilikoi into delicious, handcrafted treats. The company’s first product is a rich Custard Lilikoi Ice Cream, showcasing Maureen’s passion for creating unique desserts with vibrant, tropical flavors. Building on this foundation, Maureen plans to expand the line with Lilikoi Pop Fruit Bars, shortbread cookies (plain and dark chocolate-dipped), cakes, pies, and mousses, all crafted from her original recipes. As both a farmer and food artisan, she is dedicated to using quality ingredients and sharing the taste of fresh, local lilikoi with her community.

Lovejoy Confections

Jonathan Kimbro

Lovejoy Confections is a baking company specializing in nostalgic treats that highlight the shared flavors and culinary traditions of Eastern European and East Asian food cultures. Our mission is to foster a sense of community by providing high-quality, familiar, yet unique, baked goods made with locally sourced ingredients to create a genuine sense of place and contribute to the overall growth of the local food systems in Hawaii. Their flagship item, the miso soba cookie, uses buckwheat flour and groats, combined with miso brown butter, white chocolate, and local cacao nibs, giving you a savory, sweet, texturally contrasting cookie. As the company moves forward, we will be partnering with HARC to pilot local buckwheat cultivation, making this a truly one-of-a-kind item.

Mala-Be

Jonathan Cohen

Founded in October 2023 by Jonathan Cohen, Mala-Be brings a unique fusion of Mediterranean flavors and vibrant Hawaiian ingredients to the local food scene. The company’s signature product is a creamy, vegan, and gluten-free coconut malabe—a plant-based twist on the traditional Middle Eastern dessert known for its comforting texture. Mala-Be offers a satisfying blend of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory in every cup, reflecting Jonathan’s personal journey from the Middle East to Hawaii. By combining tradition with local flavors, Mala-Be provides a snack experience that’s both nostalgic and fresh.

Mari's Gardens

Tanya De Grace-Candido

Mari’s Gardens is a family-owned business dedicated to supplying sustainably grown, locally sourced produce and plants to Hawaii. As one of Hawaii’s largest aquaponic farms, Mari’s Gardens is USDA certified and committed to the highest food safety standards, ensuring healthy and safe products. Their mission centers on promoting sustainable living, urban farming, and food security for the islands while minimizing environmental impact. Through transparency and innovation, Mari’s Gardens proudly serves the community with fresh, high-quality produce and ornamental plants.

MME Saigon

Kevin Nguyen

MME Saigon, located in downtown Honolulu, is a Vietnamese restaurant founded as a tribute to family heritage and the rich flavors of traditional home cooking. Inspired by the founder’s grandmother’s recipes, the restaurant blends authentic tastes with modern innovation, offering signature dishes like lemongrass chicken and house-made sauces that have earned a loyal following. Known especially for its spicy chili sauce and herb-infused lemongrass marinade, MME Saigon brings the warmth and resilience of Vietnamese cuisine to every meal. More than just a restaurant, it’s a celebration of culture, memory, and passion for bold, heartfelt flavors.

Pure Ambrosia

Leslie Anne Nilo

Pure Ambrosia was founded to honor the abundant dragon fruit harvest from Nilo’s two organic farms in Waialua, transforming surplus fruit into premium wellness products. Their flagship Adaptogenic Dragon Fruit Energy Balls combine organically grown dragon fruit, tulsi, and moringa in three varieties designed for energy, stress balance, and immunity support—blending Ayurvedic wisdom with modern nutrition. Committed to regenerative farming and malama aina, Pure Ambrosia cultivates all ingredients pesticide-free on 12 acres, preserving their nutritional integrity.

Tendies

Stephen Nishihara

Tendies was founded to transform snacking from a guilty pleasure into a nourishing experience. Inspired by the founder’s quest for a high-protein, nutrient-dense alternative to traditional chips and pork rinds, Tendies crafts crunchy snacks made from beef tendon. These snacks offer bold flavors and satisfying textures while using clean, whole ingredients. With a focus on redefining indulgence, Tendies provides craveable, protein-packed fuel for healthier lifestyles. The brand is committed to turning cravings into clean fuel without compromising on taste or quality.

This Lil Piggy

Toma Turner

This Lil Piggy is a Native Hawaiian-owned, award-winning BBQ restaurant located in Kunia. Toma launched the business in 2014 with the goal of blending the bold, smoky flavors of Texas and the South with Hawai‘i’s rich culinary traditions and fresh local ingredients. What began as a small vision has grown into a beloved local favorite, celebrated for Texas-style beef brisket, house-made sauces, and signature “Broke Da Mouth” Beans & Brisket. Before starting This Lil Piggy, Toma built a career in hospitality, working in bars and nightclubs before transitioning to restaurants upon returning home from Las Vegas in 2012. His inspiration for the restaurant stems from a desire to create something authentic, rooted in both his culinary experiences and cultural identity.

Waiu Ala Syrups

Michael Jensen

Waiu Ala is a small-batch syrup company founded by seasoned mixologist, Michael Jensen, and inspired by the unique flavors and wild beauty of Hawaii. Named after the Hawaiian phrase for “fragrant milk” or “scented essence,” the brand embodies nurturing, aromatic offerings sourced directly from the land. The syrups are crafted using hand-foraged, wild ingredients like monkeypod, strawberry guava, and native herbs, thoughtfully blended to capture the island’s seasonal gifts. Designed for versatility, Waiu Ala syrups enhance cocktails, coffee, shaved ice, and savory dishes alike. More than just flavor, Waiu Ala honors Hawaii’s natural abundance and inspires creativity and connection through taste.

Cohort 5 - 2025

BAKE YOU A SMILE

Ashley Uahinui

CHEF FRIEND HAWAII / NAMI KAZE

Jason Peel

DAGUZAN CHARCUTERIE

Pierre Daguzan

Featured Product:
Waianae Pork Pâté and Rillettes, Molokai Venison Pâté and Rillettes, North Shore Chicken Liver Mousse

THE DOGGY KITCHEN

Karli Kurihara

Featured Product:
Hawaii Fresh Dog Food & Treats

GROK COFFEE

Shawn Steiman

HAPA HAWAIIAN SALTS

Lisa Strand

Featured Product:
Hawaiian Salt Seasonings

HULI HULI CHICKEN

Peter Castillo

Featured Product:
Waikiki Beach BBQ Seasoning

KII KII FARM PROVISIONS

Stephanie Shipton

Featured Product:
Frozen Mango Smoothie Packs

MADRES CHURROS

Janee Gutierrez

MANA-SU

Randy Kuba

NUI KEALOHA

Kealoha Domingo

ONOMEA FARM HUB

Kalisi Mausio

Featured Product:
Momona Ulu-Based Seasonings

PINEAPPLE ROAD BEVERAGE CO.

Caleigh Dillon

PURE HAWAII TEA

Negus Manna

UCOOK HAWAII

Sheryl Kahue

Featured Product:
Kau Orange Sauce, Lemongrass Sauce & Marinade

Cohort 4 - 2024

ALINA FARMS 808

Kanani Plunkett

Featured Product:
Hawaiian Farm Fresh Spirulina

ALOHAMADE BITES

Marshall Dumadag

Featured Product:
Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Pies, Tarts and Bites

BOUGIE DUMPLINGS

Justine Ma

Featured Product:
Banana Bread Dumplings

DONTBAJRK BEEF JERKY

Shaina Wright

Featured Product:
I’ll Shoyu Garlic, Holy Jalapeño, Pineapple Pepper

FARMING ALOHA

Christine Yuu-Suan

HOMETOWN BBQ

Charles Etsinger

Featured Product:
BBQ Sauces, Hot Sauces, Spice Blends

HONOBONO

Fred Ison

ISLAND AHI CANNERY

Matthew Carnes

Featured Product:
Fresh Canned Tuna and Ono

KALO & CREAM

Bethany Letoto

Featured Product:
Soda Syrups – Kulolo, Li Hing, Pickled Mango, Ume Shiso & more

MAKAHA MANGOES

Candy Suiso

Featured Product:
Mango Fruit Leather, Mango Cookies & more

MALA MAMA FARM

Natasha Gourlay

Featured Product:
Mamaki Tea, Healing Salves & more

Shop In-Store:
Aina Farm Stand, Homegrown Pearlridge

MAUI COCKTAIL KITS

Katy Tsark

Featured Product:
Craft Cocktail Infusion Kits

NAIKE

Jamesie Kahinu

Featured Product:
Hawaiian Chili Pepper Shoyu Sauce

Shop In-Store:
Kuilima Farm, Pop-Up Makeke, Pukalani Superette, Molokai Minimart, Misaki’s Grocery & more

PETITE SWEETS

Francesca Lee

Featured Product:
Dessert Bars – Lilikoi Shortbread, Guava Shortbread, Okinawan Sweet Potato Haupia Cheesecake

PUUIKI PICKLED VEGETABLES

Ann Casson

Featured Product:
Pickled Vegetables from Kalili Farms

Cohort 3 - 2024

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, Farm Link Hawaii & more

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:
Hapa Market, Kalapawai Market, KualoaGrown Market, Navy Exchange, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum & more

OKONOKAI

Jina Wye

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

Shop In-Store: Bizia Coffee & Surf, House of Mana Up

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 & 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

Shop In-Store:
ChefZone, Farm Link Hawaii, Fairmont Kea Lani, Hawaiian Moons Natural Foods, Okoa Farms

HAWAIIAN SODA CO

Caesar Ho

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

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

HAWAII’S WÜRST

Micah Richards

Featured Product:
USDA Sausage Product with Hawaii-raised Livestock, Bone Broth, Mauka Meats

Shop In-Store:
ChefZone

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 ALOHAS LAB

Saki Kawanabe

Featured Product:
Fermented Fruit Syrups

TWISTED LUMPIA

Rhandi Ardona

Featured Product:
Pastele Lumpia, Uala Lumpia, Kulolo Lumpia

Shop In-Store:
ChefZone, The Friendly Market, Waianae Store

ULU & KALO BAKERY

Maile Kamisugi

Featured Product:
Sesame Garlic Ulu Crackers

Shop In-Store:
Bean About Town, Farm Link Hawaii, The Locavore Store, Nalu Health Bar, 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:
The Local General Store, Ko Hana Distillers, Kuilima Farm Stand, Uncle Paul’s Corner Store & more

HAWAIIAN VINEGAR & SPICE CO

Poni Askew

Featured Product: Drinking Shrubs & Vinegars

Shop In-Store: Hawaiian Vinegar & Spice Co, Island Boy Shop, The Local General Store, The Vinegary & more

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