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 5 - 2025

Bake You a Smile

Ashley Uahinui

At Bake You a Smile, food is their love language, blending aloha with creativity. They reimagine traditional desserts with a modern twist, drawing inspiration from viral trends and diverse cultures. Their mochi reflects Hawaii’s fusion of tradition and innovation, combining favorites from different ethnicities to create a unique experience. Influenced by Waipahu and Ewa, where cultures united, they honor their roots by showcasing traditional mochi with a contemporary spin. From Kauai’s Kulolo-filled Japanese-style mochi to locally made soft mochi with strawberries, they bring diverse flavors together. They even bake a Chinese almond cookie into Filipino-style baked mochi, crafting treats that are sure to make anyone’s heart smile.

Daguzan Charcuterie

Pierre Daguzan

Daguzan Charcuterie combines tradition and sustainability to create handcrafted charcuterie that showcases the unique flavors of Hawaii. Inspired by the culinary heritage of Gers, France, the business sources local, ethically raised meats, including from Mountain View Farm and wild deer from Molokai. The focus on quality ensures each product, from pâtés to rillettes, supports local ecosystems and communities. Found at farmers’ markets in Kakaako and Kailua, and soon on Farmlink, Daguzan Charcuterie aims to expand offerings with saucisson and jambon de Paris, all while staying committed to sustainability and community support. Each product reflects a passion for excellence, tradition, and a deep connection to Hawaii.

Grok Coffee

Shawn Steiman

Grok Coffee began when the founder inherited a farmers market booth and aimed to support Hawaii’s coffee industry while minimizing environmental impact. The company purchases only from Hawaii-based roasters and farmers, rotating suppliers weekly to showcase a variety of coffees. They offer both Hawaii-grown and world-grown options, while also providing educational opportunities. Committed to sustainability, Grok Coffee eliminates plastic and waste, using reusable, waste-free jars for beans. As the business grows, they plan to diversify their value-added offerings, develop a farm tour, and partner with tourism businesses to enhance local coffee experiences.

Hapa Hawaiian Salts

Lisa Strand

Hapa Hawaiian Salts began as a passion project, creating unique salt blends as holiday gifts. It quickly grew into a business, initially supporting school and sports activities for Lisa’s four kids. When COVID-19 hit, Lisa turned this kitchen hobby into a full-time venture. What started as a way to support the family has become a thriving business, sharing the unique flavors of Hawaiian salts with people worldwide. Despite the challenges of running a small business, she is grateful for the opportunity to work with amazing partners and customers, and remains committed to growing Hapa Hawaiian Salts with passion, integrity, and the spirit of Aloha.

Huli Huli Chicken LLC

Peter Castillo

Huli-Huli Chicken Company brings the authentic taste of old Hawaii through BBQ fundraisers, one event at a time. Focused on building community, they offer everything needed for a successful fundraiser—just rally volunteers to help serve their delicious grilled chicken. Starting with a rusted BBQ pit on a boat trailer, they provide a fresh way for local churches, schools, and teams to raise funds. Launched in 2022, Huli-Huli Chicken kicked off its first event in 2024, supporting the Moanalua High School Girls Basketball team. More than just food, it’s about creating memories, building community, and making a difference, all while sharing a plate of chicken. That’s the Huli-Huli way.

Madres Churros

Janee Gutierrez

Madre Churros & Cacao, founded in 2019 in San Diego, was born from a love of food, family, and community, with a mission to support small cacao farmers in Mexico. After being diagnosed with gluten intolerance, the founder worked with a local gluten-free baker to create a churro recipe that everyone could enjoy without sacrificing flavor or texture. In 2020, the pandemic caused a pause, but the dream continued. In September 2024, Madre Churros expanded to Oahu, where they’re working to create gluten-free, vegan churros, incorporating local ingredients like poi, and supporting Hawaii’s local economy. Madres Churros is more than a business—it’s a celebration of resilience and community.

Mana-Su LLC

Randy Kuba

Mana-Su LLC, founded to address the rise of autoimmune and chronic health issues, was inspired by Okinawa’s tradition of fermented foods. The founder discovered a powerful vinegar during their time in Okinawa, rich in citric acid, and named it Mana-Su, blending the Hawaiian word “Mana” (vital life force) and Japanese “Su” (vinegar). The company’s mission, “Empower Health Through Heritage,” is to offer wellness products from Okinawa and Hawaii. Mana-Su creates potent vinegars and mocktails that integrate fermented food benefits into modern lifestyles. They’re expanding to produce vinegars using Hawaiian herbs like Mamaki and Olena, and developing the LifeStyle808 Wellness Experience to promote cultural health practices and wellness tourism in Hawaii.

Morning Dew Farm

Stephanie Shipton

Morning Dew Farm is a small family farm located in the ahupuaa of Kamananui, in Waialua, Oahu. Since 2022, the farm has worked to transform fallow fields into a thriving ecosystem that provides food for the community. In the future, it aims to offer opportunities for community gatherings and connection. Their mangos can be found at local markets and on Farmlink. As the farm continues to grow, new crops, value-added products, and aina-based experiences will be introduced, enriching the local community and expanding the farm’s offerings.

Nui Kealoha

Robert Domingo

Nui Kealoha is a family-run company that offers food and education grounded in the traditional values and cultural practices of his Hawaiian ancestralroots. Nui Kealoha’s work honors the spiritual connection between the aina (land), kanaka (humankind), and mea ai (food). The meals they prepare and serve express respect for traditional foodways, together with innovation born from contemporary creativity in the professional kitchen.

Okazuma

Jason Peel

OkazuMa is an innovative new okazuya and catering concept launched in 2024. Named in honor of Chef Jason Peel’s mother and grandmother, this venture is a tribute to the cherished culinary traditions of his upbringing on the island of Kauai. OkazuMa offers a contemporary take on classic favorites, from savory musubi to mouthwatering bento, each meticulously crafted to evoke the vibrant tastes of Japan.

Onomea Farm Hub

Kalisi Mausio

Onomea Farm Hub is dedicated to strengthening Hawaii’s local food system by supporting farmers and food producers in creating value-added products and expanding market access. As a social enterprise, they focus on enhancing small-scale agriculture through business support, product development, and direct-to-consumer connections. In addition to working with farmers, Onomea operates its own regenerative farm on the Hamakua Coast of Hawaii Island, producing small-batch artisanal food products under the brand Momona. Their name reflects Hawaii’s agricultural heritage and the abundance from responsible land stewardship. Specializing in breadfruit and other canoe crops, they use regenerative agroforestry and climate-smart farming practices to promote soil health, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability.

Pineapple Road Beverage Co.

Caleigh Dillon

Pineapple Road Beverage Co. crafts Tepache, a non-alcoholic fermented pineapple drink that is low in sugar and rich in vitamins, prebiotics, and probiotics. With refreshing flavors like Original, Hibiscus Mint, and Ginger Lemongrass, their beverages are both fizzy and health-focused. Based in Waialua, Oahu, they prioritize local ingredients, use the whole pineapple, and compost after brewing. A portion of proceeds is donated to land restoration and sustainable agriculture in Hawaii. The company’s mission is to create a delicious, healthful beverage while supporting both people and the environment.

Red Sea Hawaii Connection LLC

Negus Manna

Red Sea Hawaii Connection LLC, operating as Lanai Green Resources, focuses on sustainable agriculture and producing high-quality, value-added products that celebrate Hawaii’s resources and traditions. Their flagship product, Pure Hawaii Tea, features mamaki, a native Hawaiian plant known for its health benefits. The company offers dried mamaki tea in sachets and ready-to-drink (RTD) bottles, providing convenience while honoring Hawaii’s agricultural heritage. Committed to sustainability and authenticity, they practice regenerative farming, use eco-friendly packaging, and source locally to support Hawaii’s farmers.

The Doggy Kitchen

Karli Kurihara

The Doggy Kitchen specializes in freshly cooked, premium dog food made with human-grade ingredients, offering the best nutrition for dogs. As the first local fresh dog food business in Hawaii, the company is committed to promoting healthy living for dogs. Their philosophy is that nutrition is the foundation of a long, healthy life, starting with what a dog eats. Unlike traditional dog foods filled with preservatives, their meals are made from high-quality ingredients, delivered right to your door. Easy to serve, simply thaw and watch your dog thrive. Whether for picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions, The Doggy Kitchen provides fresh meals that support energy, coat health, digestion, and overall well-being.

uCook LLC

Sheryl Kahue

uCook Hawaii was founded on a dream to bring the flavors of Hawaii to the world. They are dedicated to providing high-quality sauces, marinades, and dressings that make cooking fast, easy, and delicious. uCook Hawaii’s vision is to be the top choice for these products by maintaining quality and promoting continued growth. Their mission is to serve both professional chefs and home cooks by developing products that simplify meal preparation without compromising flavor. uCook Hawaii partners with local farmers to use island-grown ingredients, ensuring freshness and sustainability. Their product line includes Kau Orange Sauce, Lemongrass Sauce & Marinade, and Garlic 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