Honolulu, HI (May 30, 2025) — Mana Up, the leading accelerator driving economic growth for Hawai‘i-based product businesses, proudly announces its 10th cohort—ten innovative, locally rooted companies—bringing the total number of entrepreneurs supported by the program to 105.
With 200 applicants this year, demand for Mana Up’s accelerator reflects its growing impact in helping Hawai‘i-based companies scale globally while creating sustainable jobs at home. In 2024 alone, alumni generated over $105 million in revenue—and since joining the program, have created more than 1,035 jobs across the Islands.
Cohort 10 features ten standout companies from across the state—five from O‘ahu, two from Kaua‘i, two from Hawai‘i Island, and one from Maui. The group includes four fashion brands, four food companies, and two in home and lifestyle, showcasing the breadth and creativity of Hawai‘i’s product economy.
Aloha Spice Company (Hanapēpē, Kaua‘i) – Handcrafted spice blends and rubs reflecting Hawai‘i’s diverse culinary heritage, using ingredients from the founder’s family farm.
Arlie Glass (North Shore, O‘ahu) – Handcrafted glass jewelry and décor, including her signature glass lei inspired by Hawaiian flora.
Daguzan Charcuterie (Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu) – French-style charcuterie using locally sourced meats, blending Gascon tradition with island ingredients.
The Keiki Dept (‘Aiea, O‘ahu) – Children’s clothing celebrating Hawaiian language and island culture through playful, thoughtful designs.
Kaua‘i Gourmet Nuts (Kapa‘a, Kaua‘i) – Kettle-roasted macadamias, almonds, and pecans in fun local flavors, using Hawai‘i-grown ingredients.
Keani Hawai‘i (Maui) – Ocean-inspired fine jewelry rooted in founder Keani Barnes’ island upbringing and love for Hawai‘i.
Maoi Swimwear (O‘ahu) – Sustainable swimwear brand co-owned by Cayla Moore and Julia Muniz Robinson, fusing Polynesian culture with modern design.
Oribe Tea Company (Hilo, Hawai‘i Island) – Cold brew and loose-leaf teas made with locally grown ingredients like mamaki, inspired by Hawai‘i’s natural beauty.
Paper Crane Soaps (Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i Island) – All-natural bath and body products handcrafted with local ingredients by esthetician Amanda Richards.
Sugar Caddy (O‘ahu) – Bold, Dri-Fit golf apparel for men, women, and keiki, featuring collaborations with local artists and a fresh take on island style.
“We were blown away by the caliber of this year’s applicants—it’s clear that Hawai‘i’s entrepreneurial spirit is stronger than ever,” said Meli James, co-founder of Mana Up. “The ten companies joining Cohort 10 are already achieving incredible success on their own, and we’re excited to help accelerate their growth and showcase their products—and the stories behind them—on a global stage.”
Cohort 10 will go through a 6-month accelerator focused on scaling their businesses, with mentorship in brand development, e-commerce, global market expansion, and storytelling.
The Mana Up Showcase 2025
The program culminates with the Mana Up Showcase Broadcast and Global Livestream on October 26, where viewers can meet the founders, hear their stories, and shop featured products in real time via House of Mana Up. This is followed by the in-person Showcase Marketplace on November 6, supported by longtime partners such as Bank of Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines, ALTRES, and more—highlighting products from alumni in a one-of-a-kind retail experience.
About Mana Up
Founded by Meli James & Brittany Heyd, Mana Up is an accelerator and venture fund that introduces 100% Hawai‘i-based companies to global markets, and boosts economic opportunity for the people of Hawai‘i. Through its retail stores, online marketplace, and experiential events, House of Mana Up shares the stories of Hawaii’s makers while driving economic growth for the islands. To date, 95 companies have participated in the six-month program that provides expansion opportunities and helps solve business challenges. For more information about the accelerator program, visit ManaUpHawaii.com, and to shop and explore products from the company’s entrepreneurs, visit HouseofManaUp.com.
Mana Up is supported by Kamehameha Schools, Bank of Hawai‘i, ALTRES, Hawai‘i Technology Development Corporation, Innovate Hawai‘i, Castle & Cooke Hawai‘i, Hawaiian Airlines, American Savings Bank, Ulupono Initiative, Young Brothers, UHA Health Insurance, Pineapple Tweed, Shopify, Foodland, DFS, and Dole.
