A Celebration of Local Innovation, Community, and Resilience
Presented by Hawaiian Airlines, the 30th Annual Made in Hawaiʻi Festival was a resounding success, hosting over 700 vendors and drawing approximately 70,000 attendees, making it the largest event of its kind to date. This year’s Festival generated an impressive $10 million in vendor sales for Hawaiʻi’s economy, a testament to its role as a vital economic engine for local businesses. Beyond the immediate boost in revenue, the Festival creates a powerful economic multiplier effect—one that resonates long after the event. In preparation, vendors invest in local materials, hire additional staff, and collaborate with local businesses on booth design and setup. Post-Festival, these vendors reinvest in their operations, expanding their production, rebuilding inventory, and supporting the state’s economic growth year-round.
A Legacy of Strengthening Local Industries
The Made in Hawaiʻi Festival was launched three decades ago during a period of economic challenge, spearheaded by Representative David Morihara of Maui and other leaders committed to uplifting local agriculture and manufacturing. The event was envisioned as a platform to highlight Hawaiʻi’s unique products and the resilience of its people. Today, every product sold at the Festival must, by law, be at least 51% value-added in Hawaiʻi, ensuring that the Festival’s economic impact extends statewide. Each purchase reinforces local businesses, supporting an ecosystem where the value of Hawaiʻi-made goods continues to circulate and sustain the local economy.
Building a Foundation of Support with our Valued Sponsors
The Made in Hawaiʻi Festival’s positive impact is made possible through the support and commitment of our incredible sponsors. Their contributions are more than financial; these organizations are dedicated to advancing local agriculture, manufacturing, and business growth. As they empower local entrepreneurs, they play a crucial role in building a resilient economy.
Hawaiian Airlines – Connecting Hawaiʻi and the World
Hawaiian Airlines has been a steadfast supporter of kamaʻāina businesses for nearly 95 years. The airline not only brings visitors to experience authentic Hawaiʻi but also features island-made products onboard, showcasing local entrepreneurs to a global audience. As the Festival’s Official Airline sponsor since 2019, Hawaiian Airlines has provided vital cargo services, ensuring seamless transport between islands—a critical service for many exhibitors.
With a 70-year legacy, Central Pacific Bank (CPB) believes in the importance of a diverse economy for the well-being of Hawaiʻi’s communities. As the Festival’s Official Bank Sponsor, CPB enables local businesses to thrive by offering crucial financial resources to vendors. Many vendors could not participate without CPB’s support, and the bank’s innovative programs, such as WE by Rising Tide for women business owners, empower local entrepreneurs to expand their reach.
Mahi Pono – Cultivating Sustainability and Food Security
As the Official Farm Sponsor, Mahi Pono embodies the Festival’s commitment to local agriculture, sustainability, and food security. Mahi Pono’s dedication to sustainable farming, responsible resource use, and high-quality agricultural jobs reinforces Hawaiʻi’s path to a resilient, food-secure future. Their work makes it possible for local vendors to offer products created with fresh, locally-grown ingredients.
Through its INNOVATE Hawaiʻi program, HTDC supports Hawaiʻi-based manufacturers, offering training, consulting, industry-focused collaboration, and grants. Many Festival vendors leverage HTDC’s resources to grow their businesses and thrive in competitive markets. Throughout the Festival and beyond, HTDC connects vendors with tools to ensure their continued success.
A Growing Legacy of Community Support and Local Pride
Each year, the Made in Hawaiʻi Festival’s impact reaches new heights. Every ticket purchased, every product sold, and every interaction contributes to Hawaiʻi’s economy and celebrates the value of the Made in Hawaiʻi brand. This year’s record-breaking Festival would not have been possible without the dedication of our talented vendors, enthusiastic attendees, and generous sponsors. To all who have supported the Made in Hawaiʻi Festival in its 30-year journey—mahalo nui loa. You are the heart of this incredible celebration of Hawaiʻi’s spirit and resilience.
