Over two dozen young entrepreneurs are gathering at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center this weekend to showcase their businesses during the Queen Lili ‘uokalani Keiki Hula Competition—not onstage, but on the showroom floor.
The ‘Opio Makeke, organized by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, features nearly 30 youth vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to island-style snacks.
Ending today at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, the free event aims to spotlight the growing movement of youth entrepreneurship in Hawaii.
“The Makeke at Keiki Hula this year is about celebrating ‘opio through culture and commerce, ” said Max Mukai, director of business development at CNHA. “Taken together, we get to celebrate the cultural commitment and ingenuity of our ‘opio in both hula and commerce.”
The weekend marketplace is powered by a collaboration between CNHA and Keiki Rise, a youth entrepreneur accelerator founded by 17-year-old Coen Cadinha.
A student at Kaulike Academy, Cadinha is also the founder of Big Boy Sweets, a snack company he launched at age 12 after turning a school hustle into a growing brand.
“I’m honored to be partnering with CNHA for this event, which brings together more than 25 of Hawaii’s youngest entrepreneurs, ” Cadinha said. “This collaboration is a powerful demonstration of CNHA’s ongoing commitment to investing in the next generation.”
Big Boy Sweets offers popular local-style snacks such as li hing lemon peel gummies, Big Boy Style Popcorn and Chex Mix, and has become a regular fixture at pop-up markets.
Through Keiki Rise, Cadinha now supports other young business owners like himself—providing workshops, mentorship and real-world sales opportunities like the weekend Makeke.
“Keiki Rise provides networking, classes designed to support ‘opio growth and opportunities to sell products at different events and market to the general public, ” Mukai explained.
The ‘Opio Makeke was originally conceptualized by Wendy Awai of Kaulike Academy, who developed the project as a way to teach life skills through business. CNHA’s support began through its KuHana Accelerator program, which works to build local economic self-sufficiency. Additional support has come from partners like Lisa Pakele at INPEACE, an organization focused on early childhood education and family empowerment.
This year’s youth vendors come from across the islands, representing a range of backgrounds and interests. Booths feature handmade crafts, art, baked goods and cultural merchandise—all created, marketed and sold by youth ages 10 and up.
According to Mukai, CNHA sees value in more than just profit margins.
“We are interested in helping these ‘opio learn life skills, like how to speak up and present themselves. They also learn empathy through customer relations and collaboration through working with other businesses, ” he said. “Creating long-term sustainable companies is a welcomed outcome, but not our main goal.”
Still, some participants are already making serious strides.
Keiki Rise reports that youth in its network have generated over $250, 000 in total sales since its founding just two years ago. That momentum has taken on new urgency as Native Hawaiian programs face growing uncertainty due to federal budget cuts and shifting policy priorities.
“These changes don’t just impact organizations like ours—they affect entire families and communities who depend on these programs to thrive, ” Cadinha said. “But even in the face of these obstacles, events like this give me hope. Seeing young Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs showcase their creativity and hard work reminds me why we do this.”
Mukai said CNHA remains focused on “creating opportunities and pathways for businesses to grow and thrive, ” through initiatives like the KuHana Accelerator, its CDFI Loan Fund and retail spaces such as Na Mea Hawai ‘i at Bishop Museum and Ward Centre.
For youth like Cadinha, that support is already shaping a future filled with ambition.
“Looking forward, I hope to continue growing both Big Boy Sweets and Keiki Rise, ” he said. “I believe every young person in Hawaii deserves the chance to turn their ideas into something real, and I want Keiki Rise to be the platform that helps make that happen.”
Though the booths will soon be packed away, organizers say the momentum from the weekend will carry on—through new connections, renewed confidence and a stronger foundation for the next generation of Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs.