P Ā K Ō L E A - 2 0 2 3

Last year, NaHHA piloted the Pākolea program with its first cohort class “Kupukupu” graduating in the summer of 2022. NaHHA will leverage this experience to offer Pākōlea’s 2nd and 3rd cohorts, specifically designed to empower existing locally-based Hawai'ʻi businesses rooted in Hawaiian values by highlighting cultural values as the premium advantage in the visitor industry marketplace.

Through the cohort, NaHHA will equip participants with tangible pathways to enter the tourism sector.

A total of 10 organizations, nonprofits and/or businesses will be invited to participate in Pākōlea offered twice a year at no cost.

Through the cohort, NaHHA will create a pipeline for authentic Hawaiʻi products.

Through the cohort, NaHHA will create circular economy opportunities for visitors and residents throughout Hawaʻi.

P Ā K Ō L E A - 2 0 2 2

IN 2022, PĀKŌLEA WAS PILOTED AND OFFERED FOR THE FIRST TIME BY THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN HOSPITALITY ASSOCIATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PURPLE MAIʻA FOUNDATION AND INCLUDED A 1-MONTH-LONG, INTENSIVE, COHORT-BASED VIRTUAL PROGRAM FOCUSED ON PREPARING LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESSES TO DISTRIBUTE THEIR PRODUCTS IN THE VISITOR INDUSTRY AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER VALUES-ALIGNED ENTREPRENEURS AND DISTRIBUTION PARTNERS THROUGHOUT THE INDUSTRY.

PRESENTED BY:

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

WITH SUPPORT FROM:

K U P U K U P U C L A S S

A single kupukupu fern peeks out from the vast plain of Pele's flow. One of the first plants to cultivate new life, the foundation of a new ecosystem, the hope for the future. With each new frond comes new opportunity, new life, and a new community is born. Its ability to climb and sprout symbolizes growth and the unfurling of knowledge, Yet, kupukupu can be found in the wet forestland, mauka, makai, thriving even indoors. Sturdy. Flexible. Pono.

By honoring a continuum of genealogy, stories, journeys and values, we nourish, grow and inspire ‘ōiwi and kamaʻāina entrepreneurs, leaders who contribute to the vitality of our ‘āina, ‘ohana and communities throughout Hawai‘i and beyond.

As the first PĀKŌKEA cohort, the KUPUKUPU class, our hope is that, like the buds of the kupukupu ferns, you build and shape our community, sprout and spread your businesses beyond your wildest dreams, and thrive from the relationships built right here. And, that you do so together.