Secrets to selling local Hawaiʻi-made products revealed

Yahoo

17-05-2025

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) will host its third annual Hawaiʻi-Made Conference on Tuesday, May 20.
This year's theme is I Ka Mākeke! Going to Market! The event will bring together entrepreneurs, retailers, lawmakers and industry leaders from across the state for a full day of learning and connection.
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Held at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center, the conference highlights the rising strength of local manufacturing.
Here's what you need to know.
Not all products fit every market. The first two sessions break down how local goods perform in different spaces. You'll hear directly from event leaders like Lauren Zirbel from the Made in Hawaiʻi Festival and panelists with insights on local consumer shows and visitor-focused markets.
Selling locally through pop-ups or events like the Made in Maui County Festival offers direct access to community feedback.
Meanwhile, marketing to tourists, whether from the continental U.S. or Japan, requires cultural awareness and clear branding.
Knowing the audience helps small producers make informed decisions before launching a product.
The conference is much more than panels and presentations. It's a space to meet buyers, mentors and policymakers face-to-face. From the coffee networking breaks to the keynote luncheon, attendees will get to build relationships that can open doors.
Meli James of Mana Up, who will give the keynote, will share what buyers actually look for when scouting local brands. If you're building a business, these are the kinds of conversations that make a difference.Session Five outlines the many ways Hawaiʻi's government is backing food and beverage producers. You'll hear from Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, Representative Kirstin Kahaloa and Denise Yamaguchi of the Hawaiʻi Ag & Culinary Alliance.
They'll share programs, grants and collaborations that help local makers expand without going it alone. This is your chance to understand where policy meets production and how to plug into it.
If your business is ready to grow but not ready for a full facility, commercial kitchens are key. Experts from the Hilo Food Hub and Maui Food Innovation Center will explain how shared spaces help reduce costs and turn good ideas into sellable products.
Chris Bailey of the Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center will guide the discussion on how these kitchens can spark innovation and collaboration between businesses.
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Japanese visitors shop differently than American tourists. They often look for presentation, quality and brand story. Session 3 focuses on what makes products stand out in this specific market.
Panelists include leaders from Hawaiian King Candies, Studio Rim Hawaiʻi and Dean & Deluca Hawaiʻi. They'll break down how to adjust packaging, ingredients or messaging to match what Japanese visitors value most.
DBEDT's Hawaiʻi Made directory is a free platform for companies that manufacture most of their products in the islands. This online hub makes it easier for shoppers to find local businesses and helps companies reach new audiences.
Businesses can apply to be listed, and resources like INNOVATE Hawaiʻi offer tools to improve operations, add e-commerce functions and grow sustainably.
Click for more information on the event as well as the full listing of panels, events, dates and times.
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For those who want to be part of Hawaiʻi's future economy, the conference offers a clear path forward that's grounded in local values and open to the world.
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