Supporting Native Hawaiian Businesses: A Local’s Guide

Hawaii is more than a beautiful vacation destination. It’s a rich cultural tapestry woven from generations of Native Hawaiian traditions, values, and wisdom. Supporting Native Hawaiian-owned businesses allows residents and visitors alike to deepen their connection to this vibrant culture while directly contributing to the preservation of Hawaii’s heritage. From locally made products to traditional art forms, food, and eco-friendly tours, each purchase from a Native Hawaiian-owned business helps strengthen the islands’ economy and ensure that the stories, traditions, and knowledge of Hawaii are sustained for future generations.

Here’s a curated guide to some standout Native Hawaiian-owned businesses across Hawaii, spanning a range of industries. These are companies that not only represent the islands’ unique heritage but also embrace sustainable practices, support the community, and embody the aloha spirit.

Nā Mea Hawai‘i – Cultural Artifacts, Books, and Workshops

Located in Honolulu, Nā Mea Hawai‘i is more than a store; it’s a community gathering space that celebrates Hawaiian culture. This shop offers a carefully curated selection of Native Hawaiian art, books, music, and handcrafted items. Visitors can find everything from woven lauhala hats to educational books on Hawaiian culture. Additionally, Nā Mea hosts frequent workshops, such as lei making, storytelling, and traditional Hawaiian cooking classes. Supporting Nā Mea Hawai‘i means not only purchasing authentic products but also engaging in meaningful cultural experiences that bridge the past with the present.

Why Support? Nā Mea Hawai‘i actively preserves Hawaiian culture through education, arts, and community gatherings, helping to keep traditional crafts and knowledge alive.

Mauna Kea Tea – Organic Hawaiian Tea Farm

Nestled on the slopes of Mauna Kea on the Big Island, Mauna Kea Tea is a Native Hawaiian-owned farm specializing in organic and sustainably grown teas. This family-owned farm grows and produces a variety of teas that capture the spirit of the islands, from green to oolong teas infused with subtle notes of the Hawaiian landscape. The farm also offers tours, where visitors can learn about the process of cultivating tea and the importance of organic farming practices.

Why Support? By choosing Mauna Kea Tea, you’re supporting sustainable agriculture and small-scale Hawaiian farmers who work to protect the environment and maintain the integrity of the land.

Kealopiko – Hawaiian Apparel and Textiles

Kealopiko is a Native Hawaiian-owned clothing and lifestyle brand that brings traditional Hawaiian designs and language into contemporary fashion. Their products, including t-shirts, accessories, and textiles, often feature traditional Hawaiian prints and messaging rooted in Hawaiian history. Kealopiko is committed to sustainable practices, using natural dyes and eco-friendly materials. The brand also gives back by donating a portion of profits to Hawaiian cultural and environmental initiatives.

Why Support? Kealopiko emphasizes cultural authenticity and eco-consciousness while creating apparel that celebrates Hawaiian heritage, making it a wonderful way to wear Hawaiian pride.

Hanalei Taro & Juice Co. – Farm-to-Table Hawaiian Cuisine

For those visiting Kauai, Hanalei Taro & Juice Co. is a must-visit spot to sample authentic Hawaiian flavors. This family-owned business sources ingredients from their taro farm and offers traditional dishes like poi and laulau, as well as modern creations like taro smoothies. Their mission is to share the staple foods of ancient Hawaiians with locals and tourists, promoting the significance of taro in Hawaiian culture.

Why Support? Hanalei Taro & Juice Co. sustains traditional agriculture and promotes Hawaiian food culture, all while supporting local farming.

Holoholo Surf – Eco-Friendly Surfboards and Lessons

Holoholo Surf is a Native Hawaiian-owned surf business based in Maui that offers custom surfboards crafted from eco-friendly materials, as well as private surf lessons. The founder, a skilled Native Hawaiian surfer, focuses on teaching sustainable surfing practices and shares the Hawaiian connection to the ocean. Holoholo Surf’s unique surfboards are designed with minimal environmental impact, helping to reduce plastic waste and protect the marine ecosystem.

Why Support? Supporting Holoholo Surf helps promote eco-friendly surfing practices while also connecting you to the Hawaiian concept of malama kai, the care and respect for the ocean.

Pu‘uwai Aloha Bakery – Traditional and Modern Hawaiian Baked Goods

Pu‘uwai Aloha Bakery, located in Oahu, brings the best of Hawaiian baking to the local community and visitors. Known for its gluten-free and vegan offerings, the bakery incorporates native Hawaiian ingredients, such as coconut, taro, and ulu (breadfruit), into their pastries. With options like taro mochi muffins and coconut haupia tarts, Pu‘uwai Aloha Bakery gives a modern twist to traditional Hawaiian flavors.

Why Support? This bakery honors Hawaiian flavors in a way that is both innovative and accessible, making it an inclusive space for those with dietary restrictions while supporting local agriculture.

Kuma Kai Fishing – Sustainable Hawaiian Fishing Tours

Kuma Kai Fishing, based in Kona, is a Native Hawaiian-owned fishing charter that offers tourists a chance to experience the traditional methods of Hawaiian fishing. This fishing tour company is dedicated to sustainable fishing practices that respect local ecosystems and educate participants on Hawaiian fishing culture. The captains share insights into Hawaiian traditions, fish species, and the importance of respecting the ocean.

Why Support? Kuma Kai Fishing not only offers an authentic Hawaiian experience but also teaches sustainable practices that support ocean conservation and Hawaiian cultural values.

Hoʻōla Honey – Organic, Hawaiian-Grown Honey

Hoʻōla Honey is a Big Island-based company that produces honey from bees raised on local Hawaiian flowers like ʻōhiʻa and māmaki. This small family business is committed to organic and sustainable beekeeping practices, ensuring that their honey not only tastes great but also preserves the delicate ecosystem that supports Hawaii’s native flora.

Why Support? Hoʻōla Honey emphasizes ecological balance and the importance of pollinators in Hawaii, so every jar of honey you purchase directly supports local biodiversity.

Polynesian Voyaging Society – Nonprofit for Cultural Preservation and Education

While not a business in the traditional sense, the Polynesian Voyaging Society is an essential Native Hawaiian organization that works to preserve traditional navigation and voyaging methods. Founded to revive the ancient art of voyaging, PVS conducts educational programs and voyages across the Pacific, teaching navigation without modern instruments. Supporting their merchandise, donating, or participating in their events contributes directly to cultural preservation.

Why Support? Supporting PVS means helping keep an essential part of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture alive, while also promoting educational opportunities about traditional knowledge systems.

Noho Home – Native Hawaiian Interior Decor

Noho Home, founded by a Native Hawaiian designer, offers home decor that combines traditional Hawaiian motifs with modern aesthetics. Their products, including bedding, cushions, and kitchenware, incorporate patterns and designs inspired by the Hawaiian landscape, flora, and culture. Noho Home offers a way to bring a piece of Hawaii’s natural beauty and cultural symbolism into your own space.

Why Support? Noho Home promotes Native Hawaiian culture through stylish decor that celebrates and respects Hawaiian traditions, providing a unique touch to any home while supporting local artisans and designers.

Why Supporting Native Hawaiian Businesses Matters

Supporting Native Hawaiian-owned businesses has a profound impact on the community, culture, and environment. Every purchase you make contributes to:

• Economic Empowerment: Shopping locally helps circulate money within the community, creating jobs and supporting local families. It helps Native Hawaiian business owners sustain their livelihoods and encourages economic self-sufficiency.
• Cultural Preservation: Native Hawaiian-owned businesses often integrate cultural practices, traditional knowledge, and Hawaiian values into their products and services. By supporting them, you contribute to the survival and appreciation of Hawaiian heritage.
• Environmental Stewardship: Many Native Hawaiian-owned businesses emphasize sustainable practices, which align with the Hawaiian value of malama aina (care for the land). By supporting these businesses, you’re also helping to promote sustainability in Hawaii.
• Educational Opportunities: Through tours, workshops, and events, these businesses offer visitors a chance to learn about Hawaiian culture in an authentic way. Supporting these businesses encourages cultural education and respect for Hawaiian traditions.

Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner

From eco-friendly products to traditional foods and cultural education, Native Hawaiian-owned businesses embody the heart and soul of Hawaii. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, choosing to support these businesses means more than just making a purchase—it’s a way to show respect for Hawaii’s heritage and invest in the islands’ sustainable future. Each dollar spent is a step toward preserving Hawaii’s culture, empowering local communities, and protecting the beautiful land and ocean that make Hawaii so unique.

So, next time you’re exploring the islands, seek out these Native Hawaiian businesses and be part of something greater. Embrace the aloha spirit, and help keep Hawaii’s traditions alive for generations to come.

Although strolling around the beautiful island of Hawaii is a pleasant and unique experience, accidents can happen. If you or someone close to you has been injured while visiting Hawaii, connecting with an experienced Hawaii personal injury lawyer is essential. The knowledgeable team at Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner is ready to provide the guidance and support you need. 

Call us at (808) 537-2525 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation and explore your options for moving forward with your case.