Support Native Hawaiian Businesses by Shopping Here on Oʻahu

With so many hotels, restaurants and retail stores in Hawaiʻi owned by overseas companies, a large portion of visitor dollars may not directly profit the residents or indigenous people of Hawaiʻi. Below, we have put together a list of more than a dozen Native Hawaiian-owned businesses—one that we will update. Choosing to spend your dollars with these businesses ensures you not only get something unique and special, but also help the local economy thrive. 

Aloha de Mele

Photo: Courtesy of Aloha de Mele

JT Ojerio creates hand-drawn art inspired by the land, culture and people of Hawaiʻi. Her works are statement pieces that embody the aloha spirit. alohademele.com, @alohademele

Drip Studio HNL

Photo: Sarah Burchard

Co-owner Vincent Pōhaku pairs his passion for specialty coffee with his partner Kelsie Mercado-Uehara’s delectable baked goods (think ricotta toast with fresh berries and mint). Geek out with Pōhaku on hard-to-find coffees and brewing techniques, or savor the Cold Fashioned made with citrus foam and orange bitters. dripstudiohnl.com, @dripstudiohnl

Fête

Fête’s Korean chicken sandwich.
Photo: Courtesy of Fête Hawai’i

Fête, French for “celebration,” offers a lively atmosphere in the heart of Chinatownʻs dining scene. Co-owner Robynne Maiʻi is a James Beard Award-winning chef who cooks craveable classic dishes using as many local ingredients as she can muster to pair with expertly crafted cocktails and one of Hawaiʻi’s best selections of low-intervention wines. fetehawaii.com, @fetehawaii

Fitted Hawaiʻi

Photo: Courtesy of Fitted Hawaiʻi

This local clothing and custom caps brand launches new designs so frequently each piece becomes an instant collector’s item. Each product tells a story unique to Hawaiʻi. fittedhawaii.com, @fitted

Hana Koa Brewery Co.

Photo: Courtesy of Hana Koa Brewing Co./Abe McAulton

Visit Hana Koa on the second Saturday of each month for a brewery tour at 1 p.m. or every Sunday for Yoga and a Pour at 10:30 a.m. Try an ice cold Rice Breaker, a Tokyo-style rice lager made with rice from the brewery’s neighbor: The Rice Factory. hanakoabrewing.com, @hanakoabrewing

Inu Island Ales

 

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Known for its fruited sours and IPAs. Visit the brewery in Kāneʻohe Wednesday through Monday for a weekly rotating selection of new beers and to stock up on 4-packs for the beach. inuislandales.com, @inuislandales

Lexbreezy Hawaiʻi

Photo: Courtesy of Lexbreezy Hawaiʻi

Sophisticated, modern aloha wear for the whole family. All apparel is designed and handmade in Honolulu. Shop Lexbreezy in Kailua, at Ala Moana Center or online. lexbreezyhawaii.com, @lexbreezyhawaii

Little Plum

Photo: Sarah Burchard

This family-friendly restaurant serves local Asian fare and craft cocktails in a sleek setting in Mānoa. Craveable rice bowls, gorgeous salads and one of the best versions of a loco moco around. Located in Mānoa Marketplace.

Nā Mea Hawaiʻi

Photo: Sarah Burchard

Nā Mea Hawaiʻi celebrates and honors Hawaiian culture by supporting local producers, authors, artists, farmers, small businesses and makers. Its mission is to share Native knowledge to preserve the language, stories and traditions of Hawaiʻi. nameahawaii.com, @nameahawaii

Native Books Hawaiʻi

Photo: Courtesy of Native Books Hawaiʻi/Lise Michelle Childers

New and hard-to-find vintage books centered on decolonized stories, language, foods and culture of Hawaiʻi. Follow them on IG for workshops and events. nativebookshawaii.org, @nativebookshi

Niu Soft Serve

 

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Dairy-free coconut-based soft serve ice cream. Try the signature purple ube or niu (coconut), or one of two weekly rotating flavors like hojicha, mango or pandan. If you are here for one time only try the Hot Kūlolo sundae made with toasted mac nuts and caramelized taro and coconut pudding. niusoftserve.com, @niusoftserve

NOHO HOME by Jalene Kanani

Photo: Courtesy of NOHO HOME by Jalene Kanani

Noho, meaning “to dwell” or “to come from” in Hawaiian, is a lifestyle brand that weaves Hawaiian culture and values into the home. Founder Jalenese Kanani designs sophisticated textiles in vibrant colors and textures that draw from nature and balance masculine and feminine energies. Find online or in one of the many stores carrying NOHO HOME throughout Hawaiʻi. nohohomehawaii.com, @nohohome

Pono Potions

Photo: Courtesy of Pono Potions

Pono Potions is a line of all-natural beverage syrups made with Hawaiʻi-grown ingredients fit for coffee drinks, cocktails and any kind of elixir you can conjure up. Purchase flavors such as Molokaʻi Hibiscus Grenadine, Lāʻie Vanilla Syrup and Maikaʻi Macadamia Nut Orgeat online, or stop into Poʻai by Pono Potions in Chinatown to enjoy a signature coffee by mixologist and founder Peter Hessler. ponopotions.com, @ponopotions

Sage Creamery

Photo: Courtesy of Sage Creamery

Ice cream made with Hawaiʻi ingredients, such as Lāʻie Snow Cream made with local vanilla and vegan strawberry guava. Flavors rotate monthly. Visit the shop in Kapolei (West Oʻahu) Wednesday through Sunday for coffee or matcha and a scoop. sagecreamery.com, @sagecreamery

Sig on Smith

Photo: Courtesy of Sig on Smith

Sig Zane has been a household name for aloha shirts since he and his wife launched Sig Zane Designs in 1985. Through his designs he teaches us what he has learned of Hawaiian culture from a lifetime of living as a waterman, hula dancer and cultural practitioner. sigzanedesigns.com, @sigonsmith

TRY Coffee

Photo: Courtesy of TRY Coffee/Mark Kushimi

Owner TK Yamada sources from six to eight roasters each month, offering three to five coffees from each roaster for customers to try (get it?). He chooses roasters who are transparent about the farms they work with and chooses farms that consistently produce high-quality beans using a variety of interesting processes. Come for a pour over outside on the lānai, or purchase a day pass at the adjoining Box Jelly co-working space and sip while you work. try.coffee, @trycoffeehi

Uncle Paul’s Corner Store

Photo: Courtesy of Uncle Paul’s Corner Store

The neighborhood bottle shop for lovers of food and beverages of all kinds. Find gourmet ingredients, food magazines, books, tableware, cocktail tools and more. Wine and spirits coming soon (still awaiting a liquor license!).