Celebrate Hawai‘i’s Rising Entrepreneurs on Oct 26, 2025
Mana Up is thrilled to unveil the co-hosts of the 2025 Showcase Global Broadcast, which will introduce Cohort 10, the newest class of entrepreneurs joining the Mana Up ‘ohana. Together, they represent the future of Hawai‘i’s product economy, creating innovative goods rooted in local culture, community, and creativity.
On Sunday, October 26, 2025, audiences worldwide can tune in as the Showcase introduces these rising brands through exclusive stories, product launches, live performances, and special offers available only at HouseofManaUp.com.
Meet the Co-Hosts
Meli James
As co-founder of Mana Up, Meli James has been a driving force in building Hawai‘i’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through the Mana Up accelerator, she has supported 105 local companies in scaling their businesses locally and globally. A passionate investor and advocate, James continues to champion innovation and growth for Hawai‘i-based entrepreneurs.
“Kimee is not only a celebrated actor, she’s also a creative entrepreneur who has built platforms for local talent here in Hawai‘i," says James. "Her energy and authenticity embody exactly what Mana Up is about, and I couldn’t be more excited to share the stage with her for this year’s Showcase.”
Kimee Balmilero
Filipino American and Hawai‘i-born actor Kimee Balmilero is best known as Dr. Noelani Cunha on CBS’s Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I.. In 2022, she starred opposite Jo Koy in ABC’s Josep, the first network pilot centered on a Filipino American family. Her credits also include Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. (Disney+), Two Tickets to Paradise (Hallmark), and the original Broadway cast of Mamma Mia.
Recently, she performed her original “kimeeoke” comedy songs at the Hawai‘i Theatre in Ronny Chieng and Friends, sharing the stage with Ronny Chieng, Shen Wang, Dylan Adler, and Simu Liu. Since returning home, Balmilero has launched multiple creative ventures, including the Hawai‘i Comedy Festival, Improv Hawai‘i, and Tiny Stage Hawai‘i, a community-driven black box theatre in Kaka‘ako.
Balmilero said her own entrepreneurial spirit attracted her to Mana Up. “I am a creative entrepreneur since moving back home to Hawai‘i," she says. "I've started Improv Hawai‘i and the Hawai‘i Comedy Festival so this is very exciting for me.”
This year’s co-hosted segments were filmed at the iconic Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa in Waikīkī, which is undergoing a complete refresh in celebration of its upcoming 125th anniversary. The historic “First Lady of Waikīkī” provides a stunning backdrop for the Showcase, blending Hawai‘i’s heritage with the future of rising entrepreneurs.
“Kimee is not only a celebrated actor, she’s also a creative entrepreneur who has built platforms for local talent here in Hawai‘i. Her energy and authenticity embody exactly what Mana Up is about, and I couldn’t be more excited to share the stage with her for this year’s Showcase.”
Introducing Cohort 10
The Showcase 2025 broadcast will spotlight the ten new companies joining Mana Up through Cohort 10, each one highlighting the best of Hawai‘i’s talent and creativity:
Aloha Spice Company (Kaua‘i) – Handcrafted spice blends and rubs that highlight island flavors.
Arlie Glass (O‘ahu) – Flameworked glass lei and décor inspired by Hawai‘i’s native blooms.
Daguzan Charcuterie (O‘ahu) – French-style cured meats made with locally sourced ingredients.
The Keiki Dept (O‘ahu) – Children’s apparel and accessories rooted in Hawaiian culture and ‘āina.
Kaua‘i Gourmet Nuts (Kaua‘i) – Kettle-roasted nuts and butters in island-inspired flavors.
Keani Hawai‘i (Maui) – Ocean-inspired jewelry, apparel, and lifestyle goods.
Maoi Swim (O‘ahu) – Eco-conscious swimwear made from recycled fabrics with bold Pacific prints.
Oribe Tea Company (Hawai‘i Island) – Herbal teas and cold brews crafted with local botanicals like mamaki.
Paper Crane Soaps (Hawai‘i Island) – Botanical soaps and bath products blending artistry with local ingredients.
Sugar Caddy HI (O‘ahu) – Island-style Dri-Fit golf apparel with artist collaborations.
How to Watch
📅 Sunday, October 26, 2025
Livestream: 3:00 PM HST on the YouTube and Facebook channels of Mana Up, its partners, and featured entrepreneurs
- Broadcast: 7:00 PM HST on KHNL (Hawai‘i News Now)
Win Amazing Prizes
As part of the Showcase celebration, viewers can also enter to win more than 60 incredible prizes from Hawai‘i’s best local brands and partners. These include:
Luxury hotel getaways at some of Hawai‘i’s most iconic resorts, including three nights at the Moana Surfrider, plus massage and afternoon tea experience.
Free round-trip flights
Fine jewelry from Maui Divers and other local designers
Exclusive experiences, including tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Auana, and a morning cruise on a luxury yacht, the Vidia Mia
A year’s worth of your favorite local products from brands like King’s Hawaiian, Waiākea, and Zippy’s
…and so much more.
Enter now at ManaUpShowcase.com for your chance to win and join us in celebrating Hawai‘i’s rising entrepreneurs.
