Mana Up, in collaboration with Kō Hana Hawaiian Agricole Rum and Mānoa Chocolate, is excited to introduce a first-of-its-kind rum and chocolate pairing experience at its new House of Mana Up store at Royal Hawaiian Center.
Located on the ground floor, in Building A, visitors are invited to discover Hawai‘i’s creative spirit through a thoughtfully curated selection of products from more than 70 local entrepreneurs, and enjoy an immersive tasting experience that brings the stories and flavors of Hawai‘i’s farms right to the heart of Waikīkī.
Guests are encouraged to sip, taste, and explore through curated pairings that highlight the islands’ unique terroir and craftsmanship. Tastings feature agricole-style rum and small-batch chocolate in a rotating, seasonally inspired lineup of flavors and limited releases—from tropical infusions to festive holiday creations.
Each guided experience includes pairings of artisan chocolates with classic rums and Hawaiian cocktails like the Mai Tai and Daiquiri. For private groups and partners, the tasting room also offers customized pours, bespoke pairings, and exclusive small-batch creations, celebrating the artistry and collaboration that make both brands truly one of a kind.
Anchoring the new space is a stunning glass “lei wall” installation by North Shore artist Arlie Pemberton of Arlie Glass, featuring 174 hand-formed glass puakenikeni. The hand-blown blossoms are delicately strung together to transform the entrance into a luminous, contemporary lei—turning this one-of-a-kind retail experience into a true work of art.
We wanted to give visitors and locals an interactive experience that brings Hawai‘i’s local stories to life—while celebrating the long-standing relationships that continue to shape our islands’ creative economy.
A Lasting Partnership
Since launching its first accelerator cohort in 2018, Mana Up has supported 105 Hawai‘i-based companies in growing their brands globally while staying rooted in the islands. Among that inaugural group were Kō Hana Hawaiian Agricole Rum and Mānoa Chocolate, two pioneering local makers now reuniting with Mana Up for this new tasting experience.
“This collaboration is especially meaningful for us,” said Meli James, co-founder of Mana Up. “Both Kō Hana and Mānoa Chocolate were part of our very first cohort, and it’s been incredible to see how far they’ve grown since then. We wanted to give visitors and locals an interactive experience that brings Hawai‘i’s local stories to life—while celebrating the long-standing relationships that continue to shape our islands’ creative economy.”
“It’s a true celebration of Hawai‘i’s flavor story,” added Dylan Butterbaugh, founder of Mānoa Chocolate. “Cacao and sugarcane share deep roots in our local agriculture and culture.”
“We’re proud to offer something uniquely Hawaiian—not just a product, but an experience,” said Jason Brand, co-founder of Kō Hana Distillers.
How to Book
The chocolate and rum pairings are available daily at House of Mana Up – Royal Hawaiian Center, with both walk-in and pre-booked sessions. For details or reservations, Book Your Pairing Experience.
About Mana Up
Mana Up is an accelerator and venture fund helping Hawai‘i-based product companies scale globally. Through its six-month accelerator program and retail brand, House of Mana Up, the organization provides a platform for local entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and share their stories with the world.
About Kō Hana Distillers
Kō Hana Distillers is Hawaiʻi’s only farm-to-bottle rum distillery, cultivating rare Hawaiian heirloom sugarcane and transforming it into world-class Hawaiian Agricole Rum. What they bottle is more than a spirit. It is culture, legacy, and an authentic taste of Hawai’i.
About Manoa Chocolate
Manoa Chocolate is a bean-to-bar chocolate factory based in Kailua, O‘ahu. Since 2010, they have been crafting chocolate on the windward side of O‘ahu, sourcing the highest quality cacao from the Hawaiian Islands and around the world.
