Mana Up’s biggest shopping event of the year kicks off with a global live stream and televised special featuring the inspirational stories behind rising Hawaii-based businesses and exclusive offers that are only available at HouseofManaUp.com for a limited time. Watch, shop and win when you tune in on October 27. Register at ManaUpShowcase.com to enter great giveaways.
Mana Up proudly announces that its 2024 Showcase will be co-hosted by Mana Up co-founder Meli James and rising actor-model Kaipo Dudoit. This annual event, celebrating Hawai‘i’s dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, will be broadcast worldwide through a livestream and television on October 27, and in-person events on November 7. Viewers will get a unique glimpse into local innovation, along with a chance to shop exclusive offers just in time for the holiday season.
Meli James, Co-Founder of Mana Up
Meli James is a pioneering force in Hawaii’s business ecosystem. As the co-founder of Mana Up, a business accelerator and venture fund, she has been instrumental in helping Hawaii-based brands expand globally. Meli’s deep passion for local entrepreneurship stems from her own journey as a native of Hawaii and successful tech entrepreneur. Her dedication to building Hawaii’s economy through sustainable, homegrown companies has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of Hawaii Business Magazine’s “20 for the Next 20” and Pacific Business News’ “Women Who Mean Business.” In addition to her work at Mana Up, Meli serves as President of the Hawaii Venture Capital Association and is a prominent voice in innovation and economic development throughout the islands.
Kaipo Dudoit, Actor & Model
Kaipo Dudoit is a Native Hawaiian actor, hula dancer, and model, known for his roles in Disney’s upcoming live action version of “Lilo & Stitch” (2025), “My Partner” (2023), and “Magnum P.I.” (2018). Born and raised on Oʻahu, Kaipo is a proud kanaka ʻōiwi. In addition to his work in film and television, Kaipo is a licensed massage therapist, driven by passion for creating spaces for healing and connection. He finds purpose in connecting with his culture through his art forms, whether it’s dance, acting, or modeling. Raised on a strong foundation built by his family and mentors, Kaipo embraces the values of his heritage and is dedicated to uplifting the lāhui and the people of Hawaiʻi through his creative pursuits.
About the Mana Up Showcase 2024
The Mana Up Showcase is an annual celebration of Hawaii’s entrepreneurs, featuring an exciting lineup of local companies poised for global expansion. The 2024 event will be broadcast via livestream and during primetime on Hawaii News Now TV, on October 27, with several repeat showings afterward, providing a platform for these brands to connect with audiences around the world. This year’s event will feature a special focus on innovation, sustainability, and the unique spirit of Hawaii that drives these businesses forward.
The 2024 Mana Up Showcase marks the culmination of the annual six-month accelerator, highlighting 10 must-watch Hawai‘i-based product companies from Maui, Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, and Hawai‘i Island. These emerging brands, alongside many more, will be featured during the Mana Up Showcase 2024: Alikaleo Park, Bizia Surf, Farm to Fudge, Hawai‘i Ulu Cooperative, Honua Skincare, Kaua‘i Hemp Co., Kris Goto, Okonokai, To Be Organics, and Waiwaolani .
After you shop, continue the fun just steps away at The Republik, where Justin Kawika Young will headline our Artists to Watch Concert, which features four young, rising musicians (under the mentorship of Haku Collective by Kimié Miner) — POHAI, Kala‘i Kealoha, Mikaela Freitas, and Music and Rhythm — performing original music.
For more information on the Mana Up Showcase or to register for the livestream and more than 50 giveaways, including 1 year of King's Hawaiian Sweet Bread, and two round trip tickets to Hawaiʻi from Hawaiian Airlines, please visit ManaUpShowcase.com . Mana Up Showcase 2024 is presented by King’s Hawaiian, with Showcase Sponsors Hawaiian Airlines, Bank of Hawai‘i, and Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Water.
About Mana Up
Founded by Meli James & Brittany Heyd, Mana Up is an accelerator and venture fund that introduces 100% Hawai‘i-based companies to global markets, and boosts economic opportunity for the people of Hawai‘i. To date, 95 companies have participated in the six-month program that provides expansion opportunities and helps solve business challenges. For more information about the accelerator program, visit ManaUpHawaii.com , and to shop and explore products from the company’s entrepreneurs, visit HouseofManaUp.com .
Mana Up is supported by Kamehameha Schools, Castle & Cooke Hawai‘i, Hawaiian Airlines, Bank of Hawai‘i, ALTRES, Hawai‘i Technology Development Corporation, Innovate Hawai‘i, American Savings Bank, Ulupono Initiative, Young Brothers, UHA Health Insurance, Pineapple Tweed, Shopify, Foodland, DFS, and Dole.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Courtney Liu, Communications & Marketing Manager
808.497.5387 / press@manauphawaii.com
