Record breaking UH Alumni Makers’ Market

VIDEO NEWS RELEASE

University of Hawaiʻi

Contact:

Kelli Abe Trifonovitch, (808) 228-8108
Chief Communications Officer, UH Office of Communications

Posted: Aug 6, 2025

UH Alumni Makers' Market

Link to video and sound (details below): https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/ixeW8v2Zfn

WHAT: A record number of alumni-owned businesses—44—showcased their innovative treats and wares at the sold-out University of Hawaiʻi Alumni Makers’ Market. This is also the first time the event has sold out.

WHEN: August 6, 6–9 p.m.

WHERE: Royal Hawaiian Hotel

HOW: The 4th annual event showcased food and drinks from alumni-owned or operated restaurants, along with a variety of products from UH alumni small businesses.

WHY: The UH Alumni Makers’ Market celebrates the creativity and impact UH alumni make on Hawaiʻi’s economy and communities.

WHO: More than 500 attendees enjoyed the sold-out event, presented by the UH Office of Alumni Relations in partnership with the UH Alumni Association; a portion of the proceeds will go toward addressing current UH student needs statewide.

Participating food and beverage vendors included:

BeerLab Hawaii
Char’s Bar
KAI Vodka
Kapa Hale
Kō Hana Distillers
Makanai
MangoMango
Nami Kaze
PILI Group
Pono Potions
Pop Culture Artisan Pops
Rainbow Drive-In
Sage Creamery
Summer Club
Tanaka Ramen
The Dumpling Factory
Southern Glazer’s

Participating marketplace vendors included:

Belly Rub Kitchen
Bujo Bae
Choco Le‘a
Coconut Ave.
Daguzan Charcuterie
David Shepard Hawai‘i
FITTED Hawaii
Hapa Hawaiian Salts
Hawaiian Pie Co.
Kailua Honey
Late Bloomer
Lei by Kanoe
LUXE Photobooth
Mari’s Garden
Old Queen Street Stadium
Phases Hawaii
Ports + Paws
Premiere Barbershop
Sweet Enemy Clothing
Ten Tomorrow
Thankful
Wailana Hawai‘i Art
Welo Creations
Kanak Crack Snacks
Okonokai
Roots Roll Reggae

VIDEO: TRT 2:34
BROLL: :00-1:49

Shots of the UH Alumni Makers’ Market at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel
SOUND:

Wendy Hensel, UH President (:10)

“We're here to help make your dreams come true. Let us help elevate your work and get it some attention because we're proud of you and we're proud of what you're doing for Hawaiʻi to advance business in the state.”

Chris Iwamura, Owner, Rainbow Drive-In (MBA '18 UH Mānoa, third generation owner, helped to grow the merchandise store and franchise business.) (:14)

“Growing up as a kid, we went to UH games, football, basketball, volleyball my whole life and you know, being able to go to UH and get my MBA from UH was just big for me and it's big for the company, too. I learned a lot at school and could apply it to everything we do today.”

Lisa Strand, Owner, Hapa Hawaiian Salts (BA '86, UH Manoa & Leeward CC Aina to Makeke - Cohort 5, former UH volleyball player, 2x national champion) (:16)

“I think, just my history with the University of Hawaiʻi—I came from the mainland, attended school here at the university, and just fell in love with it. It was a life changer, a game changer for me, and so anytime I can give back or help celebrate the alumni, I try to get involved.”