Who loves supporting local? This past Thursday, Mauna Loa supported one of Hawaiʻi’s biggest events of the year, the annual Mana Up Showcase of rising, local talent featuring up-and-coming entrepreneurs from Mana Up's cohort 7-- some of whom are part of the over 20 local companies featured at our Visitor Center!

In-person guests at Bloomingdales Ala Moana and live-stream viewers around the world were treated to giveaways, entrepreneur stories, musical performances from rising talent and headliner Paula Fuga, comedian co-host Tumua Tuinei, and more.

Mauna Loa provided a free Kiawe Smoked BBQ bag as a gift with purchase for each of the first 100 shoppers who spent $150 or more during the showcase. Our parent company, Hawaiian Host Group, proudly presented a $5,000 People's Choice Award to this year's crowd-favorite entrepreneur, Pō Naturals. Founded by Alohilani Keohulo, Pō Naturals Hawaiʻi makes organic body care products in Kohala, Hawai‘i Island. Pō Naturals is also one of the Hawaiʻi Island-based Mana Up cohorts whose products are sold at our Visitor Center in Keaʻau.

Next time you’re on the Hilo side of Hawaiʻi Island, stop by our Visitor Center to see our newly renovated store and the Mana Up section! To plan your next trip, visit our Visitor Center page.