The Maui News

WAILUKU–Four Maui female entrepreneurs will be representing the Valley Isle as part of Kūkolu’s Indigenous Women’s Incubator (IWI) program.

The Maui-based participants include Halli Marie Ancheta of Hapa Hour Maui, a mobile bar service offering handcrafted cocktails and experiences that celebrate local flavors; Pomaika’i Marmolejos of Here in the Sun Swimwear, a designer swimwear business that empowers women to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin; Miki’ala Pua’a-Freitas of Kapuna Farms, which grows kalo, fruits, vegetables, and native plants, raises free-range hens, and manages an apiary in Waihe’e; Roselani Aiwohi of Waiwaolani, a fashion company that incorporates native plants into clothing pieces, blending traditional Hawaiian practices with modern design.

“We are deeply honored to embark on our fourth cohort of the Kūkolu Indigenous Women’s Incubator, but this year carries special meaning as we launch a dedicated Maui Cohort,” Kanakolu Noa, executive director and founder of Kūkolu, said. “In light of the immense hardships Maui has faced, it is important to support the resilience and recovery process. These entrepreneurs represent the heart and spirit of Maui, and we are committed to providing them with the resources, mentorship, and community to thrive.”

The Maui Cohort and Cohort 4 IWI programs are part of Kūkolu’s commitment to uplifting indigenous wāhine and creating waiwai, abundance and prosperity, for their families and communities. Both cohorts represent diverse industries and reflect the strength, creativity, and leadership of Native Hawaiian women entrepreneurs.

The application process for these cohorts spanned three months and attracted hundreds of applicants. Following a thorough interview and evaluation process, 10 exceptional wāhine were selected to join the program.

Kūkolu’s mission is to empower communities by drawing upon their strengths to cultivate economic growth. The IWI program is a six-month accelerator program that provides indigenous women entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and support they need to grow sustainable businesses, fostering economic empowerment and community resilience.

For more information on Kūkolu and its programs visit kukolu.org.