The ʻŌpio Mākeke 96720 inspires our youth to discover their inner entrepreneur. This one-day marketplace gives young leaders the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses, offering a platform to develop their skills and creativity while connecting with the community. Through this mākeke, we empower the next generation of entrepreneurs in Hilo, fostering leadership and innovation right here in our moku.

Application must be submitted online. Please submit one application for each business. Children working as a group should submit one application that includes each child’s information. No more than 3 participants per business.

The application asks kids to think through some simple, but important elements of their business:

What product or service do you plan to sell?
What price will you charge for each product/service? How much will each product/service cost you?
How will you pay for your startup costs? If someone is helping you with your startup costs, how will you pay that person back?
How will you advertise/market your business before the fair?
At the end of the fair, how will you determine if your business was a success?

Two cupcake businesses? Not a problem. In general, we will let market forces play out, though we will let later entries know if another applicant has a similar idea so the later entrant can decide what to do.

The mākeke will take place in Hiloʻs Aloha Nui Collective Gallery with additional outdoor booths available (if needed). Each business will be provided with a 6-foot table ONLY, no chairs. Please note, tablecloths will NOT be provided.

We have a limited number of spots available for businesses that require access to electricity.

This event is designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service. Parents of younger children may sit in the booth, but the children should be responsible for set up, customer interaction, and sales.

Parents may help their child fill out the application, but we expect the children to do as much as possible by themselves.

This is more than just a craft fair—it’s a platform to empower ʻŌpio to share their entrepreneurial spirit, cultural pride, and sustainability innovation with a broader audience. Join us in celebrating youth leadership and business excellence during this world-renowned festival!
Awards:

Following the event, an awards ceremony will take place. All booths are automatically entered into the business competition, judged by nearby business owners.

$50 per category and age group (13 and under, 14-18), to be split among business owners, awarded at the fair's conclusion. Businesses will be evaluated on:

Best Sustainable Innovation
Highest Business Potential
Best Presentation/Creativity