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Pop UpʻŌpio Mākeke, Hilo
Saturday, April 26, 2025
9:00AM - 1:00PM
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About the fair
Experience the Excitement at the 2025 ʻŌpio Mākeke at Merrie Monarch in Hilo!
Join us in celebrating the talents and creativity of Hilo’s youth at the ʻŌpio Mākeke! Come see what our young entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators are creating, showcasing their skills in business, cultural arts, sustainability, and more. This is your chance to support and be inspired by the next generation of leaders who are shaping the future of our community. Whether you’re interested in networking, discovering unique products and services, or sharing your own project, there’s a place for everyone at this special event. Don’t miss the opportunity to uplift and connect with Hilo’s rising stars!
Hosted by
Michelle Pieper
🗓️ Started hosting in 2025
✅ Identity verified
⭐️ 5.0 (1)
Jeremiah Magallones is a passionate 11th grader committed to sustainability and empowering his community. After participating in the Waiwai Collective ʻŌpio Mākeke, he was inspired to bring similar opportunities to Waiʻanae, focusing on creating safe, engaging activities for youth. Jeremiah uses his creativity to transform shredded cardboard into eco-friendly table runners and party décor. When he's not leading community projects, you can find him practicing Jiu-Jitsu or playing volleyball, always striving to make a positive impact through both his hobbies and his work. He has a love for Hawaiʻi Island and would like to offer this opportunity to the youth of Hilo.
14 booths participating
Whisker and Weave Designs
ʻĀina Aloha Favors & Decor
And 12 others.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Acton Children’s Business Fair?
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.
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.
How many businesses will you accept?
We will accept up to 20 businesses.
How do I apply? Can I apply as part of a group?
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.
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.
What is on the application?
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?
What if someone else has the same business idea?
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.
How will the fair be set up?
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.
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.
Will electricity be available?
We have a limited number of spots available for businesses that require access to electricity.
We have a limited number of spots available for businesses that require access to electricity.
What are the rules?
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.
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:
Awards:
Following the event, an awards ceremony will take place. All booths are automatically entered into the business competition, judged by nearby business owners.
Cash Prizes: $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
