Guided by Ke Ali‘i Bernice Pauahi Bishop’s vision, ‘Āina Pauahi invests in businesses and industries that create enduring value for Hawai‘i. Through mission-aligned investments, we help strengthen local economies, advance community well-being, and cultivate a thriving and self-determined lāhui for generations to come.
100% of our investments stay in Hawai‘i, stimulating local industries, uplifting local agricultural and ranching, and creating multigenerational value for the lāhui.
Invested through the Hawai‘i Food Systems Fund to support a more resilient and sustainable local food system in Hawai‘i.
Committed to investing in renewable energy, regenerative tourism, forestry and other mission-aligned industries through the ‘Āina Pauahi Fund.
Awarded to local entrepreneurs through Mahi‘ai Match-Up, a business competition supporting innovators.
Meet the entrepreneurs and business leaders who are strengthening Hawai‘i’s economy, supporting local communities and building resilient industries through ‘Āina Pauahi investments.
Industry: Food Systems
Investment Impact:
“These partnerships and investments have enabled Farm Link to make strategic internal investments that further our mission of driving positive systemic change in Hawai‘i’s local food system.”
Industry: Food Systems
Investment Impact:
“It’s really important that we find a way to support our small farmers. I really saw the need for a producer co-op to bring ‘ulu into the market in a much stronger way.”
Industry: Food Systems
Investment Impact:
“We’re trying to build a local product that has a global reputation while making sure that value stays here and circulates through the communities of Hawai‘i.”
Industry: Food Systems
Investment Impact:
“We have the opportunity to use business for good, to feed our ‘āina, feed our communities and create a regenerative business system through commerce.”
Industry: Food Systems
Investment Impact:
“We’re excited to be able to revitalize that ancient wisdom and bring back the foods that our people thrived off of in a way that people today will actually want and search for it.”
Our ‘Āina Pauahi Fund is a $25 million investment initiative dedicated to growing innovative, mission-aligned businesses. The fund supports companies that advance food systems, renewable energy and regenerative industries.
Through our Hawai‘i Food Systems Fund, 14 businesses across the pae ‘āina received funding to expand local food production and strengthen Hawai‘i’s food systems. The fund supports local entrepreneurs, food resilience and creates lasting economic and community value.
Mahi‘ai Match-Up is a competition that supports local entrepreneurs through capital investment, mentorship, and industry connections. Mahi‘ai Match-Up winners may receive up to $40,000, personalized mentorship, and access to industry experts to help scale their businesses.
Through our Poi for the Pēpē, Poi for the People and our school Cafeteria Procurement Program, we are helping to connect locally grown food into schools, homes and communities. Combined with investments in food safety systems and processing infrastructure, we support local farmers and expand access to locally grown produce.
We invest in businesses that:
For community grants, please visit kaiaulu.ksbe.edu.
We invest in businesses and initiatives that align with our mission and contribute to a thriving Hawai‘i. These include companies that support food systems, renewable energy, regenerative tourism and forestry industries. Priority may be given to opportunities that strengthen local industries, create community benefit, support stewardship of ‘āina, or advance long-term economic resilience.
We welcome inquiries from businesses at various stages of growth, from established operations seeking to expand to emerging ventures with a demonstrated business model and clear growth potential.
Kamehameha Schools has various investment opportunities available depending on the opportunity, business needs, industry, and potential impact. We evaluate each request individually and encourage prospective applicants to discuss their funding needs with our team.
Kamehameha Schools offers multiple types of investment structures (debt, equity, convertible notes, royalty agreements, etc.) that are tailored to the needs of the investment.
Review timelines vary depending on the complexity of the opportunity and the information provided. Applicants should expect multiple stages of review, including initial conversations, due diligence, and evaluation before an investment decision is made.
Nonprofit organizations are not eligible for this type of investment opportunity; but we do welcome nonprofits to explore grant programs offered by our KS Kaiāulu program.
Businesses seeking investments through Ke Kula ‘o Kamehameha should be based in Hawai‘i.
Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
