Haumāna learn about the risks and rewards of running a business during Our Kakaʻako huakaʻi

April 14, 2025

Deal or no deal? That's the question 144 6th graders from Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha Kapālama were challenged to answer during a huakaʻi to SALT at Our Kakaʻako, part of ʻĀina Pauahi’s portfolio.

Kiani Wong, owner of Kiʻikau Printers, led the class through a simulation on the rewards of starting a business with a game of “Deal or No Deal.” Four students, with the help of their hoa papa, had to decide if they should take a chance and trade in a dollar for a higher amount or risk losing everything.

It’s a lesson that was all too familiar to three local business owners.

Wong, along with Ashleigh Corallo of Mana + Pua and Kamuela Potter of Inspired Closets Hawaiʻi were among the business owners who shared their ʻike about starting and running a business. Corallo discussed how her role changes day-to-day – from being a cook one minute to meet the demands of hungry customers, to being a mechanic when appliances malfunction, all while managing her operational duties as the owner.

6th graders eagerly asked each speaker what inspired the creation of their company and about the obstacles they faced. The three business owners emphasized leveraging strengths and passions, and being flexible in challenging situations.

Following the talk, haumāna explored SALT at Our Kakaʻako and met with merchants and restaurants to observe how different businesses branded and presented their products.

The huakaʻi is just a small part of the task given to the class. Haumāna will launch their own start-ups in May, where they must develop their own concept and create products that will be presented and sold at the Papa ʻEono Mei Mākeke.

Monies raised from the mākeke will be donated to five deserving non-profits that were selected by the 6th grade class.