Meet the Mahiʻai: From local makers to market leaders with Hawaiian Kine Trading

Oct. 16, 2024

Kamehameha Schools’ Mahiʻai Match-Up supports food systems-focused entrepreneurs with capital, mentorship and skills to build sustainable businesses, fostering economic resilience and cultivating them as ʻōiwi leaders whose work improves the well-being of our lāhui. In this series, we spotlight the innovative contestants of the competition, showcasing their journeys and contributions to Hawaiʻi’s sustainable food future.

Founded by Sean and Dallas Kau‘i Stewart KSK’04 in 2018, Hawaiian Kine Trading Company is a Honolulu-based business providing rentable, permit-ready commercial kitchens designed to help small-scale producers scale their products efficiently. The company bridges a key gap in Hawai‘i’s food system supply chain by supporting value-added producers and connecting them to major retail chains.

Hawaiian Kine Trading began as a hui of local makers and has since evolved into a boutique distribution service that ensures Hawai‘i-based brands reach retail shelves at stores like Foodland, Safeway and Don Quijote. The company partners with small-batch manufacturers, helping them navigate the entire product lifecycle — from concept to customer — so they can scale their operations and succeed in the competitive retail market.

As they bring Hawaiʻi snacks to the islands and beyond, at the core of Hawaiian Kine Trading is the strong connections they’ve built through this business.

“We're working with makers like ourselves,” Dallas said. “We’re blessed to be growing together and helping each other to succeed.”

While being ‘ōiwi entrepreneurs has come with many challenges, one triumph the duo highlights is being able to support their family and create generational wealth for their children.

“If all of us Hawaiians can get together and create businesses that help each other succeed, having that financial independence gives us the power to do what we want,” Sean said.

The match-up funds, if they win, would help Hawaiian Kine Trading expand its kitchen facilities, improve processing and manufacturing capabilities and streamline operations. These funds will also support further growth in distribution, helping more local producers bring their products to market.

Through its commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and its focus on fostering a collaborative food system, Hawaiian Kine Trading is helping to build a stronger, more resilient local economy.