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 Puna and Ola Tripp in 2015 and rebranded in 2023, Hā Tonics is a Hawaiian superfood company based on Hawai‘i Island. The company focuses on creating micronized food powders made from locally sourced Hawaiian superfoods that deliver nutrients efficiently and are cost-effective to ship worldwide.
With a passion for health and wellness, the husband-and-wife team has rooted their business in Hawaiian values and culture, leaning on ʻike kūpuna to formulate their unique flavors from endemic plants of Hawaiʻi.
“In ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, the word for plant and medicine are the same because our ancestors knew that your food was your medicine,” Puna said.
By tapping into the nutritional benefits of noni, ʻolena, ʻawa and more, the mission of Hā Tonics is to heal the lāhui by reviving ancestral practices in these healthful products that contribute to a sustainable system in Hawaiʻi. By doing this work, they are redefining what it means to be an ‘ōiwi entrepreneur, running a business that can provide sustainable living wages for employees as well as profitable returns for farmers.
“The ʻōiwi perspective of business is not to compete but to create,” Ola said. “To help the lāhui, we create products that are not just going to be the best for the health of our bodies, but also the best for the health of our communities and our economy.”
By increasing demand for locally grown plants with high consumer value, the company supports Hawai‘i’s agricultural sector and promotes a regenerative food system that ties the health of the ʻāina to the well-being of people. Their unique focus on flavor sets Hā Tonics apart, making their health products not only nutritious but also enjoyable to drink.
“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 it and search for it,” Puna said.
If they win, the match-up award would allow Hā Tonics to invest in pharmaceutical-grade machinery, further increasing production capacity. These funds will also support the company’s efforts to expand its product line and reach new markets, creating more opportunities for local farmers while continuing the legacy of Hawai‘i’s natural health foods.
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