Mahiʻai Match-Up is an agricultural business plan contest dedicated to increasing food production for the local market to create a sustainable Hawaiʻi. The contest is for farmers and other agricultural producers including ranching, fishery, nursery proprietors, and educational collaborators interested in growing food for Hawaiʻi.

Winning projects for this year will receive a prize pool valued at over $25,000, which consists of business development services from The Kohala Center valued at $5,000, waived rent valued at up to $10,000 and $10,000 in startup funding donated by Ulupono Initiative to help grow their business.

Key dates

• August 12, 2019: Registration opens
• September 30, 2019: Registration and business plan summary deadline
• October 14, 2019: First round semi-finalists notified
• December 1, 2019: Final Business Plan deadline
• January 13, 2020: Presentation to Judges
• January 20, 2020:  Finalists notified
• February 7, 2020: Mahi‘ai A ‘Ola Farm to Table Event - Winners announcement

Judging Criteria (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

Parcel information

• Up to 10 acres in South Hilo
• Specific parcel will be determined based on suitability of crop/plan

Pāhoehoe Ahupua‘a

Kalalau Ahupua‘a