From backyard roots on Molokaʻi to building a community-owned brewery, Naehalani Breeland is redefining what it means to do business in Hawaiʻi. See how Ola Brew turned wasted fruit into $1.8M for local farmers and ownership for the lāhui.

Likkle Jordee didn’t grow up with voice lessons or a clear path. He grew up with backyard jams, hand-me-down ukuleles, and a feeling he couldn’t ignore. Read to see how Likkle found his voice.

Some founders start with funding. Tiana started with fear. Not the paralyzing kind. The kind that keeps you hustling, paying attention, and building smart. From waitressing shifts to running a tropical fashion brand, Tiana Gamble built Bikini Bird piece by piece while working full time, raising a family, and betting on herself.

Labeled “lazy.” Undiagnosed ADHD. No budget. No plan. Just one question: Why aren’t we as Native Hawaiians owning our own story? So, Keoni stopped waiting and built ʻŌiwi TV.

From Kalihi Valley to red carpets, from rejection after rejection to creating Hawaiʻi’s #1 primetime show, McKenna Maduli’s story is living proof that the nos aren’t dead ends—they’re detours to something better.

Some people wait for the perfect plan. Nainoa Langer picked up a GoPro instead. No roadmap, no guarantees—just a spark and a camera. That was enough to start something big.

He started with a sketchbook, shipping labels, and $12 an hour. Now his waves are on Adidas, Taco Bell, and the NFL. Find out how Aaron Kai turned stickers into a global art career—without waiting for permission.

People will tell you what’s realistic. They’ll size you up, dismiss your dreams, and tell you to aim lower. Lauren didn’t listen—and she made it to the Olympics. Maybe you don’t need to either.

Get ready to hit the green for a good cause. RiseHI’s biggest fundraiser of the year is back and better than ever!

No handouts. No blueprint. Just movement.

That’s how Keola Rapozo built one of the most iconic clothing brands in Hawaiʻi—from a kid hustling in Kahalu’u to co-founding FITTED, a streetwear staple woven into the identity of the islands.

How did this Kauai girl turn $4000 into a multi-million-dollar global brand? 5 real-talk lessons from Heather Aiu’s journey of bringing Aloha Collection to life.

Raised on Oʻahu and now living in Kona, Mahina Paishon’s journey as an entrepreneur, community leader, and cultural navigator is anchored by one guiding force: her why. It’s not a job title or a list of accomplishments—it’s her inner compass, pointing her back to purpose whenever the waters get rough.

Imagine starting with nothing but a tent at a farmers' market and a dream. Now, picture that dream turning into one of Hawaii’s most celebrated restaurants, featured on international food shows and earning prestigious accolades.

Kūhaʻo Zane, the lead graphic designer at Sig Zane Designs from Keaukaha, Hawai’i, didn’t just follow in his family’s footsteps, he forged his own path. But to do that, he had to leave home first.

Earning a James Beard Award made history. But for Robynne Mai‘i, the real achievement was everything it took to get there.

Some choices define our future, not because they are easy, but because they require immense courage. For Ikaika Antone, leaving behind the stability of a government job to pursue music was one of those choices. His story is one of resilience, self-belief, and the bravery to walk a path that wasn’t guaranteed.

Born into a legendary surfing family, Kelia Moniz seemed destined to follow a specific path. Her dad, Tony Moniz, was a professional surfer and one of Hawai‘i’s pioneers in big-wave riding. Surfing wasn’t just a sport in their household, but a way of life.

For Matthew Tapia, success was not something that was easily handed to him; it was something he had to chase, fight for, and prove he deserved.

RiseHI is proud to announce the launch of 'Oihana Career Explorations, an innovative program designed to open doors for our keiki by providing them with access to a diverse array of career paths and local role models.