Empowering Hawai'i's Youth Entrepreneurs
What is 'Ōpio Mākeke?
ʻŌpio Mākeke is a youth pop-up market where keiki and ʻōpio take the lead as business owners—selling products they've created and sharing ideas they believe in. Our markets are hosted throughout the year to give young entrepreneurs real-world opportunities to experience the power of business. With support from local community partners, ʻŌpio Mākeke creates spaces where youth can build confidence, practice communication skills, and earn income for themselves and their ʻohana. We believe that when young people are given the chance to take ownership of their ideas, they rise—and so does our lāhui.
Next Stop: Keiki Hula Festival 2025
Our next ʻŌpio Mākeke pop-up will take place at the Keiki Hula Festival 2025—an exciting opportunity for youth entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses to a live audience! Keiki and ʻōpio will present their products, pitch their ideas, and connect with potential customers, mentors, and community supporters. This high-energy event offers real-time feedback, valuable exposure, and a space to celebrate their creativity and hard work. It’s more than just a market—it’s a launchpad for Hawaiʻi’s next generation of business leaders.
Meet the Organizers Behind ʻŌpio Mākeke
Powered by Keiki Rise
ʻŌpio Mākeke is proudly organized by Keiki Rise, a youth-led movement founded by Coen Cadhina to uplift the next generation of entrepreneurs in Hawaiʻi. The team is made up of passionate and experienced ʻōpio—graduates of a 6-month Youth Business Entrepreneur Incubator Program—created by youth, for youth.
Coen Cadinha - CEO
Howzit, my name is Coen, and I’m a 17-year-old Native Hawaiian entrepreneur. I’m the owner of Big Boy Sweets and the founder and CEO of Keiki Rise. My entrepreneurial journey began when I was 12 years old, selling candy and snacks at school. Over time, I expanded into local pop-up markets and had the opportunity to join the Mana-Up program, which helped me scale my business.
In 2023, I was honored to receive the Hawai'i Student Entrepreneur of the Year award, which inspired me to create Keiki Rise. This organization is dedicated to supporting youth entrepreneurs like myself and helping them thrive!
Leah Mahealani Dakroub
Aloha! My name is Leah, and I'm a 17-year-old Native Hawaiian artist and the proud owner of my business, Mahea Leah. My entrepreneurial journey began at the age of eight, when I wrote and self-published my first book, The Feeling Flower, at just ten years old.
At 14, I expanded my creative horizons into graphic arts, where I began designing Hawaiian food enamel pins and stickers.
Every step of my journey has been driven by my love for my culture and art. I participated in the Keiki Rise cohort in 2024 and won Mayor's Choice; Keiki Entrepreneur Of The Year Award. So I’m very excited to be working with Keiki Rise now and 'Ōpio Mākeke as their program manager so I can inspire more keiki entrepreneurs like me!