Waimanalo Pop-Up Market Supports Hawaiian Businesses

Monthly Puuhonua Makeke event features local products, workshops, and cultural connection.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The next Puuhonua Makeke, a monthly pop-up marketplace in Waimanalo, Oahu, takes place on February 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free event invites the public to support Native Hawaiian creators, businesses, and traditions, featuring products like sea moss gels, 'Ōlelo Hawai'i learning decks, custom bikinis, and more. The market also includes free bread and eggs, lei and lei poo workshops, $1 raffles, and 'Ōlelo Hawai'i workshops.

Why it matters

The Puuhonua Makeke provides a platform for Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs, artisans, and cultural practitioners to showcase their products and share their traditions with the community. It aims to promote the malama 'āina (care for the land) philosophy, Hawaiian language and culture, sustainability, and the nurturing of animals.

The details

The Puuhonua Makeke is organized by Lehuanani Kanahele-Santos, a 24-year-old wahine (woman) and mahiai (farmer) from Puuhonua o Waimanalo. She started the market humbly by selling fresh eggs and plants from her backyard and has since expanded to include a variety of local products and cultural experiences. The market features sea moss gels, 'Ōlelo Hawai'i learning decks, custom bikinis, 'Ōlelo puzzles, Konane boards, free bread and eggs, lei and lei poo workshops, $1 raffles, and 'Ōlelo Hawai'i workshops.

  • The next Puuhonua Makeke takes place on February 21, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The players

Lehuanani Kanahele-Santos

The 24-year-old creator of the Puuhonua Makeke and owner of Kanahele Roots and Pohinahina Kinis, a wahine (woman) and mahiai (farmer) from Puuhonua o Waimanalo.

Puuhonua Makeke

A monthly pop-up marketplace in Waimanalo, Oahu that supports Native Hawaiian creators, businesses, and traditions.

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What they’re saying

“This journey began humbly by selling fresh eggs and plants from my backyard. Along the way, I have raised dozens of egg-laying chickens, bunnies, goats, horses and doggies. My goal is to inspire others to learn 'Ōlelo Hawai'i, reconnect with their culture, and bring communities together through makeke, workshops, and intentional gatherings.”

— Lehuanani Kanahele-Santos, Creator of Puuhonua Makeke (HawaiiNewsNow)

What’s next

The next Puuhonua Makeke event is scheduled for March 21, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the same location in Waimanalo.

The takeaway

The Puuhonua Makeke provides a valuable platform for Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs, artisans, and cultural practitioners to showcase their products and share their traditions with the community. By supporting this monthly event, visitors can connect with local businesses, learn about Hawaiian culture, and contribute to the preservation of traditional practices.