Keani Hawai‘i represents Maui in Mana Up’s 10th cohort of business accelerator
Keani Hawai‘i, a locally owned ocean-inspired fine jewelry brand founded by Keani Barnes, will represent the Valley Isle in the 10th cohort of Mana Up, a statewide accelerator program supporting the growth of Hawai‘i-based product companies. The announcement was made Friday.
Keani Hawai‘i joins nine other companies from across the Islands selected from a record-breaking 200 applicants. The new cohort features five businesses from Oʻahu, two from Kaua‘i, two from Hawaiʻi Island and one from Maui. Since its inception, Mana Up has supported 105 businesses that have collectively generated more than $105 million in revenue in 2024 alone and created over 1,035 jobs statewide.
Barnes began designing jewelry 14 years ago. She now has six signature collections and is developing a clothing line. Since launching Keani Hawai‘i, a semi-luxury women’s fashion brand, Barnes has opened three boutiques on Maui as well as an online store. The company’s headquarters is located in Kulamalu.
“I’m really excited to be a part of Mana Up and collaborating with other amazing business mentors and business owners to help take myself to the next level and learn how far Keani Hawai‘i can grow,” said Barnes, founder and CEO.
The companies accepted into cohort 10 are:
- Aloha Spice Company (Hanapēpē, Kaua‘i) – Handcrafted spice blends and rubs reflecting Hawai‘i’s diverse culinary heritage, using ingredients from the founder’s family farm.
- Arlie Glass (North Shore, O‘ahu) – Handcrafted glass jewelry and décor, including her signature glass lei inspired by Hawaiian flora.
- Daguzan Charcuterie (Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu) – French-style charcuterie using locally sourced meats, blending Gascon tradition with island ingredients.
- The Keiki Dept (‘Aiea, O‘ahu) – Children’s clothing celebrating Hawaiian language and island culture through playful, thoughtful designs.
- Kaua‘i Gourmet Nuts (Kapa‘a, Kaua‘i) – Kettle-roasted macadamias, almonds, and pecans
- in fun local flavors, using Hawai‘i-grown ingredients.
- Keani Hawai‘i (Maui) – Ocean-inspired fine jewelry rooted in founder Keani Barnes’ island
- upbringing and love for Hawai‘i.
- Maoi Swimwear (O‘ahu) – Sustainable swimwear brand co-owned by Cayla Moore and
- Julia Muniz Robinson, fusing Polynesian culture with modern design.
- Oribe Tea Company (Hilo, Hawai‘i Island) – Cold brew and loose-leaf teas made with
- locally grown ingredients like mamaki, inspired by Hawai‘i’s natural beauty.
- Paper Crane Soaps (Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i Island) – All-natural bath and body products
- handcrafted with local ingredients by esthetician Amanda Richards.
- Sugar Caddy (O‘ahu) – Bold, Dri-Fit golf apparel for men, women, and keiki, featuring
- collaborations with local artists and a fresh take on island style.
“The ten companies joining Cohort 10 are already achieving incredible success on their own, and we’re excited to help accelerate their growth and showcase their products—and the stories behind them—on a global stage,” said Meli James, Mana Up co-founder.
The six-month accelerator will provide selected businesses with mentorship in e-commerce, global market expansion, storytelling and brand development.
The Mana Up Showcase 2025
The program culminates with the Mana Up Showcase Broadcast and Global Livestream on Oct. 26, where viewers can meet the founders, hear their stories and shop featured products in real time via House of Mana Up.
This is followed by the in-person Showcase Marketplace on Nov. 6, supported by longtime partners such as Bank of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiian Airlines, ALTRES and more—highlighting products from alumni in a one-of-a-kind retail experience.
To learn more about the companies in Cohort 10 or about the Mana Up program, visit manauphawaii.com. To shop and explore products from the company’s entrepreneurs, visit HouseofManaUp.com.
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