Guests enjoyed an unforgettable evening of diverse culinary creations, refreshing beverages and locally made goods at the 5th annual UH Alumni Makers’ Market. Held on July 29, 2026, at the historic Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikīkī, the signature event showcased the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the UH ʻohana.

Dozens of alumni-owned and led small businesses shared their products with an enthusiastic crowd. About 500 attendees at the sold-out event enjoyed unlimited access to food and drink stations, as well as opportunities to shop for unique merchandise.

Gov. Josh Green, whose wife Jaime is an alumna of the UH William S. Richardson School of Law, said it was fun to see UH graduates doing exceptionally well as entrepreneurs.

“Supporting UH is supporting our whole state,” Green said. “The economic driver of our state is often UH itself. It also produces incredible people going forward.”

Among the featured vendors was KCCAKESS, founded by Hawaiʻi Community College Culinary Program alumna Raelee Takayesu. Her brand specializes in highly personal, eye-catching custom cakes and offering hands-on cake classes.

“Hawaiʻi Community College has definitely helped me a lot with pricing and inventory,” said Takayesu. “I learned a lot of background things other than culinary. We learned things such as how to make larger batches and how to be more prepared so it’s more efficient.”

Adding to the evening’s ambiance was Take One Music, a band featuring UH Mānoa alumni Kamahaʻo Yamashiro and KC Bell, alongside current student Kilinahe Wong. The group filled the venue with feel-good, nostalgic island music, with their own unique twist.

“What I liked about UH is the camaraderie—we’re all local boys born and raised here,” said Yamashiro, who graduated with a business degree in May. “We’re just riding this wave that we’re on, and I hope it never ends.”

Presented by the UH Office of Alumni Relations in partnership with the UH Alumni Association, the event celebrates the innovation and economic impact of UH alumni. A portion of the proceeds will go toward benefiting student needs across the 10-campus UH system.