ʻŌpio Makeke

ʻŌpio Makeke is a free, public youth pop-up market that supports Native Hawaiian youth entrepreneurs ages 13–26 by providing an affordable, real-world marketplace experience. Modeled after adult community markets, ʻŌpio Makeke is intentionally scaled to meet the financial realities of youth, removing common barriers such as high booth fees that prevent young people from selling their goods and developing entrepreneurship skills.

The event centers youth vendors as the primary participants while incorporating kupuna-led entertainment and cultural presentations throughout the market. Kupuna musicians, storytellers, and cultural practitioners provide live Hawaiian music and cultural activities that ground the event in ʻike Hawaiʻi and create a welcoming, culturally rich environment for youth vendors and visiting families.