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ALOHA and Happy Holidays!
 

Special Events Hawaiʻi is pleased to announce our 10th year producing the MELE KALIKIMAKA MARKETPLACE.  This year enjoy the holiday season by visiting the event on December 13 & 14, 2025 at  the Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.

The Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace is Honolulu’s Premier Gift and Craft Fair, a one-stop local holiday shop catering to visitors and residents who are looking for made in Hawaiʻi products, holiday gifts and crafts. 

The 2-day event is anticipated to be Hawaii’s premier local holiday shopping emporium, showcasing local food products, made in Hawaiʻi products, gifts, books, apparel, jewelry, crafts, and other consumer goods.  In years past, we plan to feature local gourmet gifts, prepackaged gift baskets, holiday pop up shops, year-end inventory specials from manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and more.  Enjoy festive holiday spirit while they shop from nearly 300 booth. 

Amy Hammond of Special Events Hawaiʻi has been a leading force in Hawaiʻi’s event industry for over 32 years. As one of the state’s premier producers of large-scale community events, Special Events Hawaiʻi is recognized for its outstanding execution and deep community impact. The organization has produced and coordinated some of Hawaiʻi’s most beloved and well-attended events, including: Made in Hawaiʻi Festival (1994–2020), Virtual Made in Hawaiʻi Festival and On-Line Marketplace (2020) as well as coordinated events such as the 2023–2025 Hawaiʻi ʻUkulele Festival, Hawaiʻi Book and Music Festival (2009–2024), Best of Honolulu Festival, Hawaiʻi Chocolate Festival (2011–2018), City and County of Honolulu Mango Jam, “I Love Kailua” Town Party (2001–2025), ESPN Hawaiʻi Sports Festival (2019), Kauaʻi Chocolate & Coffee Festival (2018–2025), Kauaʻi ʻUkulele Festival ( 2023 - 2025), ʻUkulele Festival Hawaiʻi (2017–2019), Goodwill Goes Glam Gala (2019–2025), Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace (2017–2025), Hawaiʻi Restaurant Association Food Service Expo (2025) and more. 

Through these signature events and many others, Amy Hammond and Special Events Hawaiʻi continue to elevate the local events landscape, celebrating Hawaiʻi’s culture, community, and creativity.

This year our previous co-producer, Pacific Expos, will not be joining us but will be there is spirit so please direct all inquiries to Special Events Hawaiʻi.
 

If you wish to participate as a vendor, please contact us, we’d love to hear from you!
 

Mahalo,

Amy Hammond
Special Events Hawaii
808.223.6040

specialeventshawaii@gmail.com

 

How the Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace Strengthens Hawai‘i’s Small Business Economy

As Hawai‘i continues to rebuild, diversify, and fortify its small business ecosystem, few events demonstrate the power of local commerce quite like the Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace. Returning to the Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall on December 13–14, 2025, this year marks a significant milestone—the 10th anniversary of what has become Honolulu’s premier holiday shopping tradition. 

2025 Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace

What began in 2014 as a collaborative idea between Special Events Hawaiʻi and Pacific Expos has evolved into a powerful economic engine, a business incubator, and a statewide entrepreneurial showcase. Now produced exclusively by Special Events Hawai‘i, the Marketplace brings together nearly 300 curated vendors and attracts thousands of shoppers eager to “Shop Local. Share Aloha. Celebrate the Season!” The event has matured into a cornerstone of the holiday retail calendar, supporting small business growth not just on O‘ahu but across every major island.

The Marketplace’s impact on Hawai‘i’s economy, the opportunities it has created for small businesses and artisans, how it supports neighbor island entrepreneurs, and why its 10th anniversary represents far more than a numerical milestone—it signals the rise of a uniquely Hawaiian model for community-driven economic resilience.

A 10-Year Milestone: Growing a Local Economic Tradition

For any large-scale event in Hawai‘i to thrive for a decade, it must do more than attract attendance; it must weave itself into the community. The Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace has succeeded because it delivers a holiday shopping experience that aligns with Hawai‘i’s values—supporting local businesses, celebrating creativity, and strengthening economic self-sufficiency.

Its 10-year history has been shaped by consistency, professional production, and the leadership of Special Events Hawai‘i—a team with more than 32 years of expertise in managing some of the state’s largest consumer events, including the Made in Hawai‘i Festival (1994-2020, Virtual Made in Hawaiʻi Festival and On-Line Marketplace (2020), Hawai‘i Book & Music Festival (2018–2025), “I Love Kailua” Town Party (2001–2025) and Goodwill Goes Glam Gala (2019–2025). 

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This milestone year reflects:

1. A decade of uninterrupted support for local makers

The Marketplace was born from a desire to create a high-quality holiday venue that celebrates Hawai‘i-made, Hawai‘i-designed, and Hawai‘i-inspired products. Ten years later, its curated vendor list includes a blend of established brands, micro-businesses, nonprofits, and first-time entrepreneurs. 

2. A sustained platform during economic fluctuations

Through recessions, inflationary periods, COVID and changing visitor patterns, the event has provided stability for small businesses that rely on Q4 sales to remain viable year-round.

3. A proven high-return marketplace for vendors

Many vendors report that the Marketplace ranks among their highest-grossing weekends of the holiday season, often exceeding Black Friday and online sales.

4. A holiday tradition for local families

Event familiarity drives traffic. For many households, Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace has become a yearly ritual: take holiday photos, enjoy festive décor, and complete gift shopping in one place.  This longevity has created a ripple effect of economic benefits that extend well beyond the event weekend.

Economic Impact: A Multi-Million-Dollar Boost for Local Commerce

Although results vary by year, large-scale consumer marketplaces in Hawai‘i typically generate revenue through several channels: vendor sales, supply-chain spending, marketing activations, operational contracts, food purchases, and residual holiday spending. With nearly 300 booths, thousands of holiday shoppers, and extensive community promotion, the Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace acts as an economic multiplier.

1. Direct revenue to nearly 300 small businesses

Each vendor—whether selling apparel, jewelry, food products, books, art, or handcrafted items—benefits from concentrated foot traffic and high-intent holiday shoppers that come prepared to spend. Many businesses report using Marketplace sales to:

• Fund Q1 inventory
• Pay year-end operating costs
• Expand product lines
• Grow digital sales channels
• Reinforce local manufacturing and sourcing
• Introduce and test market new products

With thousands of transactions occurring across two days, the event helps keep dollars circulating within Hawai‘i’s economy instead of off-island when shoppers purchase at national retailers.

2. Vendor demand drives upstream support sectors

Event participation requires:

• Graphic designers
• Printers
• Manufacturers
• Food producers and packagers
• Equipment rental companies
• Signage and marketing firms
• Logistic and transportation services
• Farmers, artisans, and suppliers

This means hundreds of additional local workers indirectly benefit from the vendor activity generated by the Marketplace.

3. Job creation and seasonal employment

Large-scale events require staffing for:

• Security and parking
• Set-up and tear-down
• Cleaning and maintenance
• Ticketing
• Stage and technical support
• Vendor services

This seasonal demand provides part-time and temporary jobs, many of which are filled by students and gig workers.

4. Economic revitalization for surrounding areas

Events at Blaisdell reliably drive business to adjacent retail and dining establishments, as shoppers often spend beyond the venue. Ala Moana, Ward Village, restaurants, cafés, and boutique stores all see benefit from the concentrated influx of visitors.

5. Brand amplification that accelerates year-round sales

For emerging entrepreneurs, participating in a major marketplace increases brand visibility, often resulting in:

• Wholesale opportunities
• Business to business  opportunities
• New retail partnerships
• Corporate gifting contracts
• Social media growth
• Repeat online customers

The value extends well beyond the weekend; for many vendors, the Marketplace becomes a jumpstart for multi-channel sales and long-term business expansion.

Supporting Neighbor Island Vendors: Leveling the Playing Field

One of the defining strengths of the Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace is its accessibility to neighbor island small businesses, many of whom struggle for exposure in Honolulu’s larger consumer market.

Hawai‘i Island, Maui, Kaua‘i, and Moloka‘i makers benefit from:

Traveling audience reach

Honolulu remains the state’s most concentrated retail market. For vendors from outer islands—especially those based in rural communities—accessing O‘ahu’s high-volume foot traffic can be transformative.

Sales volume that offsets shipping and travel costs

Although interisland travel and booth logistics can be expensive, the Marketplace’s strong consumer turnout makes the opportunity financially viable for many.

New wholesale relationships

O‘ahu retailers frequently scout the event for new products. Neighbor island vendors often secure:

• Store placements
• Gift shop partnerships
• Resort or visitor center accounts
• Long-term wholesale contracts

Statewide brand awareness

The Marketplace’s media exposure, social media promotion, and in-person attendance give outer-island businesses visibility they might not otherwise attain, especially those without storefronts or mainland distribution.

Community connection

For many neighbor island artisans, the event creates new business relationships—not only with customers but with other small business owners. Collaborations, joint pop-ups, shared shipping arrangements, and mentor relationships often begin on the Marketplace floor.

A Business Incubator in Disguise: Launching and Growing Local Brands

While the Marketplace is best known as a festive holiday fair, its behind-the-scenes impact places it squarely in the category of business incubator—especially for first-time or early-stage entrepreneurs.

1. Low-barrier entry to test products

Unlike long-term storefront leases or large retail partnerships, a weekend marketplace allows new businesses to:

• Test product-market fit
• Refine pricing
• Observe customer behavior
• Gather feedback
• Validate packaging
• Build brand identity

This real-time insight can shape future production and marketing decisions.

2. Mentorship informally built into the event

Veteran vendors often share:

• Set-up tips
• Holiday sales strategies
• Wholesale opportunities
• Sourcing advice
• Staffing and scheduling insights

For new businesses, these interactions can be as valuable as the sales themselves.

3. Exposure to diverse customer demographics

The Marketplace attracts:

• Young families
• Kūpuna
• Military residents
• Neighbor island visitors
• Local professionals
• Gift buyers seeking Made in Hawai‘i goods

This range allows businesses to identify new customer segments and refine their product mix.

4. Launching pad for Hawai‘i-made consumer brands

Over the past decade, numerous companies that debuted at the Marketplace have gone on to become:

• Established retail brands
• Online subscription businesses
• Wholesale distributors
• Export-ready product lines
• Festival and market regulars across the state

This incubator effect demonstrates the event’s long-term value for Hawai‘i’s small-business landscape.

Cultural and Community Impact: Strengthening Hawai‘i’s Identity Through Commerce

Commerce and culture intersect uniquely in Hawai‘i. The Marketplace helps preserve and celebrate Hawai‘i’s identity by uplifting local stories, local craftsmanship, and cultural pride.

1. Encouraging authentic, culturally grounded products

Vendors frequently incorporate Hawaiian language, local materials, and island-inspired designs. Supporting these entrepreneurs helps sustain traditional practices and modern interpretations of Hawai‘i’s heritage.

2. Reinforcing the importance of “shopping local”

During the holiday season—typically dominated by global online retailers and national brick and mortar mall businesses—the Marketplace reminds consumers of the economic and cultural value of supporting Hawaiʻi businesses.

3. Creating a space for families to connect

Festive décor, holiday spirit, and a joyful shopping atmosphere make the event a community gathering as much as a retail marketplace.

4. Advancing Hawai‘i’s broader economic resilience

By supporting homegrown businesses, the Marketplace contributes to:

• Reducing economic leakage
• Supporting local manufacturing
• Strengthening food security (for value-added food vendors)
• Encouraging entrepreneurship
• Circulating dollars within the state

These elements align with Hawai‘i’s long-term goals of economic diversification beyond tourism.

The Road Ahead: What the Next 10 Years Could Mean for Hawai‘i

As the Marketplace enters its second decade, its role in Hawai‘i’s business ecosystem is poised to grow even deeper.

Potential future impacts include:

1. Expansion of digital and hybrid shopping experiences

Vendor highlights, online gift guides, livestream shopping demonstrations, and preorder pickup models are in the plans broaden the Marketplace’s reach and year-round relevance.

2. Increased integration with statewide economic development programs

We are working to develop partnerships with Sponsors, DBEDT, county offices, or Hawai‘i-based accelerators could help foster new entrepreneur pipelines.

3. Greater support for emerging sectors

This includes sustainable products, Hawai‘i-grown agriculture, circular economy brands, cultural practitioners, and locally designed tech-enabled products.

4. Larger presence for neighbor island and rural makers

We are working to develop partnerships to support travel and make it more accessible, even more outer-island vendors could participate, reinforcing the Marketplace’s role in statewide economic connectivity.

5. Growth of the event as a major holiday tourism driver

We are striving to make the Marketplace  a “must-do holiday experience” for winter-season visitors looking to purchase Made in Hawai‘i gifts.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Commerce, Culture, and Community

The 2025 Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace is far more than a holiday shopping event. It is a statewide celebration of entrepreneurship, a business incubator, a connector of industries, and a vital contributor to Hawai‘i’s small business economy all wrapped up into one even.  In fact, this year there is even a gift-wrapping station to round out the shopping experience.

Its 10th anniversary symbolizes a decade of dedication to local commerce—and a vision for the future in which Hawai‘i’s economy grows stronger not by looking outward, but by investing in the creativity, resilience, and innovation of its people.

With nearly 300 vendors, thousands of shoppers, and a proven track record of economic and cultural value, the Marketplace stands as a shining example of what Hawai‘i can achieve when community and commerce unite.

And as Special Events Hawai‘i continues to nurture and elevate this signature marketplace, its impact will continue to ripple throughout the islands—supporting local entrepreneurs, strengthening family traditions, and reinforcing the powerful message that Hawai‘i thrives when Hawai‘i shops local, shares aloha and celebrates the season!

WISHING EVERYONE A MELE KALIKIMAKA AND HAUʻOLI MAKAHIKI HOU!

"Mele Kalikimaka" means "Merry Christmas," and "Hau'oli Makahiki Hou" means "Happy New Year" in Hawaiian.