HONOLULU (KHON2) — It’s all about shopping and supporting local at the Made in Hawaii Festival from Aug. 15 to Aug. 17.
Hundreds of vendors from across the islands are getting prepared for a weekend that is going to be super busy.
From Kauai all the way down to Hawaii Island and everything in between, many different vendors are coming and bringing forth their products, but not just for humans — for our furry friends, too
Miki and Nick Vericella from Pawniolo Pets, based out of the Big Island, were inspired to open their pet food brand after they wanted to ensure their pet could have delicious meals.
“We just wanted to feed our dog at the time, we didn’t have our own human children, as good as we were feeding ourselves,” Miki said. “So that is kind of why we started our business, and just a way to utilize our resources that we have here and not waste anything.”
As ranchers, the Vericellas saw the pet food business as a way to expand their ranch and skillset, while also helping their own.
“Well, we knew we wanted to diversify our ranch and not only help ourselves but help our community of ranchers,” Nick said. “We all are going through the same struggles. This is a way to give some financial input into their pocket as well as utilize our resource that has been grown on our islands and its so nutrition’s and great for us and great for our pets.”
Making and selling to a local market is important for the Vericellas, as it is a part of ensuring a strong local community.
“I mean, the more we can all, as a people of Hawaii, buy local, the better we are all going to be health-wise,” Nick said. “Not only our own health but you are going to support our entire local economy and we are going to become food sovereign again. That is what it is all about.”
Now in their third year selling at Made in Hawaii, the Vericellas are ecstatic to share their product with local audiences.
“This is our biggest event of the year and we get really excited,” Miki said. “Its really stressful but it is really exciting because we have an audience. They bring in so many local people who are so eager to shop and support local, so over the three years… we have seen a growth in our brand awareness and its been really exciting to be here.”
The importance of locally-made product is not lost among the duo, as a vast majority of their products are made in the islands.
“That is one thing we always strive to do, [make local]. The only thing on our table that is not from here is the package,” Nick said. “So that is very important to us.”
Pawniolo Pets is one of the hundreds of local brands showcased at the festival. They can be found at booths 2705 and 2706, or visit them online or purchase their products at local pet stores or Foodland.
The Made in Hawaii Festival will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 15, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 16 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 17. For more information, visit the festival’s website.