List Of Major Startups Events In Hawaii

Hawaii's tech and business landscape is growing rapidly, with numerous startup events happening throughout the year. These gatherings provide valuable opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and showcase their innovations to potential investors and partners. Finding the right startup events in Hawaii can significantly boost a new business's chances of success through networking and resource access.

The islands offer a diverse range of business events from large conferences like Honolulu Tech Week to smaller, specialized workshops focused on specific industries or business stages. Hawaii's unique position as a bridge between Eastern and Western markets makes these events particularly valuable for startups looking to expand beyond local boundaries.

1) Startup Intro to VC: Guide for Honolulu Founders

The Startup Intro to VC event for Honolulu founders is scheduled to run from May 31, 2025, through May 23, 2026. This extended program gives local entrepreneurs multiple opportunities to attend and learn essential venture capital concepts.

HM Events organizes this recurring session specifically for Hawaii-based founders seeking funding. The event focuses on teaching startups how to approach venture capitalists and secure investments for business growth.

Hawaii has a growing startup ecosystem with several active venture capital firms in Honolulu ready to invest in promising local companies. These VC firms typically focus on technology startups with high growth potential.

Attendees learn practical skills like pitch development, investment readiness, and how to connect with potential investors. The program also covers what VCs look for in startups before investing.

The sessions take place in Honolulu, making them accessible to local entrepreneurs. Tickets are available through the Eventbrite platform, with various dates throughout the year.

2) Honolulu Tech Week

Honolulu Tech Week brings together Hawaii's tech community for a week of valuable events hosted across the city. The next edition will run from September 8-14, 2025 and features activities tailored for startups, investors, and tech professionals.

The event was created to boost Hawaii's growing tech talent and help businesses make meaningful connections. Attendees can participate in panels, workshops, and networking mixers that provide real business opportunities.

For startups looking to gain visibility, Honolulu Tech Week offers platforms to showcase innovations and connect with potential investors. The event attracts industry leaders, policymakers, and educators who can help new businesses grow.

All events during Honolulu Tech Week are free, making it accessible for startups with limited budgets. This makes it an ideal opportunity for new companies to engage with the tech ecosystem without financial barriers.

The week-long format allows businesses to attend multiple events that match their specific interests and goals. From cybersecurity to AI and cloud computing, the diverse programming covers relevant topics for modern startups.

3) Hawaii Technology Conference

The Hawaii Technology Conference is a key event for startups and tech businesses looking to connect with industry leaders. This annual gathering focuses on emerging technologies, business development, and innovation across the Hawaiian islands.

Attendees can expect valuable networking opportunities with investors and established companies. The conference typically features keynote speakers from major tech firms and successful local startups.

The event includes specialized tracks for different tech sectors including AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Many sessions are designed specifically for startups and entrepreneurship in the Hawaiian context.

Looking ahead, DigiMarCon Hawaii 2025 will focus on digital marketing and advertising technology. This conference provides specialized content for businesses seeking to improve their digital presence.

Workshop sessions offer hands-on training with new technologies and business tools. These practical sessions help businesses immediately apply what they learn.

For companies seeking investment, the conference includes pitch opportunities and investor matchmaking events. These structured meetings help startups connect with potential funding sources.

4) EMW (East Meets West) Startup Event

EMW is Hawaii's premiere startup conference that brings together entrepreneurs and investors from Asia, Hawaii, and North America. Since 2014, this event has become a vital bridge connecting startup ecosystems across the Pacific.

The next event is scheduled for 2025 on Oahu, Hawaii. EMW 2025 will offer international speakers, networking opportunities, and deep-dive learning sessions for businesses looking to expand their connections.

Startups benefit from EMW's unique position as a meeting point for Eastern and Western business cultures. This positioning helps new companies find investment opportunities that might not be available at other regional events.

The startup event of the year in Hawaii typically spans multiple days and includes pitch competitions, workshops, and panel discussions. Companies can showcase their products to a diverse audience of potential investors.

EMW attracts venture capitalists specifically interested in cross-Pacific business opportunities. Attendance gives startups access to funding sources from multiple continents in one location.

Registration typically includes options for full conference access or specific day passes. Early registration is recommended as this event has grown in popularity each year.

5) Hawaii Annual Code Challenge

The Hawaii Annual Code Challenge (HACC) is a competition where tech professionals and students create solutions for state challenges. This event encourages collaboration between government and the tech community to improve public services.

HACC 2024 is scheduled with several upcoming events, including a pre-event focused on Project Management Fundamentals on August 27 and another session on September 6.

Past challenges have included innovative projects like the Hawaii AI Concierge Bot, which was designed to provide visitors and residents with dynamic information about the islands through natural conversations.

The competition format typically includes teams working on real government problems. Winners receive recognition and sometimes funding opportunities to further develop their solutions.

For businesses and startups, HACC provides excellent networking opportunities with government agencies and potential clients. It's also a chance to showcase technical expertise while solving meaningful community problems.

The event typically attracts diverse participants, from high school students to established tech professionals, making it a valuable talent spotting opportunity for growing companies.

6) Women in Tech Hawaii Conference

The Women in Tech Hawaii Conference is a key event for tech businesses looking to connect with female talent in the state. This annual gathering brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals.

The conference focuses on creating pathways for women in technology fields throughout Hawaii. It's organized by Hawaii Women in Tech network, which connects over 40,000 members across 125 countries.

For startups, this event offers prime recruiting opportunities and chances to showcase products to a targeted audience. Many attendees are skilled professionals seeking new career options or business partnerships.

Sessions typically cover topics like funding for women-led ventures, technical skill development, and market expansion strategies. The 2025 program will highlight women entrepreneurs expanding beyond Hawaii, featuring discussions on regional networks and export opportunities.

The conference includes networking events, technical workshops, and pitch competitions. Startups can apply to present their business models to potential investors who specifically support women in tech.

Registration opens approximately four months before the event. Companies can secure exhibitor booths, speaking slots, or sponsor packages depending on their budget and goals.

7) Tech Hui Conference

Tech Hui Conference is a notable tech event in Hawaii that brings together local tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors. The conference focuses on technology ventures in the islands and provides a platform for networking and knowledge sharing.

Tech Hui serves as a forum for Hawaii's tech community, making it an ideal place for startups to connect with potential partners and mentors. Attendees can participate in discussions about emerging technologies and business opportunities specific to the Hawaiian market.

The event typically features keynote speakers, panel discussions, and workshops addressing current tech trends and challenges. These sessions offer valuable insights for startup founders looking to grow their businesses in Hawaii's unique tech ecosystem.

Honolulu's tech networking scene includes Tech Hui among other important gatherings that foster innovation and community building. For startups, this creates opportunities to showcase their products and attract interest from investors.

Registration information and upcoming dates can be found on the Tech Hui website. The conference typically attracts both established tech companies and early-stage startups from across the islands.

8) Blue Startups Demo Day

Blue Startups Demo Day is a key event in Hawaii's startup ecosystem where innovative companies showcase their products to investors and industry leaders. The event features companies from Blue Startups' accelerator program delivering concise 3-minute pitches followed by interactive demonstrations.

Currently, Cohort 16 Honolulu Demo Night is approaching, offering attendees the chance to meet founders and try out their products firsthand. The format includes both formal presentations and a round-robin style product demo session.

Blue Startups is recognized as a Top 20 Accelerator in the US with special focus on helping technology companies compete globally. Their expertise in international travel technology and connections to Asian markets make this event particularly valuable.

After the pitches, attendees can enjoy networking opportunities with drinks and pupus (appetizers). This provides a casual setting for deeper conversations with founders and potential business partnerships.

For startups seeking investment or businesses looking for new technologies, this event offers direct access to emerging companies selected by one of Hawaii's premier startup accelerators.

9) Hawai'i's Shop Local Pop Up

Hawai'i's Shop Local Pop Up is a premier shopping event showcasing local small businesses in Hawaii. The event runs on multiple dates throughout 2025, including June 21 and June 28, which are coming up soon.

The pop-up takes place at Ala Moana Center on Level 2 in the Mauka Wing near Target. Hours are typically from 10AM to 4PM, making it accessible for both morning and afternoon shoppers.

Businesses can discover handcrafted jewelry and island-inspired apparel at this event, along with artwork and food products. This creates opportunities for startups to network with established local vendors.

For entrepreneurs looking to participate, the event features a diverse range of Hawaii small businesses and makers including jewelry designers, pet products, crafts, food vendors, and clothing brands. The variety attracts different customer demographics.

The pop-up is free to attend with easy parking options, which helps ensure good foot traffic. This makes it an ideal venue for startups to gain exposure without significant investment.

10) WESOS Hawaii Sales Strategies Workshop

The WESOS Hawaii sales strategies event is scheduled for Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Kona Brewing Co. in Kailua-Kona. This workshop focuses on building effective sales approaches that align with business values.

Startups and small businesses will learn practical techniques to increase revenue without compromising their brand identity. The event promises to deliver actionable sales methods rather than theoretical concepts.

The workshop is part of the regular programming from the Women Entrepreneurs Secrets of Success Network (WESOS), which specializes in helping women business owners develop authentic professional relationships. WESOS focuses on collaboration and resource sharing among entrepreneurs.

Tickets are available through Eventbrite, with early registration recommended as WESOS events typically reach capacity. The location at Kona Brewing provides a relaxed setting conducive to networking before and after the formal presentation.

Hawaii-based startups seeking sales growth will find this event particularly valuable for connecting with other local business owners while gaining specific strategies for the Hawaiian market.

The Importance of Startup Events in Hawaii

Startup events in Hawaii create vital opportunities for business growth and innovation in the island's unique ecosystem. These gatherings help overcome geographical isolation while showcasing the state's distinct advantages.

Connecting Entrepreneurs and Investors

Hawaii's startup events serve as crucial meeting points where founders can pitch their ideas to potential backers. Hawaii's startup sales events include conferences, seminars, workshops, and trade shows that facilitate these connections.

Organizations like ThriveHI host regular networking functions where entrepreneurs can meet angel investors and venture capitalists. These face-to-face interactions often lead to funding opportunities that might not happen through digital channels alone.

The tropical setting offers a relaxed atmosphere that encourages meaningful conversations between business partners. Many investors from mainland USA and Asia attend these events specifically to discover Hawaiian innovation.

For new businesses, these gatherings provide access to experienced mentors who understand the local market conditions. This guidance helps startups adapt their business models to work within Hawaii's unique economic landscape.

Driving Local Innovation

Startup events boost Hawaii's economy by encouraging solutions to local challenges. These gatherings highlight opportunities in sustainable tourism, renewable energy, and agriculture - sectors that match Hawaii's natural resources.

Honolulu Tech Week and similar events feature free workshops that teach practical skills to local entrepreneurs. Participants learn about emerging technologies and how to apply them to Hawaiian business contexts.

The collaborative environment at these events helps prevent "brain drain" by showing talented residents they can build successful careers without leaving the islands. This retention of skilled workers strengthens the local talent pool.

Regional challenges like shipping logistics and limited resources become opportunities for innovation when discussed at these forums. Startups that address these issues often find ready customers within the Hawaiian market.

These events also connect Hawaiian businesses to global markets while preserving local cultural values in business development.

Notable Themes And Trends

Hawaii's startup events reflect the unique priorities of the island's entrepreneurial ecosystem. These gatherings highlight both technological innovation aligned with sustainability goals and increasing support for entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds.

Focus On Technology And Sustainability

Tech innovation forms the backbone of Hawaii's startup scene. The largest technology and innovation event in Hawaii, East Meets West, connects entrepreneurs from both sides of the Pacific to discuss emerging tech trends.

Sustainability plays a crucial role in Hawaii's startup focus. Events frequently feature panels on clean energy, ocean conservation technology, and agricultural innovation suited to island environments.

Many conferences incorporate Hawaii's unique position between Asia and the mainland US, creating opportunities for international collaboration. This geographical advantage helps local startups access broader markets and investment.

Events like Pacific Tech provide platforms for small businesses to connect with government and military contracts, particularly for solutions addressing island-specific challenges.

Support For Diverse Founders

Hawaii's startup events increasingly emphasize diversity in entrepreneurship. Programs specifically target underrepresented groups in tech, including Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and women entrepreneurs.

Honolulu Tech Week features workshops and networking events for startups that highlight diverse founders and their unique perspectives. These events provide mentorship, funding opportunities, and business development resources.

Dedicated pitch competitions for minority founders have become standard features at major conferences. These competitions offer visibility and funding chances that might otherwise be difficult to access.

Cultural elements are often integrated into these events, acknowledging Hawaii's rich heritage. This approach creates an inclusive environment that values different knowledge systems and approaches to innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hawaii hosts several major startup events throughout the year that offer unique opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and tech professionals to connect and grow their businesses.

What annual startup conferences take place in Hawaii?

Hawaii's annual startup conferences include the EMW Startup Event (East Meets West), which brings together investors and entrepreneurs from Asia, North America, and Hawaii.

The Hawaii Technology Conference showcases local innovations and attracts global tech leaders annually.

Startup Intro to VC is a yearly conference specifically designed for founders seeking venture capital connections and funding opportunities.

Which Hawaii startup events offer the best networking opportunities?

Honolulu Tech Week provides exceptional networking through its multi-day format with dedicated networking sessions, pitch competitions, and after-hours events.

EMW is known for its curated matchmaking sessions between investors and startups.

The Hawaii Annual Code Challenge offers tech professionals unique networking with government agencies and private sector companies looking for innovative solutions.

What are the top entrepreneurship gatherings in Hawaii?

The Honolulu Startup Weekend brings entrepreneurs together for 54 hours of business building, from concept to launch.

Hawaii Venture Capital Association hosts regular events connecting entrepreneurs with potential investors.

The Pacific Rim Innovation Conference focuses on cross-border collaboration and investment opportunities between Hawaii and Pacific nations.

When are the major innovation expos scheduled in Hawaii?

The Hawaii Innovation Showcase typically runs in April, featuring demos from local startups and established tech companies.

Manufacturing events in Hawaii for 2025 include the Tech Manufacturing Expo scheduled for September and the Innovation Hardware Showcase in November.

Honolulu Tech Week usually occurs in October, with its innovation expo being a centerpiece event.

How can one participate in Hawaii's tech startup scene through events?

Entrepreneurs can join hackathons like the Hawaii Annual Code Challenge, which welcomes participants of all skill levels.

Many events offer volunteer opportunities that provide behind-the-scenes access and networking with organizers and speakers.

Most Hawaii startup events feature open pitch competitions that allow early-stage companies to present their ideas to audiences and judges.

Are there any international startup events hosted in Hawaii?

The Asia-Pacific New Venture Competition attracts startups from across the Pacific region to compete in Honolulu annually.

EMW (East Meets West) serves as Hawaii's premier international startup event, designed specifically to bridge Asia and North American markets.

The International Innovation Summit rotates between Pacific locations but comes to Hawaii every three years, bringing global investors and startup founders together.

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