Join us for the next Maui Business Tuesdays Salon, featuring three of Maui’s Food Truck businesses. The food truck industry has exploded! Each one has a unique story to share and insight into what makes their trucks successful! Attendees will learn how these three chefs got started, how they developed their own unique brand, what practices helped turn their ʻwhyʻ into sustainable businesses, where they sell, what it takes to be a successful food truck entrepreneur on Maui.
The salon will be held Tuesday May 5, 2026 from 6pm-7:30pm at Akakū Center in Suite 204 & hybrid via Zoom webinar. Come meet:
Maui Fresh Streatery with Chef Kyle Kawakami
Chef Kyle Kawakami was born & raised in Kula, Maui. He graduated top of his class in the Maui Community College Culinary Arts program and was awarded the prestigious Chancellors Regents Award and Outstanding Culinary Award. He returned later to the program as an instructor.He opened his gourmet food truck in 2013 and winning 7 Gold Aipono Awards for best Food Truck. In 2019 he won the Aipono Award for Best Chef on Maui. Chef Kyle has been featured on numerous television shows.
Deeʻs Poi Mochi with Owner Dalilha Rodrigues
Deeʻs Poi Mochi was born in Lahaina, Maui with the mission to share joyful freshly made desserts with aloha – and shared like family. In August 2023 Deeʻs lost their original setup, equipment and inventory. In the months that followed they thought they would have to leave Maui but were able to rebuild. Today they have relocated to Kahului, carrying their Lahaina roots with them.
Like Poke? with Chef Daniel Kalahiki
Daniel Kalahiki is a Maui-based chef and owner of the popular Like Poke? food truck, located in Kahului. With his love of surfing, the ocean, fresh fish and cooking his popular truck is known for serving fresh-caught, thick-cut poke and plate lunches, Daniel has received wide acclaim, including from sources like the Food Network. Kalahiki is a passionate advocate for supporting all local Maui businesses. He also supports young surfers. Additionally, Chef Daniel emphasized the importance of tourism to Maui’s post-fire economy, urging visitors to support local businesses outside of devastated areas.
The salon will be moderated by Pamela Tumpap, President of the Maui Chamber of Commerce.
Refreshments will be served, and in-person attendees will have the opportunity to network before the event in our reception area. Please join us!
Event Details:
📅 Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
🕠 Doors Open: 5:30 PM
🎤 Event: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Akakū Upstairs, Suite 204, 333 Dairy Rd. Kahului
💻 Admission: Free – Register -required for both in-person and virtual attendance
(In-person seating is limited!)
If you missed prior events, you can still catch the insights and conversations here!
Maui Business Tuesdays is an in-person and hybrid salon series focused on Maui’s small business community through media storytelling, engaging conversation, and networking. The series provides a platform for local entrepreneurs to share their stories, challenges, and solutions in a post-disaster and rapidly changing economy.
The series is supported by a Maui County Office of Economic Development Grant, in partnership with the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce and the Maui Chamber of Commerce.
Watch past salons at Akakū Upstairs Playlist also on demand on our free MauiStream app to catch up on past salons.
You can make sure the Akakū Upstairs salon series, Maui Business Tuesdays, continues to thrive, and provide great exposure for you or your business, by making a tax-deductible donation to Akakū or by becoming an underwriter. Just reach out to development@akaku.org for details.
Tuesday May 5, 2026. Doors open at 5:30pm, salon starts promptly at 6pm.
Admission is free. Limited seating in-person, virtual attendance available!
To Reserve a seat: Use the QR Code below or Register Here
