Our makers are required to provide a business registration certificate, certificate of formation, food safety certification, general and product liability insurance, and if applicable workers’ compensation insurance and commercial automobile insurance.

We make sure you have the support you need and will help you navigate anything from Food Safety Certifications, Business Registration Certificates to Insurance.

Hana Kitchens is open 24/7, 365 days a year.

You receive an allotment of free dry and cold storage that can remain in the kitchen with every shift you take weekly—plus additional storage for purchase if you need more. Our facility is 14,000 sqft.

Yes, you can load products and ingredients in and out of the kitchen outside your scheduled shifts.

One-time commercial kitchen rental is on a case-by-case basis. Please get in touch with us for more information.

Starting a food business in Hawai’i can be rewarding and exciting, but it’s also a challenging process that requires careful planning and attention to detail. Some common challenges of starting a food business in Hawaii include:

• Obtaining all necessary permits and licenses: Depending on the type of food business you are starting, you may need multiple permits and approvals from various state and local agencies. This can be time-consuming and confusing, and it is essential to ensure that you comply with all applicable regulations.

• Finding a suitable location for your business: Securing a location for your food business can be a difficult task, especially if you are working with a limited budget or if you are unable to find a property that meets your needs.

• Purchasing necessary equipment and supplies: Setting up a commercial kitchen can be expensive, as you will need to buy a wide variety of equipment and supplies, such as kitchen appliances, utensils, and storage containers.

• Hiring and managing employees: If you plan to hire employees for your business, you must follow state and federal employment laws and regulations, which can be complex and time-consuming. You will also need to manage and train your employees, which can be challenging if you are just starting.

• Managing the financial aspects of your business: Running a food business can be expensive, and it is essential to carefully manage your finances to stay profitable. You will need to budget carefully and monitor your expenses to stay on track.

Hana Kitchens is a shared-use kitchen, also known as an incubator kitchen, and we offer a range of benefits to those looking to start a food business in Hawai’i, including:

• Simplified permit and licensing process: we have all necessary permits and licenses in place, so you won't have to go through the process of obtaining these documents on your own. This can save you time and hassle.

• Affordable and flexible rental options: we offer flexible rental options, including daily and monthly rates. This allows you to pay only for the time you need, which is more cost-effective than leasing or purchasing your own commercial kitchen.

• Access to professional equipment and facilities: our kitchens are equipped with high-quality, professional-grade equipment and facilities, which means you won't have to purchase your own equipment or set up a kitchen from scratch. This can save you time and money.

• Support from other food businesses: we have created a welcoming and diverse community of food entrepreneurs and small food businesses, which means you can network and collaborate with others in the industry. As you start your business, this can be a great source of support and inspiration.

• Opportunity to test and grow your business: we provide a low-risk opportunity to test and grow your business. You can start small and scale up as you gain more experience and customers, which can help you build a successful food business in Hawaii.

In Hawai’i, cottage food operations, also known as home-based food businesses, are subject to certain restrictions on the types of food products that can be produced and sold. These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety of the food being sold to the public.

Under the cottage food laws in Hawai’i, the following types of food products are restricted:

• Foods that require refrigeration to remain safe, such as raw meats, dairy products, and perishable baked goods

• Potentially hazardous foods, such as those that contain raw eggs or are prone to bacterial growth, such as cream-filled pastries

• Potentially toxic foods, such as those containing poisonous or harmful ingredients

Additionally, cottage food operations in Hawai’i are subject to specific labeling requirements, including a warning about the potentially hazardous nature of the food, the name, the address of the cottage food operation, and the date the food was produced.

It is important to note that cottage food operations in Hawai’i are only allowed to sell their products directly to the consumer and are not permitted to sell their products wholesale or through retail establishments.

Our show kitchen is officially open! This means we can host classes more frequently, now available on any day of the week. We aim to host multiple classes per week but if you do not see a class time that fits within your schedule, feel free to drop us a line at info@hanakitchens.com with a proposed time. We’re always open to suggestions.

Alternatively, you can book a private cooking class for your group at a time that suits you. Simply reach out to us via email, and we will coordinate the details for you.

Keep an eye on our Classes and Events section, where new classes are posted each month for the following month. Stay informed about our exciting culinary offerings and join us in the kitchen for an enriching experience.

Keiki classes are on the way! Keep an eye on our Classes and Events page for classes specifically crafted for kids.

Most of our classes are ages 18 and over and this is specifically noted on the class page.

Our versatile Honolulu event venue is perfect for weddings, rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, corporate events, holiday gatherings, birthday celebrations, cocktail receptions, private dining experiences, and more. The Show Kitchen also serves as an interactive space for cooking classes, chef-led dinners, and culinary experiences.

Hana Kitchens features two distinct spaces: the Show Kitchen and the Event Space. You can book them individually or together. The Show Kitchen is ideal for intimate dinners, cocktail hours, and private cooking classes for up to 25 guests. The Event Space accommodates larger celebrations, including weddings and corporate events, with a capacity for up to 105 guests. When combined, both spaces can host up to 150 guests for a cocktail-style reception or 85 for a seated dinner.

Venue rentals include use of either the Show Kitchen, Event Space, or both, along with tables, chairs, and barstools. You can also add dining essentials, linens, and beverage service to customize your event. Set up and cleanup time should be included in your total rental hours.

Yes, you may bring your own licensed caterer or private chef, or choose from one of our chefs who operates out of our kitchen and offers locally inspired menus for weddings and private dinners, such as Memoirs.

Yes, we accommodate morning and afternoon events with breakfast and lunch menus available upon request. These are ideal for corporate meetings, workshops, or bridal luncheons.

Outside alcohol is not permitted. Hana Kitchens provides complete bar services with licensed staff to ensure a professional and seamless experience.

We offer a full range of customizable bar packages, from beer and wine service to full and top-shelf bars. Non-alcoholic beverage options are also available. All alcohol service must be provided by a licensed bartender, which we can will arrange for you.

Yes. You can bring your own tables, chairs, décor, lighting, entertainment, or other event vendors. All outside vendors must be insured and approved by our team before the event date.

Yes! You’re welcome to personalize the venue with your own décor, florals, and signage. To protect the space, adhesives such as tape or hooks on walls and furniture are not allowed. You must approve all décor plans with us at least one week before your event.

Linens and napkins are available as an optional add-on to your rental package.

A Hana Kitchens attendant will be on-site throughout your event to serve as your main point of contact. While we don’t provide a day-of coordinator, we’re happy to work closely with your planner, vendors, or catering team.

Yes! DJs, live musicians, and other entertainment are welcome, as long as they provide proof of insurance.

Yes. Our interactive private cooking classes take place in the Show Kitchen and include a hands-on cooking experience followed by a multi-course dinner. Classes cover a variety of cuisines, from pasta and sushi to falafel and lumpia, and are led by expert local chefs.

Events may run until midnight. Please include setup and cleanup time within your rental hours. Extended hours may be available upon request.

Yes, convenient parking is available 24/7 in the Harbor Court parking garage on the fifth floor off of Bethel Street. The garage only accepts cash. We do not provide validations. You can purchase validations directly from the parking attendant before your event and hand them out to guests. Alternatively, there is limited street parking nearby.

The final guest count is due seven days before your event. Changes to catering or service orders after that point may not be accommodated.

Yes, a refundable security deposit and partial payment are required to secure your date. Final payment is due before your event.

Absolutely. We’d love to show you around our Show Kitchen and Event Space in downtown Honolulu. Contact us at info@hanakitchens.com to book a private tour and start planning your event at Hana Kitchens.

Please contact us at info@hanakitchens.com or (808) 888-8886 to discuss your customized private event.