Keani Hawai‘i, a locally owned ocean-inspired fine jewelry brand founded by Keani Barnes, will represent the Valley Isle in the 10th cohort of Mana Up, a statewide accelerator program supporting the growth of Hawai‘i-based product companies. The announcement was made Friday.

Keani Hawai‘i joins nine other companies from across the Islands selected from a record-breaking 200 applicants. The new cohort features five businesses from Oʻahu, two from Kaua‘i, two from Hawaiʻi Island and one from Maui. Since its inception, Mana Up has supported 105 businesses that have collectively generated more than $105 million in revenue in 2024 alone and created over 1,035 jobs statewide.

Barnes began designing jewelry 14 years ago. She now has six signature collections and is developing a clothing line. Since launching Keani Hawai‘i, a semi-luxury women’s fashion brand, Barnes has opened three boutiques on Maui as well as an online store. The company’s headquarters is located in Kulamalu.

“I’m really excited to be a part of Mana Up and collaborating with other amazing business mentors and business owners to help take myself to the next level and learn how far Keani Hawai‘i can grow,” said Barnes, founder and CEO.

The companies accepted into cohort 10 are:

“The ten companies joining Cohort 10 are already achieving incredible success on their own, and we’re excited to help accelerate their growth and showcase their products—and the stories behind them—on a global stage,” said Meli James, Mana Up co-founder.

The six-month accelerator will provide selected businesses with mentorship in e-commerce, global market expansion, storytelling and brand development.

The program culminates with the Mana Up Showcase Broadcast and Global Livestream on Oct. 26, where viewers can meet the founders, hear their stories and shop featured products in real time via House of Mana Up.

This is followed by the in-person Showcase Marketplace on Nov. 6, supported by longtime partners such as Bank of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiian Airlines, ALTRES and more—highlighting products from alumni in a one-of-a-kind retail experience.

To learn more about the companies in Cohort 10 or about the Mana Up program, visit manauphawaii.com. To shop and explore products from the company’s entrepreneurs, visit HouseofManaUp.com.