HONOLULU (HI Now) - Located on California Avenue in Wahiawa, the Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center (WVAPDC) gives Hawai‘i’s value-added entrepreneurs the tools they need to succeed. The 33,000-square-foot facility, developed through a partnership between Leeward Community College and the State of Hawai‘i, is designed to support the growth of small food businesses and empower local farmers and entrepreneurs to turn ideas into market-ready products.
WVAPDC offers access to commercial-grade equipment not available anywhere else in the state, including bottling, packaging, and high-pressure processing tools that help extend product shelf life without using preservatives. This hands-on facility allows local entrepreneurs to take their ideas from concept to market.
One of the center’s programs is the 12-week ʻĀina to Makeke course. Tailored for entrepreneurs who use locally grown, raised, or caught ingredients, the program walks participants through how to scale up a kitchen recipe into a commercial product ready for market. During the 12-week program, you will learn from business advisors and entrepreneurs every step of the way, from how to upscale your product, packaging, and marketing. More than 60 individuals have completed the course, and several have gone on to launch successful products sold in Foodland, ABC Stores, Down to Earth, and on the mainland. Including Okonokai Sea Snacks which makes snacks and seasonings out of Kona-grown seaweed.
WVAPDC is not just a facility but a cornerstone of a broader economic development strategy. The center is critical in addressing Hawai‘i’s long-term food security, reducing import dependency, and creating pathways for residents to pursue agriculture and entrepreneurship careers by fostering food innovation and local manufacturing. Plans are underway for expanded storage and logistics capabilities at the Whitmore Central Oahu Agriculture and Food Hub to provide access to commercial grade facilities to help local businesses expand into domestic and international markets.
The Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center represents a forward-thinking investment that strengthens communities, diversifies our economy, and keeps local talent in Hawaii.
For more information, visit Wahiawā VAPDC - Leeward Community College
Copyright 2025 KHNL. All rights reserved.