The Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) from Kapolei and Campbell high school joined together on November 22, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Kakaʻako to celebrate all things matcha and Miffy at the Fall 2025 Makia Market, an event open to the public.
The market featured a variety of items for sale and was part of a Hawai‘i-based educational program focused on teaching youth entrepreneurship. According to the Fall 2025 Makia Market Website, the event aimed to equip students with the tools and resources to grow as business owners and lifelong leaders, emphasizing that entrepreneurship is not only about personal success but also about coming together as a community to learn from other businesses and create meaningful impact.
A member from the James Campbell High School DECA chapter, Joshua Tom (11) said the purpose of the event was to strengthen collaboration between Campbell DECA and Kapolei DECA while raising money for both chapters “in a creative and unique way.” He explained that preparing for the market took “a lot of planning,” including baking for cookies, gathering materials, organizing decorations, and coordinating with both the market and Kapolei’s chapter to make sure everything ran smoothly.
Tom also said that the experience also helped him develop real-world skills, saying the event taught them “how to professionally sell, market, and advertise for a large-scale event,” giving students a chance to practice the professionalism expected in future business environments.
The Fall 2025 Makia Market not only highlighted the creativity of Campbell and Kapolei DECA, but also demonstrated the power of youth entrepreneurship in action. Through collaborative planning, hands-on preparation, and a commitment to professionalism, students turned their ideas into a community-driven event that brought people together. Tom said the experience helped members strengthen real-world business skills while supporting both chapters’ goals.
The market stood as a testament to how teamwork, passion, and purpose can turn a simple concept into an impactful opportunity for learning and leadership.
