Buyers Hours 2026
Buyers Hours
Thursday, August 20, 2026
6:30 PM–8:30 PM
Hawai‘i Convention Center
Buyers Hours is a private shopping period exclusively for approved wholesale buyers. This dedicated session is designed to facilitate meaningful wholesale connections between qualified buyers and Made in Hawai‘i Festival vendors.
Attendance is limited, and advance approval and registration are required. There will be no onsite buyer registration.
APPLY HERE!
Application deadline: June 30, 2026
Approval notifications: By July 17, 2026
New Approval Process for 2026
The Buyers Hours registration process has changed for 2026.
All prospective and returning buyers must submit an application for review. Participation in a previous Made in Hawai‘i Festival Buyers Hours does not guarantee approval for 2026.
Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will receive instructions for accessing and registering for their complimentary Buyers Hours ticket.
A Buyers Hours ticket cannot be accessed without prior approval.
Who Qualifies as a Wholesale Buyer?
A wholesale buyer is an individual who purchases products in volume for resale through a retail store, e-commerce platform or distribution channel.
Approved buyers are expected to:
- Engage with vendors for the purpose of establishing or expanding wholesale accounts
- Explore opportunities for ongoing business relationships
- Represent a legitimate resale or distribution business model
- Attend Buyers Hours in a professional buying capacity
Buyers Hours is intended for wholesale business development. Personal shopping is not permitted during this private session.
Submission of an application does not guarantee approval. Applications will be reviewed to confirm alignment with the purpose of Buyers Hours.
No Guest Tickets
Buyers Hours tickets are issued only to individually approved buyers. Guests, colleagues and additional representatives may not attend using another buyer’s registration or ticket.
Each person attending in a buyer capacity must submit a separate application, receive approval and register for an individual Buyers Hours ticket.
Guests or individuals who do not qualify as wholesale buyers may purchase a Huakaʻi Early Access ticket for the same date and time, subject to availability.
Huakaʻi Early Access Tickets
Individuals who do not qualify for Buyers Hours may have an opportunity to attend the festival during the same Thursday evening access period through the Huakaʻi Early Access ticket presale.
Huakaʻi Early Access tickets will be available for presale beginning July 1, 2026.
To participate in the presale:
- Purchasers must have a valid Huakaʻi by Hawaiian membership
- Eligible members will receive the presale access code through a Huakaʻi email on July 1
- Tickets are limited and subject to availability
JOIN HUAKAʻI BY HAWAIIAN
For additional information, contact [email protected].
Please note that Huakaʻi Early Access is a separate ticketed experience. Registration or membership in Huakaʻi does not provide access to Buyers Hours or qualify an individual as a wholesale buyer.
Before You Arrive
Approved buyers must complete their ticket registration in advance. There will be no onsite applications, approvals or buyer registration.
When you arrive:
- Proceed to the designated Buyers entrance and line
- Ask a festival attendant for assistance locating the Buyers line
- Have your individual ticket QR code open and ready for scanning
- Be prepared for your ticket and buyer approval to be verified
- Allow time to pass through the festival’s security screening process
All attendees are required to pass through security detectors before entering the festival.
Tickets are issued to specific approved buyers and may not be shared or transferred.
Buyers Hours Schedule
Thursday, August 20, 2026
6:30 PM–8:30 PM
Buyers Hours ends at 8:30 PM. Entry will not be permitted after 8:30 PM.
Buyers are encouraged to arrive early enough to complete security screening and make full use of the dedicated wholesale shopping period.
Important Dates
- Buyer application deadline: June 30, 2026
- Huakaʻi Early Access presale: July 1, 2026
- Buyer approval notifications: By July 17, 2026
- Buyers Hours: August 20, 2026, from 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
If you still qualify as a Buyer and are past the above notification timelines, please email: [email protected] and [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
I attended Buyers Hours in a previous year. Do I need to apply again?
Yes. All new and returning buyers must submit an application for the 2026 festival. Previous participation does not guarantee approval.
Can I register when I arrive?
No. All buyers must apply, receive approval and complete their ticket registration before the festival. Onsite buyer registration will not be available.
May I bring a guest?
No. Buyers Hours tickets are issued only to individually approved buyers. Each person attending as a buyer must apply and be approved separately.
Guests may purchase a Huakaʻi Early Access ticket, subject to eligibility and availability.
What happens after I am approved?
Approved applicants will receive instructions for accessing and registering for their Buyers Hours ticket. Your registration is not complete until you have obtained your individual ticket and QR code.
Does submitting an application guarantee approval?
No. Applications are reviewed to confirm that each applicant qualifies as a wholesale buyer and aligns with the business purpose of Buyers Hours.
Can I shop for myself during Buyers Hours?
Buyers Hours is reserved for wholesale buying and business development. Purchases and vendor conversations should be conducted on behalf of a qualifying resale or distribution business.
Can I transfer my Buyers Hours ticket?
No. Buyers Hours tickets are issued to individually approved buyers and may not be transferred, shared or resold.
What should I have ready when I arrive?
Have your individual ticket QR code open and ready for scanning. Buyers should proceed to the designated Buyers line and allow additional time for ticket verification and security screening.