My pal clued me in to a new subscription box that features items from Hawaii entrepreneurs curated by House of Mana Up. This subscription was only open to the first 30 subscribers and I GOT IN! Luckily I was working on the computer that day and saw the email soon after it came out. I think there is a waiting list of over 100 people who want in! The email said this box would have a limited-edition product from one of the House of Mana Up companies, a collaboration featuring two of the Mana Up brands, stories about each of the entrepreneurs, and an exclusive House of Mana Up item.

I loved EVERYTHING that came in my May box. It is extra special learning about the people behind each company and knowing that my purchase helps support Hawaii’s growing economy and our local entrepreneurs.

Maui Crisps, Korean BBQ Artisinal Beef Crisps — Described as “thinly-sliced morsels of heaven” is so accurate. Blane and Beth Apo from Kahului have a winner in this limited-edition flavor that was brought back exclusively for the subscribers!

Jules + Gem Hawaii (Honolulu) collaborated with UA Body (Kamuela) to create a Lokelani rose-scented candle and hand cream. This also was a limited edition release and was the perfect way to relax and indulge myself as I practiced some self-care on Mother’s Day and beyond. Whenever I applied the lotion, my daughter would notice how good I smelled! And I love that UA Body is from the Big Island!

Tea Chest Hawaii Nanea Tea (Honolulu) — This Nanea tea made with natural organize and sustainable ingredients is supposed to relieve anxiety and stress both of which can pop up from time to time in my life as a parent and an educator. This formula is supposed to rebalance my body against the negative effects of stress but I just enjoy drinking it over ice. I cold brew the tea for a few hours and then pour it over ice and drink it throughout the day as I do my work. The tea is a combination of chamomile, cinnamon, lemongrass, ashwagandha, peppermint, moringa, and mamaki. This is a new product that was just released last week and at the time of shipment, was not available at any retailer.

The Lehua Blossom Honey by Wai Meli from Pa’auilo is another favorite. This raw honey is light and has delicate floral notes and hints of buttered popcorn. I enjoyed it with some of my friend’s homemade yogurt sprinkled with granola. It is also delicious as a dip for my pretzels. Super happy to see another Big Island entrepreneur’s product in this box.

The final product in the box is a notebook from House of Mana Up. You know that I love making lists and this notebook is perfect for that.

I did take videos of the unboxing and if I get brave enough, maybe I’ll post it on my Instagram Stories one day. I can’t wait for my next box and I’ll tell you all about it when I get it. The teasers are that I will be getting a hot new item creating a buzz in the culinary world, an exclusive product from a Cohort 1 company, two limited-edition products from a Cohort 3 brand, and that this box will be perfect for ultimate foodies! I don’t know if I am an ultimate foodie, but I do love food. Totally Living Hilo Style.