FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 6, 2026

Hispanic Heritage Month celebration connects two chambers, supports local small businesses

KAPOLEI, Hawaii — Latin food, mariachi music and Mexican folkloric dance will bring Hispanic Heritage Month to life in West Oʻahu at the second annual Vamos Kapolei on Thursday, Oct. 8, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Island Pacific Academy. The event supports local small businesses, with free general admission to the community celebration and small business expo.

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi and the Kapolei Chamber of Commerce are bringing their business communities together to build connections and support local small businesses. Island Pacific Academy, a member of both chambers, is the event’s host sponsor and supporting partner.

“Our chambers share members, including businesses and organizations like Island Pacific Academy, and this collaboration is a natural way to bring our communities together,” said Kiran Polk, executive director and CEO of the Kapolei Chamber of Commerce. “Vamos Kapolei gives us an opportunity to strengthen those connections, celebrate Hispanic heritage and invite the whole ʻohana to support our local small businesses.”

“Vamos Kapolei is about bringing people together to celebrate culture while creating meaningful opportunities for connection and collaboration,” said Barbara Salazar De Lucca, president and co-founder of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi.

Residents are invited to bring the familia (ʻohana) for an evening of shopping, food, music and dance. The community marketplace offers a chance to meet the people behind local small businesses, explore crafts and other products and support entrepreneurs by shopping and dining locally.

Food and beverages available for purchase include Puerto Rican dishes, Venezuelan sandwiches, Peruvian food, Mexican chips and salsa, aguas frescas and dirty sodas. Live mariachi, Ballet Folklórico and salsa lessons round out the celebration.

Business owners and professionals can register for VIP networking from 5 to 6 p.m. The $20 registration includes access to the dedicated networking area, two drink tickets and a professional headshot for LinkedIn or other business profiles. General admission is free; marketplace food, drinks and products are available for purchase.

Event details and VIP networking registration: https://tinyurl.com/VamosKapolei26
Website: hcchawaii.org

Vamos Kapolei 2025 Highlight Reel (B-Roll)

Location: Island Pacific Academy, 909 Haumea St., Kapolei, Hawaii 96707

Event timeline: Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026

5 to 8 p.m. — Free small business expo and community marketplace
5 to 6 p.m. — VIP networking ($20) with Mariachi Hawaiʻi Internacional soloist
6:30 p.m. — Ballet Folklórico performance
7 p.m. — Mariachi trio performance
7:30 p.m. — Salsa lessons
8 p.m. — Event concludes

###