Kokua Market Information

Kokua Market, the Manoa health food cooperative which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, has a new look with dozens of somewhat satirical graphic posters designed to reflect the hippie-era character of its staff, members and mission. Longtime customer Oren Schlieman, who started the marketing firm Info Grafik in 1985, formulated a business strategy last fall to refresh Kokuas brand and reboot its marketing. Its based on the co-ops More Ono. More Pono motto, derived from a Slow Food Oahu bumper sticker, with the words, ono and pono. Over a year ago, the lights were turned off, the shelves were empty and Kokua Market was on the brink of shutting down after nearly 50 years in Moiliili. Today, despite the challenges the coronavirus pandemic has forced on small businesses, the natural foods market is making a comeback. Ironically, the current demand for fresh food and other supplies has helped in a struggle to stay afloat that began nearly two years ago. A nearly 50-year-old Moiliili natural foods store owned by many of its own customers has sidestepped potential closure this month after a successful fundraising campaign. Kokua Market, Oahus only natural-food cooperative, raised $167,000 last month selling co-op shares to more than 400 new and existing members.