Polynesians practiced a nature-oriented belief system for thousands of years. Our deities, 'Aumakua (guardians), appeared in any plant or animal form including sharks, hawks, lizards, and turtles. "Aumakua Hawai'i takes on the idea of 'Aumakua and is committed to enriching the lives of Native Hawaiians by providing the necessary tools, resources, and opportunities to thrive. 

'Aumakua Hawai'i is recognized by the Small Business Administration as a Native Hawaiian Organization, and as such, companies controlled by the NHO are able to receive Federal 8(a) contracts with no  limit or needing a direct award justification up to $100M for DoD agencies.  For all other agencies the direct award threshold limit is $4.5M.

According to U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations, a Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO) is a non-profit organization that is managed by Native Hawaiians and principally serves the Native Hawaiian community (See 13 CFR 124.3). Since the term NHO applies in the context of the SBA 8(a) program, NHOs must also have a majority ownership of a for-profit, small business that has been approved to participate in the 8(a) Business Development program.

 NHOs each have a unique mission, but their sole purpose is to serve the Native Hawaiian community. Profits generated by the NHO-Owned 8(a) firms, are dispersed to their parent NHO, which then engages in activities to meet the needs of the Native Hawaiian community. NHO missions range across social and community objectives including: youth programs, access to legal defense, leadership development, innovative youth education, specialized job training, health, financial literacy, business development, cultural engagement, community development, and other community needs.”  (source: NHO Association)