Innovators at the Forefront
Success Stories from HOST Park
At the heart of NELHA’s HOST Park, visionaries embark on journeys of unparalleled innovation. From leveraging the deep ocean's resources to pioneering sustainable solutions for our planet’s pressing challenges, these success stories illuminate the relentless spirit of collaboration, research, and entrepreneurship.
Each narrative stands testament to the transformative impact of HOST Park’s unique environment and the boundless potential of the minds it nurtures. Dive into these tales of inspiration, grit, and groundbreaking achievements.













Blue Ocean Mariculture: Pioneering Sustainable Aquaculture in the US
As the only open ocean aquaculture farm growing fin fish in the US, Blue Ocean Mariculture takes their role as pioneers seriously. With a focus on environmental, social responsibility, and quality, they're setting a new standard for sustainable fish farming.


Cyanotech: Harnessing Nature to Nurture Global Health
From the pristine conditions of HOST Park, Cyanotech has pioneered breakthroughs in microalgae production, offering the world potent natural antioxidants. Dive into the journey of how they transform sunlight, seawater, and innovative tech into global health solutions.


Sustaining Oceans, Shaping Futures: HATCH's Pioneering Path
HOST Park, a nexus of marine marvels, has found a kindred spirit in Wayne Murphy's HATCH. Committed to revolutionizing seafood technology, their collaboration echoes a shared drive for sustainability and innovation. Traverse this narrative of vision and evolution.


Growing Resilience from Kona to the Coast
Jamestown Seafoods and Pacific Hybreed are advancing shellfish aquaculture through cutting-edge genetics, community collaboration, and a tribal vision rooted in sustainability.


Light Manufacturing: Solar-Powered Innovation
At HOST Park, Light Manufacturing transforms rotational molding with 100% solar energy, eliminating fossil fuels entirely. Using sun-tracking mirrors in Hawaii's challenging environment, they manufacture affordable rainwater collection tanks locally while collaborating with park partners to advance sustainable manufacturing solutions for the islands and beyond.


The OTEC Legacy of HOST Park & Makai's Vision in Action
From its OTEC origins, HOST Park has championed oceanic breakthroughs. Michael Eldred and Makai Ocean Engineering, with NELHA's unique support, continue this legacy, harnessing the ocean's vast energy. Discover this journey of vision and achievement.


Matsuyama Food and Fuel: Three Generations, One Vision at NELHA
Starting with a grandfather's 20-year vision, Matsuyama Food and Fuel represents multi-generational entrepreneurship at HOST Park. As the only gas station in Hawaiʻi (possibly the world) utilizing NELHA's deep sea cold water for cooling, they save 40-60% on AC costs while carrying forward family tradition and community values.


Ocean Era: Rethinking Aquaculture for a Sustainable Future
Led by Neil Anthony Sims, Ocean Era stands at the forefront of aquaculture research, harnessing HOST Park's unique resources to revolutionize our relationship with the ocean. As global demands shift, Ocean Era is not just mitigating humanity's impact on the seas but reshaping how we view sustainable seafood production.


Sea Salts of Hawaiʻi: Preserving Traditions and Ocean Conservation
Blending traditional salt-gathering with modern techniques, Sea Salts of Hawaiʻi is more than a salt farm. Discover their dedication to ocean preservation and the Papahānaumokuākea project.


Blending Tradition & Innovation: Symbrosia's Climate Solution at HOST Park
Symbrosia, based at HOST Park, fuses traditional Hawaiian knowledge with innovation. Under Alexia Akbay's leadership, they harness native Hawaiian seaweed to counter methane emissions. This venture not only seeks climate solutions but also navigates the use of a culturally revered resource.


Terraformation: Fostering Biodiversity in the Face of Climate Change
Terraformation's mission transcends mere reforestation—it's a holistic endeavor to restore complex ecosystems and combat climate change. At HOST Park, they harness the unique resources and join a vibrant scientific community, laying down roots for a sustainable future.


WHEA: Fueling the Next Generation of Ocean Innovators
At West Hawaiʻi Explorations Academy, students dive into hands-on marine science and real-world experiments—just steps from HOST Park’s thriving blue economy.


ʻĀkoʻakoʻa: Uniting Communities for Coral Restoration
Driven by the essence of community, ʻĀkoʻakoʻa blends science, culture, and collaboration to revive the coral reefs of West Hawaii. Discover how this project by ASU is transforming not just the marine environment, but the very fabric of island society.

