Deep roots, strong values, and a clear understanding that our kuleana is to serve the needs and interests of our community.
He wahī pa‘akai.
Just a package of salt.
Something good; a gift of anything one has grown or made.
- 972 ‘Ōlelo No‘eau
In ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, paʻakai means sea salt. In Hawaiian culture, paʻakai is used as medicine, in ceremonies for cleansing, and for food preservation. Across cultures, it is used for transformation. In simple everyday use in the kitchen and the home, paʻakai can do incredible things. Paʻakai can preserve what is good and precious, completely change the flavor of a dish, and even alter the molecular makeup of something.
For us here at Paʻakai Communications, our name reminds us that when we partner on a project, we have the ability to make a contribution that can not only present something new to the world but make it better. Although no individual has all the answers, we believe that through utilizing our skillsets and collaborating with others, we can create the solutions we need and contribute to our community.
Who We Are
Paʻakai Communications is a consultancy with deep roots, strong values, and a clear understanding that our kuleana is to serve the needs and interests of our community. We use the tools of integrated communications, community relations, and transformation strategy to build strength within Hawaiʻi in service of our people and place. Ideas and movements flourish at Paʻakai Communications through pilina, mutual understanding, respect, and authenticity.
Our company structure is a collaboration of communications specialists and strategists. Led by Christine Matsuda as principal and owner, Paʻakai team members are smart, respectful, talented, dedicated, and above all, real. We are built to be nimble, which is why we design project teams to meet the unique needs of each client. We staff each project with the expertise needed to carry client objectives forward. Christine is personally involved as the point of contact and strategic lead of all client teams. We love to support and collaborate with organizations who, like us, are working through the complexities of today’s unprecedented challenges while holding the best interest of Hawaiʻi - our land and our people - at the heart of our decisions and motivations. We are present on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island with our offices and family homes, and present virtually for our clients across the state and the country.
Current & Past Clients
Join our team.
Paʻakai seeks a communications consultant to join us in providing the highest level of communications services to local communities and organizations. Our ideal team members are reliable, professional, kind, and inspired to make an impact; with a healthy sense of humor about life, the world, and themselves.
We are looking to collaborate with folks who are rooted and invested in Hawaiʻi. If you have solid experience working at the intersection of communications and community, we might be your people.
Digital Marketing Intern - Summer 2025
Strategic Communications Consultant