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 skill sets and collaborating with others, we can create the solutions we need and contribute to our community.
Who We Are
Paʻakai Communications is a local consultancy with deep roots and a clear understanding that our kuleana is to serve the needs and interests of our community. 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, but can make our community stronger and our world better. When Paʻakai Communications opened up shop in 2020, the firm brought together passionate and skilled communications, relationship-building, and storytelling professionals who were on the upward trajectory of their careers and committed to doing meaningful work in a meaningful way that honored community, family, and integrity.
Paʻakai Communications uses the tools and strategies of integrated communications, community relations, and transformation strategy to build strength within Hawaiʻi in service of people and place. Our ability to work with and within the community to develop solutions for, plan, and envision a thriving future for Hawaiʻi is built on a foundation of pilina, mutual understanding, respect, and authenticity. We are built to be nimble and responsive to client and project needs, and excel at working through the complexities of today's unprecedented challenges holding the best interest of Hawaiʻi at heart.
Our company structure is a collaboration of communications strategists and specialists. Led by Christine Matsuda as principal and owner, Paʻakai team members are smart, irreverent, talented, dedicated, and above all, real. We are built to be nimble, and design project teams to meet the unique needs of each client. We staff each project with the expertise needed to carry client objectives forward. We are based on Hawaiʻi Island with our offices and family homes, with team members located also on Oahu and Maui.
Current & Past Clients
Join our team.
Paʻakai is currently accepting applications. 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 seek solid experience working at the intersection of communications and community, we might be your people.
Contact us to learn more.