ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

The Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation, Inc., is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to helping Hawai‘i students achieve their educational and career goals by providing scholarships and supporting innovative educational initiatives. Talented entrepreneurs Mamoru and Aiko Takitani, founders of Hawaiian Host, created the Foundation in 1993 to express their appreciation to the people of Hawai‘i for their support.

Line drawing of a cluster of holly leaves and berries.

Mamoru & Aiko
Takitani Foundation

A black-and-white photo of a smiling man and woman sitting together, both wearing glasses, in an indoor setting.
A black-and-white photo of a smiling man and woman sitting together, both wearing glasses, in an indoor setting.

Since its inception, the Foundation has provided annually over $1.4 million dollars in scholarships to deserving students who embody the standards of excellence, innovation and dedication that Mr. and Mrs. Takitani lived by. Since inception,  the Foundation has distributed almost $11 million dollars in grants and scholarships.

VISION & MISSION

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The Takitani Foundation will be a leader in Hawai‘i scholarship resources, and as an innovator in improving educational opportunities for Hawai‘i students.

The Takitani Foundation will provide scholarships and other educational opportunities to underserved populations of Hawai‘i students, to effect a confident, qualified work force. The Takitani Foundation will also strive to create change and innovative improvements in island education.

WHAT GUIDES US

Core Values

Pathways to Opportunity

We believe every young person deserves the chance to pursue the path that is right for them—whether through higher education, work-based learning, or special projects—that prepare them to grow as individuals and future leaders.

Innovation and Hands-On Learning

We encourage curiosity, creativity, and exploration—funding travel programs, summer courses, independent study, and applied experiences in fields such as healthcare, agriculture, and education that build knowledge and practical skills.

Service and Giving Back to Hawaiʻi

We value leadership and service, supporting youth who commit to returning their knowledge, skills, and experiences to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s communities and future.

Legacy and Stewardship

We honor the vision of our founders by continuing their tradition of giving to religious and educational institutions and by investing in future leaders who sustain Hawaiʻi through service, scholarship, and community commitment.

FOUNDING STORY

Mamoru & Aiko Takitani

Black and white photograph of a woman and a man standing outside on a city street, smiling. The woman wears a patterned dress and carries a purse, the man wears a suit and holds a camera. There are cars and a large building in the background.

Born on July 21, 1912 in Yamaguchi, Japan, Mamoru Takitani came to Hawai‘i in his youth and settled on the island of Maui. In 1936, he married Aiko Uno in Wailuku, Maui. The Takitanis later relocated to Honolulu where Mamoru founded Hawaiian Host – Ellen Dye Candies on January 1, 1960.

Under Mr. Takitani’s visionary leadership, Hawaiian Host expanded its activities to Los Angeles, Brazil and Japan. His innovative combination of two things not from Hawai‘i – European chocolate with Australian macadamia nuts – have become the signature creation of Hawaiian Host, and recognized worldwide as one of Hawai‘i’s most iconic gifts.

Although Mr. and Mrs. Takitani passed away in 1988 and 2006 respectively, the educational opportunities they created for Hawai‘i’s students continue today through the Takitani Foundation’s scholarship programs and educational initiatives.

A small storefront with a glass front door and window, with a person standing outside, parked cars nearby, and a partially visible sign on the building.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

From Wai‘alae Avenue
to the World

From its humble beginnings on Wai‘alae Avenue in Kaimukī, where Mr. Takitani sold candy out of his station wagon, the business thrived and moved into new ventures resulting in greater production, expansion into papaya farming and the establishment of retail and restaurant operations.

OUR LOGO

A Symbol of Legacy

Green background with large white text that reads "Mamoru and Aiko Takitan Foundation" and a faint illustration of a plant or tree behind the text.
Green background with large white text that reads "Mamoru and Aiko Takitan Foundation" and a faint illustration of a plant or tree behind the text.

The Foundation logo draws on the macadamia nut as a symbol of the Takitani family’s Hawaiian Host heritage and the lasting legacy they built in Hawaiʻi. Its imagery reflects growth, resilience, and stewardship, while the olive green palette adds a sense of warmth, place, and enduring connection to the islands. Together, these elements express the Foundation’s commitment to education, service, and creating opportunities for Hawaiʻi’s future generations.

A circular emblem featuring a stylized, geometric mountain design in the center with black lines on an olive green background.

The Takitani family crest (mon) is a tribute to Mamoru and Aiko Takitani’s heritage, family, and the values that shaped their lives. It serves as a reminder of the legacy of generosity, perseverance, and care for community that continues to inspire its work.

Board of Directors

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Mr. Michael W. Perry

CHAIR

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Ms. Janice Luke Loo

PRESIDENT

Portrait of Dr. C Scott Wo

Dr. C. Scott Wo

VICE CHAIR, TREASURER, & SECRETARY

Karen Uno

EMERITUS DIRECTOR

Staff

Close-up of a woman with short, wavy hair, wearing hoop earrings and a button-up shirt, smiling outdoors with a blurred green background.
Close-up of a woman with short, wavy hair, wearing hoop earrings and a button-up shirt, smiling outdoors with a blurred green background.

Sophie Halliday

ADMINISTRATOR

Director of Charitable Services, Laulima Families

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WHERE TO NEXT

Scholarships open each year to Hawai‘i students.

The Foundation’s work reaches students through its scholarship programs. Eligibility, timelines, and how to apply are on the Scholarships page.

Scholarships →
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ORGANIZATIONS: GRANTS OVERVIEW →