Blockchain in Paradise – January 2026

A New Year, A Stronger Foundation for Hawaiʻi

As we step into a new year, January offers something powerful: a reset.

Last year was about showing up—hosting conversations, building trust, and proving that blockchain education in Hawaiʻi doesn’t have to be hype-driven or speculative. It can be local. It can be practical. And most importantly, it can serve our communities.

In 2026, our focus sharpens. This year is about foundations: financial literacy, digital understanding, and thoughtful engagement with emerging technology. Blockchain isn’t a shortcut to wealth, but it is a tool. And like any tool, its impact depends on who understands it and how it’s used.

Our goal remains simple: to ensure local people aren’t left reacting to change, but are prepared to participate in it on their own terms.

Mahalo for continuing to build with us.

— Alika Kane
Executive Director, Pūpūkahi Tech

A heartfelt mahalo to Stand With Crypto for sponsoring this year’s programming and supporting our work to advance digital education and financial empowerment across Hawaiʻi. Their dedication to grassroots education and responsible policy advocacy closely aligns with our mission to make emerging technology more accessible, trustworthy, and relevant for local communities. If you’re interested in supporting their efforts and helping shape the future of crypto policy, we encourage you to learn more and get involved ➡️ Stand with Crypto

A stablecoin is a digital currency designed to maintain a steady value. It is usually pegged to the U.S. dollar. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies, stablecoins aim for predictability, which makes them useful for things like payments, savings, and transfers.

For places like Hawaiʻi, where the cost of living is high and many families support loved ones elsewhere, stablecoins can offer faster and cheaper ways to move money without relying on multiple intermediaries.

Custodial wallets are managed by companies. Easier to use, but you don’t fully control your assets.

Self-custody wallets give you full ownership and responsibility. There are no middleman, however, you are more accountable for your assets.

If something is “on-chain,” it means it’s recorded transparently on a public blockchain. This gives that item unique value because it is verifiable, timestamped, and difficult to alter.

We’re excited to share this featured interview with Dagan Bernstein, a thoughtful voice in the crypto and web3 education space. In this conversation, Dagan breaks down why responsible understanding of digital assets and blockchain matters, beyond the hype and headlines.

🔍 What You’ll Learn

Real talk about real adoption — Dagan emphasizes the increase of adoption in higher learning surrounding blockchain technology and the opportunities it presents to college students.

Increasing adoption among students and professors — how universities and educators play a critical role in shaping informed, responsible engagement with blockchain technology.

Rethinking traditional learning models — how experiential, community-driven, and learn-to-earn models challenge traditional, accepted frameworks.

Whether you’re new to this space or looking to deepen your understanding responsibly, this video is a great way to start the year with perspective not pressure.

👉 Watch now and share your takeaways with someone new to crypto!

When: Friday, Jaunary 2, 2026, 6:00–8:00 pm (HST)

Where: Hello Again Cafe, 1121 Nuuanu Ave # 104

What: Faces of Crypto is a monthly interview series held on the First Friday of each month at Hello Again Cafe in Chinatown. Featuring everyday folks — creatives, entrepreneurs, policymakers and people you would not typically associate with "crypto" or "blockchain" but are passionate about leveraging these technologies in their work, projects or business.

➡️ RSVP/Details: https://luma.com/3zkfdquj

We’re kicking off the year with our first Talk Story Session of 2026, exploring new models of ownership and participation, especially those that keep value rooted in local communities. We’re excited to host a Talk Story Session with Poncho Schoffeitt, CTO and founder of Makani FC, a pioneering local soccer club using tokenization to empower players, supporters, and the broader Hawaiʻi community.

When: Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 6:00-8:30 pm (HST)

Where: Halau 'Inana, 2438 S Beretania St.

What: Poncho will share how Makani FC is integrating blockchain technology into sports operations—from digital memberships to community-backed funding models—and how these tools can strengthen local teams while keeping ownership rooted in the islands.

➡️ RSVP/Details: https://luma.com/con92dw3

As interest in blockchain and digital assets continues to grow, one thing has become clear: many people want to learn but don’t know where to start safely.

Beginning this year, Blockchain in Paradise is offering on-boarding support services designed to help community members take their first informed steps into the space with confidence and clarity.

Our on-boarding services are educational and technical in nature, and may include:

These services are designed for beginners who want to understand the tools before using them.

📩 Interested in on-boarding support?
If you’re curious, cautious, or simply want help getting set up the right way, this service is for you. Contact us at [email protected] to set up a consultation.

Your support ensures that locals from keiki to kūpuna are not left behind in the shift toward a digital-first economy.

If our mission resonates with you, please consider:

➡️ Donate Here

Your kōkua directly funds:

Together we build generational wealth, digital capability, and community resilience.

Real progress doesn’t come from chasing trends. It comes from understanding them.

As blockchain, digital assets, and emerging technologies continue to shape how value moves and how ownership is defined, our communities deserve more than headlines and speculation. They deserve clarity, education, and agency.

At Blockchain in Paradise, our focus remains steady: helping local people build knowledge first so decisions are informed, intentional, and aligned with their values. When education leads, participation becomes empowerment rather than risk.

The future will move forward with or without us. The work we do today ensures Hawaiʻi moves forward prepared, grounded, and in control of its own narrative.

Mahalo for being part of this journey and for choosing to learn before you leap.