When most people think of a federal contractor, they picture suits, spreadsheets, and a whole lot of red tape. But stands apart for its mission-driven approach.
(NHO)-owned family of companies headquartered in Hawaiʻi, with a growing office in Denver.
It supports federal agencies across five lines of business: .
Nakupuna is majority-owned by the Nakupuna Foundation, a nonprofit NHO committed to advancing the Native Hawaiian community through STEM education, scholarships, and career development.
Each contract directly supports this mission, motivating employees to create meaningful impact.
“What sets us apart is how we integrate innovation with execution,” said Suzanne McDonald, the executive overseeing HR at Nakupuna.
“Our teams embed emerging technologies, data-driven approaches, and cross-functional expertise into each engagement, allowing us to solve problems more efficiently and adapt to evolving mission needs.”
Innovation is central to Nakupuna’s identity
Government agencies operate in a rapidly changing environment, and the solutions they need today may look very different from what they will need tomorrow, McDonald says.
This environment encourages the company to look beyond immediate tasks and seek long-term value for its clients.
Nakupuna established Nakupuna Labs (NLabs), a dedicated space for exploring emerging technologies, automation, and process improvements to enhance mission outcomes and keep customers ahead of industry trends.
“We view innovation as a practical extension of service delivery. It is focused on solving real problems, increasing efficiency, and helping our customers stay ahead of evolving demands,” McDonald says.
“This mindset enables us to deliver not just on today’s requirements, but on what comes next.”
Colorado plays vital role in Nakupuna’s growth
Nakupuna is expanding its presence in Colorado by investing in local talent, strengthening relationships with federal customers and industry partners, and positioning its Denver team to provide responsive, mission-focused support.
Supported by Nakupuna’s enterprise capabilities, this approach delivers integrated solutions while maintaining the accessibility and accountability of a local partner.
Colorado’s talent pool is a significant asset, offering expertise in technology, engineering, and mission support services.
The region’s expanding innovation ecosystem, concentration of federal agencies, and strengths in infrastructure and cybersecurity create an ideal environment for supporting agencies with complex, mission-critical needs.
“Colorado provides meaningful career opportunities alongside a high quality of life,” McDonald says.
“It is a place where professionals can grow, collaborate, and stay connected to impactful work while maintaining balance.”
No. 2
Years named: 2
Founded: 2003
Headquarters: Honolulu, Hawaii
Employees: 1,300, with 50 in Colorado
Facts: The Nakupuna Companies consist of eight small businesses owned by a Native Hawaiian Organization that provides IT, logistics, and environmental services.
