Blockchain in Paradise welcomes Zac Manafort, owner of Trading Aloha Solutions LLC, a Hawaii-based web3 marketing and blockchain consulting firm serving clients across DeFi protocols, layer-1 networks, and digital asset companies. He specializes in growth strategy, community development, and go-to-market execution for blockchain projects.
A 20-year US Army veteran with Special Operations experience, Zac transitioned to blockchain full-time in 2022 after serving on Ava Labs’ marketing team, where he contributed to ecosystem growth initiatives for Avalanche, a top-tier layer-1 blockchain network. At Ava Labs, he developed marketing strategies that helped drive adoption and expand the Avalanche ecosystem, which now supports billions of dollars in on-chain activity across DeFi, RWA, and enterprise applications. This experience in scaling a major blockchain platform informs his current consulting work, where he has advised and led marketing efforts for numerous web3 projects across stablecoin, DeFi, and RWA protocols.
Zac resides in Ewa Beach with his wife and two daughters. In his spare time he operates MilitaryRetirementCalc.com, providing financial education resources for service members nearing retirement.
a Talk Story Session on careers in Web3 with Kas Vegas. Mark your calendar for February 12 at Halau ‘Inana.
Kasandra Vegas is a Native Hawaiian innovator, Kamehameha Schools graduate, and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree for her leadership in blockchain and Web3. She has been a featured speaker at SXSW, Comic-Con, VeeCon, NFT NYC, and more, bridging culture, community, and emerging technology. A former national track and field athlete and NCAA Woman of the Year semifinalist, she is also a music artist with songs featured on Disney+, Hulu, ABC, and Amazon. Her diverse background fuels a mission to democratize knowledge and expand community-driven access in the digital age.
Talk Story Sessions are informal, community-centered conversations exploring how emerging technology like blockchain, Web3, and digital ownership can create real opportunities for Hawai‘i’s people and local economy.
These gatherings are designed to be approachable and inclusive. No pitches. No hype. Just honest dialogue with builders, founders, and community leaders who are actively working at the intersection of technology, culture, and impact.
Why Talk Story?
- To break down complex ideas into plain language
- To highlight real-world use cases, not speculation
- To connect local residents with people building in this space
- To explore how innovation can strengthen—not replace—community values
- To create space for questions, curiosity, and collaboration
Whether you’re new to Web3 or already working in the space, Talk Story Sessions are about learning together, sharing perspectives, and building relationships rooted in trust and transparency.
🗓 Thursday, March 12, 2026
🕔 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM HST
📍 Halau ‘Inana
2438 S Beretania St · Honolulu, HI
✨ Blockchain in Paradise Meetup group is all about blockchain. It’s more than just digital assets; it’s a dynamic movement. Whether you’re interested in blockchain as a store of value, a currency, a network, or the fascinating world of NFTs, this is where the game is changing and adapting to our ever-evolving world.
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