46th Maui Visitor Industry Charity Walk raises more than $1 million for the ninth year

This year’s Maui Visitor Industry Charity Walk drew nearly 1,900 volunteers who pounded 2.5 miles of pavement along Kaʻahumanu Avenue Saturday to raise $1.56 million for 68 Maui County nonprofit beneficiaries.

“We are extremely grateful to our friends and colleagues in the hospitality industry for coming out today to support the community and this worthy cause. It was beautiful to see the spirit of Maui County today,” said John Pele, executive director of the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association. “During these turbulent times, to see the commitment made in support of these nonprofits is truly outstanding.”

The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association celebrated its 46th year of the event of giving back to the community. Participants included individuals, service providers and residents who work in restaurants, hotels and resorts. Monetary and in-kind support came from all sectors of the visitor industry.

“With recent federal budget cuts, inflation and the conclusion of wildfire relief programs, the need has never been greater,” said an announcement of the event results.

Event sponsors included Southwest Airlines, Back of House Concepts, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and HMSA. Course marshals and Maui police officers offered guidance along the course, and aid station sponsors were VIP Foodservice, Premier Restoration, First Hawaiian Bank, Enterprise Rentals, Maui Condo & Home/Aqua-Aston, Queen Kaʻahumanu Center, Hawaiʻi Petroleum, Kolea Hop Water, Central Pacific Bank and Sysco.

After finishing the course, walkers and sponsors enjoyed a complimentary breakfast, treats, giveaways and local entertainment, including a performance by Nuff Sedd.

Breakfast sponsors were Fairmont Kea Lani, Westin Kaʻanapali Ocean Resort, Sheraton Resort, World of Hyatt and Maui Soda & Ice Works.

Honors for the largest contribution among hotel properties was $52,907 from the Westin Maui Resort & Spa. Second place went to the Grand Wailea with $47,490, followed by Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa with $41,346.

VIP Foodservice brought in the most in the business category with $22,276. Second place was Maui Linen Supply with $5,129, and third went to Plural Water Specialty Co. with $2,600.

And, in the nonprofit category, the Maui Humane Society team collected $354,237, followed by Hale Mauka with $125,967 and Hale Kau Kau with $125,587.

The Charity Walk is the largest single-day fundraising event by a nonprofit in Hawaiʻi. Walks also are held on Oʻahu, Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island. For 16 consecutive years, Maui’s Charity Walk has brought in more donations than any other county.

Donations will continue to be received until the end of this month. Final amounts of funds raised will be announced in late summer.