The visitor industry raises $69,176 for education and workforce programs

Thirty-six teams formed by hotels and hospitality businesses, in addition to Maui Hotel & Lodging Association member donors, raised a net total of $69,176 at the 29th Annual Excellence in Education Golf Tournament.

The funds will go to the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism which funds the Maui Junior Golf Association, scholarships to high school graduates, UH Maui college students, and supports workforce development programs.

The fundraiser presented by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits took place on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at the Wailea Golf Club Blue Course followed by an awards luncheon at Manoli’s Restaurant.

“Helping younger generations to find their path in life is such a rewarding cause,” said co-hosting sponsor, Aaron Placourakis, owner of Manoli’s and AMP Restaurants. “The visitor industry is a great place to start a career and find community.”

“We’re proud to support MHLA’s Excellence in Education Golf Tournament again this year. It’s always one of our favorite days; a chance to get out from behind our desks, share some laughs with colleagues we’re lucky to call friends, and do it all for a cause that matters,” said Garrett Marrero, CEO & Co-Founder, Maui Brewing Co. “Every dollar raised invests in Maui’s keiki and the future of our island’s hospitality ‘ohana. Mahalo to MHLA for bringing us all together.”

The 2026 top finishing teams were the Wailea Golf Club – Gold Team, Cooling Systems Maui, Market Advantage, Four Seasons Wailea, Sheraton Maui – Team 2, Blue Hawaiian Activities, Sheraton Maui – Team 1, Berlien & Co, Wailea Golf Club – Sponsor Team, and Hyatt Regency Resort. For more information on the annual event, visit the MHLA website.

“Wailea Golf & Tennis is once again honored to have hosted the Excellence in Education Golf Tournament,” Dave Ulm, General Manager, Wailea Golf & Tennis. “As the hosts property and a sponsor for this event, we are honored to help raise funds for education on Maui and continue to support this important cause.”

Sponsors of this year’s fundraiser included the Title Sponsor; Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Platinum Sponsor; Waste Pro Hawaii, Awards Luncheon Sponsors; AMP Restaurants and Maui Brewing Co., Allied Brand Sponsor; Kona Brewing Hawaii, Promotional Sponsor; Market Advantage, Breakfast Sponsor; Back of House Concepts, Coffee Sponsor; ELCCO, Jr. Golf Bento Sponsor; Harmer Communications, DJ Booth Sponsor; AC Hotel Wailea & Residence Inn, Hole Sponsors; Premier Restoration, Swinerton Builders, ProService Hawaii, and Berlien & Co. Additional sponsor teams included, Wailea Community Association, OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach, Fairmont Kea Lani, VIP Foodservices, Rider Levett Bucknall, Wailea Golf Club, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, Andaz Wailea, First Hawaiian Bank, Four Seasons Wailea, Elements Hospitality, Cooling Systems Maui, Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, Allana Buick & Bers, Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, Westin Kaʻanapali Ocean Villas, Coral Tree Residences, and Hyatt Regency Maui. Additional sponsors who donated to the AOHT cause include, Trilogy Excursions, Maui Ocean Center, Coconuts Café, Blue Hawaiian Activities, Pacific Dream Photography, Enterprise, the Kaʻanapali Ocean Resort Foundation. 

Students interested in receiving support from AOHT may visit the MHLA webpage to learn more about available programs.