2026 Mayor’s Small Business Awards set for Oct. 21

The Maui Chamber of Commerce will host the 2026 Mayor’s Small Business Awards from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 21 at the King Kamehameha Golf Club Waikapu Ballroom. 

Registration is required for this Academy Awards-style event honoring Maui small businesses. Tickets may be purchased at MauiChamber.com by clicking on the Events page. Meals are $125 per person if purchased on or before Oct. 9. Ticket prices rise to $150 thereafter.

“Enjoy a fun-filled night of networking, celebrating small businesses, making new contacts,” the Chamber said in an announcement. Refunds can be made available before Oct, 14. 

The winner for each category will be announced at the event, but all nominees will be honored. 

“We’re proud to recognize this year’s outstanding small business nominees and the meaningful contributions they make to our community,” said Maui Chamber President Pamela Tumpap. “From creating jobs and supporting local families to embracing innovation and delivering exceptional service, these businesses are helping strengthen Maui County’s economy and build a more resilient future.”

Nominees for each category

Exceptional Small Business of the Year (10 or fewer employees) 

• Aloha Primary Care Physicians & Associates – Dr. Rosario Guzman
• Anytime Fitness Pukalani – Sean Higuchi
• Makai Power Systems Inc. – John Cano
• Maui School for Strings LLC – Roy Binder
• Soley Aloha Boutique & Gallery – Stu & Billie Soley
• Sparky’s Food Company – Duke Sparks

Exceptional Small Business of the Year (11 to 39 employees) 

• FAM Clothing LLC – Daython & Zhorein Galicinao
• Valley Isle Excursions – Jimmy Hutaff

Outstanding Nonprofit Business (100 or fewer employees) 

• J. Walter Cameron Center – Cesar Gaxiola
• Hale Kau Kau – Rev. William Kunisch
• Maui Hub – Autumn Ness

Young Small Businessperson of the Year (Under the age of 40 as of Sept. 19, 2024)

• Tiara Kobayashi – Tiara Koba Designs LLC
• Courtney Hoopii – Ka’imi Co.

Lifetime Achievement Award (for any company doing business in Maui County for more than 20 years, with up to 100 employees)

• Hi-Tech Maui, Inc. – Kimberly “Kim” Ball
• Kula Lodge & Restaurant Inc. – Sion & Stephanie Vojdani
• The Hana Lava Tube – Chuck Thorne

The Mayor’s Small Business Awards recognizes outstanding businesses in our community that have 100 or fewer employees. Other criteria include demonstrating business leadership in a changing economic environment, creating a quality work environment for their employees, exhibiting the Aloha Spirit and exemplary customer service, developing partnerships with other sectors of the community, and showcasing other exceptional qualities or traits. 

The Maui County Office of Economic Development supports the event along with American Savings Bank.  

For more information and available sponsorships, visit MauiChamber.com or contact the Maui Chamber of Commerce at 808-244-0081 or office@mauichamber.com.