Winners announced for the 2026 Annual Mayor’s Small Business Awards

The Maui Chamber of Commerce announced the winners for the 2026 Mayor’s Small Business Awards. 

The winners are as follows:

• Courtney Ho’opi’i, owner of Ka’imi Co – Young Small Business Person of the Year
• Hale Kau Kau led by Program Director Shawn Michelle Wallen – Outstanding Nonprofit Business
• Maui School for Strings with owner Roy Binder – Exceptional Small Business of the Year (10 or fewer employees)
• FAM Clothing with owners Daython and Zhorein Galicinao – Exceptional Small Business of the Year (11 to 39 employees)
• Hi-Tech Maui, Inc. with owner Kimberly “Kim” Ball for the Lifetime Achievement Award (for business active in Maui County for more than 20 years)

The Maui Chamber of Commerce’s annual Mayor’s Small Business Awards recognizes outstanding businesses, both for profit and nonprofit, in our community that have 100 or fewer employees. All nominees and winners were honored at an awards ceremony on Oct. 21, 2026 at the King Kamehameha Golf Club Waikapū Ballroom. 

“We are proud to recognize this year’s Mayor’s Small Business Awards winners and highlight the remarkable contributions they make to Maui County,” said Pamela Tumpap, President of the Maui Chamber of Commerce. “Each of our winners and nominees represents the dedication, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit that strengthen our local economy. Their commitment to their businesses and our island reflects the very best of Maui and the Aloha Spirit.”

Tumpap added, “Small businesses continue to navigate a changing economic landscape, facing challenges while finding new opportunities to grow and serve our community. This year’s honorees demonstrate what makes Maui’s business community so special—the determination to move forward, the willingness to adapt, and a genuine commitment to the people they serve. We congratulate all of this year’s winners and nominees and encourage residents to support these local businesses, whose success helps keep Maui Nō Ka ʻOi.”

Mahalo to the County of Maui, Mayors Office, and the Office of Economic Development for supporting this event, to our sponsor American Savings Bank, and the judges who reviewed each nomination. 

The Maui Chamber of Commerce encourages everyone to start thinking about the outstanding small businesses, young businesspeople, nonprofits, and lifetime business leaders they know and love. Next year’s Mayor’s Small Business Awards will be held in the fall of 2027 with nominations released in the early summer. To find out about nominating someone for next year’s awards program, please contact the Maui Chamber of Commerce at 808-244-0081 or office@mauichamber.com.