05/14/2026
In conjunction with events held on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, and Hawaiʻi Island, the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association marked 47 years of community giving with its annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk on Saturday, May 9.
Donations came from individuals and service providers from all sectors of the visitor industry, local businesses, and Maui community members offering both monetary and non-monetary support.
Preliminary results from this year’s Charity Walk show an impressive total of $1.62 million raised in Maui County to directly benefit more than 74 Maui County nonprofit organizations. This “day-of” total broke last year’s record, however, funding is still being accepted until May 31. The final tally for this year’s event will be available Aug. 7 at the awards ceremony to be held at Fairmont Kea Lani.
A performance by Maui Taiko and Zumba from Maui’s Keoni Manuel warmed up the crowd. Following remarks from Mayor Richard Bissen, nearly 2,000 individuals demonstrated their support for local nonprofits by taking part in the 2.5-mile walk, surpassing previous year’s attendance counts. Participants in this year’s Charity Walk included visitor industry employees, nonprofit agencies, business leaders, and even some island visitors. Council Members Yuki Lei Sugimura, Tom Cook, and Kauanoe Batangan were also in attendance. Volunteer course marshals ensured a safe and organized route, while Aid Station Sponsors provided cheers, water and goodies.
After the walk, participants enjoyed a complimentary breakfast, treats, giveaways, and local entertainment, including a performance by Hammah House Band.
Proceeds from these fun events benefit the Charity Walk, and all money raised stays in Maui County. Top fundraising honors were awarded across multiple categories. The Grand Wailea took top honors for hotel properties with $52,272 raised. VIP Foodservice led the business category with $33.047, and winning the award in the non-profit category was the Hale Kau Kau team, which collected $217,469.
For a full list of nonprofits benefitting from this year’s event visit mauihla.org.
Mahalo to all the sponsors of the 2026! 📸 &
