Hawaii Entrepreneur Awards 2024
Profiles of 27 winners and finalists who are making a difference in startup paradise.
Small Business
These Eco-Friendly Surfboards Are Made from Invasive Trees
Bizia Surf sources unwanted albizia wood to make alaias and other hand-crafted boards.
This Protea Farm on Maui Is Still Going Strong
At Malolo Farm in Kula, Ali Minney and her family have supplied florists with the winter-blooming flowers for decades.
Turning Hawai‘i’s Flowers into Glass Art You Can Wear
Glass artist Arlie Pemberton creates her jewelry with 2,200 degrees of heat.
To Get to X with Their Ideas, Hawai‘i Entrepreneurs Turn to preX
The virtual “master class” run by XLR8HI is helping people launch and scale their businesses.
“Leiolani” Comes to Life on a Massive Wall at Pālama Settlement
JT Ojerio of Aloha de Mele painted one of the 70 murals at the Hawai‘i Walls festival in Kalihi.
Dipped by Dee Satisfies the Most Voracious Sweet Tooth
The owner of the ‘Aiea shop started making chocolate-dipped strawberries as a Valentine’s Day treat when she was still in high school.
Fujikami Florist Has 104 Years of Experience Expressing Emotions Through Flowers
SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Awards Hall of Fame: Eileen Miura continues a proud family legacy at Hawai‘i’s oldest florist in Downtown Honolulu.
Tip Top Motel, Café & Bakery Preserves a No-frills, Family Atmosphere on Kaua‘i
SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Awards Hall of Fame: Fourth-generation owner Jonathan Ota maintains the spirit of the original Līhu‘e breakfast spot started in 1916.
Aloha Revolution Turns a Small Online Store into a Major Shirt Brand
2023 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Owner Ed hopes to spread his aloha with unique designs and special fundraiser shirts.
Islander Sake Brewery Produces Traditional Sake with Some Local Flavors
2023 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Chiaki Takahashi and Tama Hirose operate Hawai‘i’s only licensed sake brewery and a new sushi restaurant.
Island Pet Movers Is Happy to Transport Your Aardvark
2023 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Owner Kari Mendoza’s company moves 5,000 pets a year, and sometimes more exotic creatures.
For Women Entrepreneurs: Expert Advice, Original Data and a New Conference
This one-stop package helps Hawai‘i women overcome the challenges of launching and sustaining their businesses.
Keaau Filipino Food Store Offers Specialty Products and Freshly Made Desserts
2023 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Maria Tereza Gacula and Mitchell Gacula expand the small-town grocery started by their parents in Puna.
Creative Design Hawai‘i Thrives Making Branded Merch for Local and Mainland Companies
2023 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Owner Tiana Gamble wants to keep breaking down “the barriers of expectations.”
Missing Home, the Chefs of Istanbul Hawaii Recreate the Flavors of Turkey
2023 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Mother and daughter team Nilgun Yildirim and Ahu Hettema source local ingredients at their Kaka‘ako restaurant.
Waltz Engineering Finds Its Niche in Industrial Laundry Equipment and Boiler Plants
2023 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Owners Dick and Lorinda Waltz serve Hawai‘i, Pacific islands and U.S. Navy bases around the world.
Wasabi Tours Hawaii Introduces Visitors to the Big Island’s Natural Beauty
2023 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: This top-ranked company focuses on small-group tours and low-impact experiences, says co-founder Jay Geng.
Hawaii Veterinary Vision Care Treats Cats, Dogs, Tigers and Rhinos
2023 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Dr. Maya Yamagata specializes in eye health and vision for an unusual array of patients.
Inspired by the Past, Kōloa Rum Co. Is Innovating for Modern Tastes
2023 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: President and CEO Bob Gunter says the premium Kaua‘i-made rum is sold in 32 states and internationally.
Guieb Café Overcomes Pandemic Odds to Open Three Restaurants on O‘ahu
2023 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Founder Ernesto Guieb finds success with favorites like ube mascarpone pancakes and adobo fried rice omelets.
Shaka Guide Takes Drivers on Immersive Audio Tours of the Islands
2023 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Co-founder Andrew Fowers says the phone app tours are like “podcasts on steroids.”
This Nonprofit Helps Kaua‘i’s Farmers Start Up and Grow
Mālama Kaua‘i’s network increased sales by almost 6% in a year, with one farmer reaching six figures.