​46th Maui Charity Walk Breakfast Honors Beneficiaries and Participants

WAILUKU, MAUI – On Friday, August 1, the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association (MHLA) hosted a Maui Charity Walk Allocation Reception Breakfast at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa where a total of $1,758,242.31 was distributed to seventy-six nonprofit beneficiaries of the Maui County Charity Walk that took place on May 10. Statewide, the Visitor Industry Charity Walk raised over $2 million with walks on Kauai, Hawaii Island, Oahu and Maui. For 15 consecutive years, Maui has raised more dollars per capita than any other island, and this year was no exception as donations increased 13.5% compared to 2024.

Charity Walk Co-Chairs, Selawe Tau, Hotel Manager of Westin Maui Resort & Spa and Eric Duff, General Manager of Hyatt Vacations Club at Kaanapali, presented Silver Slipper Awards to the top teams in several categories based on walk-day results. In addition, the second and third place fundraising organizations were each honored with a plaque.

Top Fundraisers - Business

1^st place Silver Slipper: VIP Foodservice $22,276

2^nd place: Maui Linen Supply $5,129

3^rd place: Pural Water Specialty Company $2,600

Top Fundraisers - Property

1^st place Silver Slipper: Westin Maui Resort & Spa $52,907

2^nd place: Grand Wailea $47,490

3^rd place: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort $41,346

Top Fundraisers – Nonprofit

1^st place Silver Slipper: Maui Humane Society $354,237

2^nd place: Hale Makua $125,967

3^rd place: Hale Kau Kau $125,587

Best Decorated Booth Silver Slipper: Fairmont Kea Lani

Best Aid Station Silver Slipper: VIP Foodservice

In his comments at the reception, Mayor Richard Bissen expressed gratitude to the visitor industry for its high level of participation in the Charity Walk. He also noted that Maui continues to be the leader in the annual fundraising year after year. Also present at the breakfast was Councilmember Tom Cook.

“We are extremely proud of the effort the visitor industry has once again made in support of our community,” said Charity Walk Co-Chair, Selawe Tau. “The record 1,900 participants and volunteers is a testament to their dedication, and the funds raised this year will be invaluable in moving our island forward.”

Eric Duff, Charity Walk Co-Chair, echoed these sentiments stating, “It has been an incredible honor to serve as Co-Chair for this year’s 46^th Annual Maui charity Walk, alongside my good friend Selawe. Witnessing our community raise $1,771,390 and come together at the Appreciation Breakfast – with businesses, hotels, and nonprofits all united in purpose – was a moving reminder of the island’s aloha sprit. It’s what makes Maui so special.”

(The difference in amount of funds distributed to nonprofits and the total amount amount raised and mentioned by Duff is accounted for because some of the funding was used for processing fees and other administrative expenses.)

The 2026 Maui Charity Walk, is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026. The community is invited to sign up starting in October by visiting the Maui Hotel and Lodging Association website, mauihla.org.

Beyond the Visitor Industry Charity Walk, MHLA contributes to numerous causes and nonprofits through year-round giving. MHLA most recently sponsored the Get Out the Vote community event and is supporting the Made in Maui County Festival in November. To support MHLA efforts like these, or to sign up for the 2026 Maui Charity Walk visit mauihla.org.