46th Maui Charity Walk Raises Over $1 Million for the 9th Year

WAILUKU, MAUI – (May 10, 2025) The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association (MHLA) celebrated its 46th year of giving back to the community with the annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk on Saturday, May 10th. With participation from individuals and service providers alongside restaurants, hotels and resorts, monetary and non-monetary support came from all sectors of the visitor industry. This year’s Charity Walk has raised an impressive total of $1.56 million so far that will directly benefit 68 Maui County nonprofit organizations.

With recent federal budget cuts, inflation, and the conclusion of wildfire relief programs, the need has never been greater. MHLA sends a big mahalo to the Presenting Sponsors for this year’s event: Southwest Airlines, Back of House Concepts, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, and HMSA.

Nearly 1,900 walkers took part in the 2.5-mile walk following messages from Councilmember Tasha Kama and the Mayor’s Office. Volunteer course marshals provided guidance, and Aid Station Sponsors provided cheers, water and goodies along the route. MHLA thanks its Aid Station Sponsors: VIP Foodservice, Premier Restoration, First Hawaiian Bank, Enterprise Rentals, Maui Condo & Home/Aqua-Aston, Queen Kaahumanu Center, Hawaii Petroleum, Kolea Hop Water, Central Pacific Bank and Sysco.

Following the walk, walkers and sponsors enjoyed a complimentary breakfast, treats, giveaways, and local entertainment, including a performance by Nuff Sedd. Mahalo to our Breakfast Sponsors: Fairmont Kea Lani, Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort, Sheraton Resort, World of Hyatt, Westin Resort, and Maui Soda & Ice Works.

Participants in this year’s Charity Walk included visitor industry employees, nonprofit agencies, business representatives and even some island visitors. Most organizations began their fundraising efforts months ago by collecting pledges from friends, family, hotel guests and neighbors. Fundraising events have included flea markets, lumpia and popcorn sales, golf tournaments, a fun run, and special dinners across the island. There was an on-air radio auction, and at on resort anyone could pay to dunk or pie hotel leaders. All proceeds from these fun events benefit the Charity Walk and Maui County.

In the race to make the biggest contribution, the Westin Maui Resort & Spa took top honors for hotel properties with $52,907 in donations received. VIP Foodservice raised the most in the business category at $22,276. Winning the award in the non-profit category was the Maui Humane Society team, which collected $354,237.

Non-profit Raising the Most Funds:

• 1st Place: Maui Humane Society: $354,237
• 2nd Place: Hale Makua: $125,967
• 3rd Place: Hale Kau Kau: $125,587

Business Raising the Most Funds:

• 1st Place: VIP Foodservice: $22,276
• 2nd Place: Maui Linen Supply: $5,129
• 3^rd Place: Pural Water Specialty Co: $2,600

Property Raising the Most Funds:

• 1st Place: The Westin Maui Resort & Spa: $52,907
• 2nd Place: Grand Wailea: $47,490
• 3rd Place: Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa: $41,346

“We are extremely grateful to our friends and colleagues in the hospitality industry for coming out today to support the community and this worthy cause. It was beautiful to see the spirit of Maui County today,” said John Pele, Executive Director of the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association. “During these turbulent times, to see the commitment made in support of these nonprofits is truly outstanding.”

The Charity Walk is the largest single-day fundraising event by a nonprofit in Hawaii, with walks held on Oahu, Kauai, Hawaii Island, and Maui. For sixteen consecutive years, Maui’s Charity Walk has brought in more funding than any other county, and for the ninth year in a row, has brought in over $1 million for Maui organizations. Funds will continue to be received until the end of May, and final amounts raised will be announced in late summer.

Media Credits: Pacific Dream Photography (Blink), Maui Photo Hub Photography, Recorded Broadcast by Akaku