20 for the Next 20: Nominate Local Emerging Leaders

Each year, Hawaii Business Magazine honors 20 individuals whose accomplishments, leadership and potential set them apart as rising stars in our community. We call them “20 for the Next 20: Hawai‘i’s People to Watch.” now we’re looking for the class of 2026, and we’d love your help.

Nominate someone by Nov. 22 at hawaiibusiness.com/20-for-the-next-20-nominations. Each year we get more than a hundred nominations and consider each one, but only those selected will be contacted. No need to flood us with multiple nomination forms for a single person; that strategy does not influence us.

Honorees will be profiled in the magazine’s March 2026 print issue and online at hawaiibusiness.com.

“Our past honorees, all emerging leaders poised to make a lasting impact, have been described as energetic, entrepreneurial, visionary, collaborative and deeply committed to Hawaiʻi’s future.” They come from every sector: business, nonprofits, education, the arts, public service, law, tech and beyond.

Nominees must be no older than 49 on March 1, 2026. We do not consider elected officials or candidates for elective office, and self-nominations will not be considered.

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR NOMINATION:

Name and role of the nominee

Accomplishments at work and in the community

What sets them apart and why they’re an emerging leader of Hawai‘i

Your name and contact info, along with your relationship to the nominee

Nominee’s contact information

This article appears in the September 2025 issue of Hawaii Business Magazine.