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The Best of Small Business in Hawaiʻi

Meet 13 local companies that create, repair, innovate, feed, entertain, sustain and thrive. Two are new inductees to the Hawai‘i Small Business Hall of Fame.

We’ll publish one new profile a day starting on May 2.

JUMP TO PROFILES

Profiles written by Ryann Coules, Kathryn Drury Wagner, Chavonnie Ramos and Vicki Viotti

Photography by Nicholas Smith, Nani Welch and Aaron Yoshino

Mahalo for supporting this year's Best of Small Business in Hawaiʻi program

This feature was supported financially by Central Pacific Bank. The companies were chosen by Hawaii Business Magazine‘s editorial staff, and profiles were written and then edited by the editorial staff.

Meet Your Award-Winning Small Businesses of 2024

Mana Cruises and Charters Operates Three Small Vessels in Waikīkī and Ko Olina

Savvy Andrews,

2025 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Co-founders Jacob Kahiapo and Mash Hatae want to be “exemplary models of responsible tourism.”

Picket Fence Florist: A Place for Flowers, Friends and Family

Roxana Jimenez,

2025 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Owner Sadie Akamine has spent five decades in the “very emotional business” of flowers.

Service Printers Hawaii Still Flourishes Despite a Challenging Market

Savvy Andrews,

2025 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Mother-and-daughter team Kathy and Jodie Yamashiroya run the family business – Hawai‘i’s only union printing shop.

Family Mediation Hawaii Helps Divorcing Couples Focus on What’s Best for Kids

Cynthia Sweeney,

2025 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Owner Katie Bennett’s background in law and sociology helps her navigate custody issues.

Kaimuki Auto Repair Offers Straight Talk and Fair Prices

Ally Whaley,

2025 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Owner and mechanic Alan Nakamura works to earn customers’ trust in the family business.

Jams World Features Colorful Textiles Turned into Unique Clothing

Laurel Galvin,

2025 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award Hall of Fame: Pua and Heather Rochlen run the family business started in 1964, with six stores across three islands.

B. Hayman Offers Industrial Mowers and Strong Customer Service

Ally Whaley,

2025 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: President Al Kakazu says his main job is to make the customers’ job easier.

Roy Sakuma Ukulele Studios Shares the Joy of Music with All Ages and Abilities

Laurel Galvin,

2025 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Roy and Kathy Sakuma operate four studios on O‘ahu, and would “never say no to any parent.”

Nisshodo Candy Store Blends Local Favorites with New Flavors

Laurel Galvin,

2025 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award Hall of Fame: Michael and Ursula Hirao make and sell mochi and other Japanese treats from their Iwilei facility.

Natsunoya Tea House Has Been a Gathering Spot for More Than a Century

Vicki Viotti,

2025 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Awards Hall of Fame: Lawrence Fujiwara is the third-generation owner of this historic landmark in ‘Ālewa Heights.

Lonohana Estate Chocolate Is Committed to Ethical Farming and Manufacturing

Savvy Andrews,

2025 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Co-founders Lawrence Boone and Seneca Klassen grow cacao trees on O‘ahu’s North Shore for their chocolate bars.

Central Pacific Bank is proud to champion Hawaii’s vibrant small business community.

We understand that a thriving local economy relies on the dreams and hard work of entrepreneurs. That’s why we offer dedicated resources and personalized support to help small businesses reach their full potential. For 70 years CPB has celebrated diversity! We were founded to be the bank for all of Hawaii’s people because we understand that a strong local economy is built on a strong foundation of diverse businesses. No other Hawaii bank offers more comprehensive support for small business owners than CPB. We offer heartfelt congratulations to all our small business owners who fuel innovation, create jobs, and add their unique flavors to our communities. We also thank them for their passion and commitment to their craft. When small businesses succeed, the entire community benefits. Let’s continue building a brighter future, together.

Mahalo,

– Arnold Martines, President & CEO, Central Pacific Bank

The Best of Small Business in Hawaiʻi

Mahalo for supporting this year's Best of Small Business in Hawaiʻi program

Meet Your Award-Winning Small Businesses of 2024

Central Pacific Bank is proud to champion Hawaii’s vibrant small business community.

Previous Best of Small Business Award Winners