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.
Small Business
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.
Hawaii Entrepreneur Awards 2023
Profiles of many of the year’s most successful and intrepid entrepreneurs, investors and innovators.
Hawaii Entrepreneur Awards 2023: People's Choice Award
Chosen by our local community via an online poll conducted by Hawaii Business Magazine.
Hawaii Entrepreneur Awards 2023: Student Entrepreneur of the Year
Honoring a younger member of the innovative community who has a passion for learning and the tenacious spirit of an entrepreneur.
Hawaii Entrepreneur Awards 2023: Ag/Clean Tech Entrepreneur of the Year
An entrepreneur and company whose technology supports a greener future or helps farmers with innovative agricultural practices.
Hawaii Entrepreneur Awards 2023: Startup Paradise Champions
Someone who consistently contributes to the success of Hawai‘i’s innovation community.
Hawaii Entrepreneur Awards 2023: Corporate Intrapreneur of the year
Honors someone who works in a large organization but advocates for innovation and entrepreneurial thinking.
Hawaii Entrepreneur Awards 2023: Island Innovator of the Year
Celebrating innovations that help Hawaiʻi solve a major problem in the community, the ocean or the ʻāina.
Hawaii Entrepreneur Awards 2023: Deal of the Year
Recognizes the local company that received the largest financial deal in the past year
Hawaii Entrepreneur Awards 2023: Investor of the Year
Individual or entity that has invested substantially in the Hawai‘i startup ecosystem.