All in the Family
Established family businesses keep Hawaiʻi moving through the generations.
Entrepreneurs are known for contagious creativity that drives innovation and helps businesses respond to changing markets, a trait that sometimes runs in the family. Here are just a few local family businesses that continue to meet the needs of our communities. Life in the islands would be very different without them.
T&C Surf – 1971
Photo: courtesy of Hawaii National Bank
Craig Sugihara founded Town & Country Surf Shop 52 years ago in an old Pearl City barbershop. Fueled by passion for surfing and $3,000 in start-up capital, T&C evolved into a multifaceted lifestyle brand and industry icon. Despite global success, Craig and his son Ryan are proud to still be one of Hawaii’s only locally-owned and -operated surf companies.
Royal Kitchen – 1971
Photo: courtesy of Hawaii National Bank
When Royal Kitchen opened in Chinatown Cultural Plaza with the vision of bringing baked manapua to Honolulu, residents weren’t accustomed to manapua that wasn’t steamed. Fifty-two years later, these baked buns are a local favorite. Today, Royal Kitchen bakes over 2,000 manapua each day, and any leftovers are frozen and donated to local ministries.
Eight Point Distributors – 1975
Photo: courtesy of Hawaii National Bank
Michael and Judith Sakamoto founded Eight Point to expand on Judith’s parents’ hard work growing their Honolulu produce store. Now run by their son, Mike Sakamoto Jr., this true family business has grown, delivering many frozen and refrigerated foods across Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii Island. Their success is rooted in a desire to bring Hawaii residents the food that feeds their families.
Hawaii National Bank – 1960
Photo: courtesy of Hawaii National Bank
Founded by Honolulu businessman K.J. Luke, run by son Warren Luke, and now with grandson Bryan Luke at the helm, Hawaii National Bank has grown to ten locations across Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island. While its products and services have kept pace with technology and digital innovations, one thing has not changed: a philosophy of highly personalized service that keeps the banker in banking, helping local businesses and customers like those above thrive.
Learn more at HawaiiNational.bank
