Hawaiʻi Excellence in Business Awards 2025
Hawaii Business Magazine hands out corporate awards for outstanding performance in business success, innovation, and community impact. Companies were feted in September for excellence in categories of Corporate Citizen, Non-Profit, Family-Owned, Women-Owned, and Sustainability.
The world’s most admired companies often start small.
Jeff Bezos launched Amazon out of a garage. Bill Gates and Paul Allen built Microsoft with secondhand computers in a cramped workspace. Jensen Huang, cofounder of Nvidia, once cleaned toilets at a Denny’s while putting himself through school — before leading his company to a $4 trillion valuation.
What these stories show is that greatness isn’t defined by how you start, but by the vision, ingenuity, and impact you create along the way. True excellence combines innovation, leadership and a commitment to the people and communities you serve.
This year, Hawaii Business Magazine launched the first Excellence in Business Awards to spotlight that same spirit in Hawaiʻi. These awards are designed to recognize organizations that have achieved measurable success while also strengthening their employees, industries, and communities.
How Honorees Were Selected
In this inaugural year, companies and nonprofits across the state were invited to share why they should be recognized as one of Hawaiʻi’s most excellent businesses. Applicants submitted essays of up to 500 words highlighting their stories of success, growth, and community impact.
They were asked to reflect on:
- Financial success and growth
- Employee engagement, retention, and workplace culture
- Community impact and philanthropy
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion practices
Alongside their essays, organizations submitted business details and contact information. A panel of editors and advisers then carefully reviewed every submission, looking for not only strong numbers but also the leadership, creativity, and values-driven practices that distinguish truly excellent businesses.
The 2025 Honorees
The first class of Excellence in Business honorees represents the diversity and resilience of Hawaiʻi’s economy. From family-owned plumbing companies to global hospitality brands, from tech innovators to cultural nonprofits, these organizations are united by their commitment to excellence.
Among the honorees:
535 PLUMBING LLC, a family-run business delivering reliable, sustainable plumbing solutions across Oʻahu, guided by aloha, kuleana, and laulima.
ALOHA COLLECTION, which brings Hawaiian culture to life through fashion and lifestyle products while fostering local artisan partnerships.
BAYADA HOME CARE, providing compassionate in-home healthcare services for families across the islands.
BEAUTY WORKS STUDIO, a locally owned salon emphasizing skill, service, and community connection.
BOWERS + KUBOTA CONSULTING, a leader in architecture, engineering, and construction management, delivering projects that strengthen Hawaiʻi’s communities.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HAWAII, celebrating 175 years as the Voice of Business, strengthening Hawaiʻi’s economy through advocacy, workforce development, and civic engagement.
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY, delivering trusted real estate services with a focus on community investment and sustainable growth.
CORTEVA AGRISCIENCE, advancing agriculture with innovative solutions that support Hawaiʻi’s farmers and sustainability goals.
FAMILY MEDIATION HAWAII, fostering harmony and conflict resolution for families across the islands.
HAWAIʻI TALENT ONBOARDING PROGRAM (HITOP) BY MOVERS & SHAKAS, streamlining workforce integration for new hires while strengthening local businesses.
IQ 360, a nationally recognized consultancy pairing world-class strategy with Hawaiʻi values of humility, respect, and community.
JANI-KING HAWAII, providing commercial cleaning services with a focus on quality, reliability, and workforce development.
JAPAN-AMERICA SOCIETY OF HAWAII, promoting cultural understanding and partnership between Hawaiʻi and Japan.
KAHALA NUI, a healthcare and senior living organization prioritizing wellness, compassion, and community engagement.
MAUNA LOA HELICOPTERS, delivering unforgettable experiences while emphasizing safety, sustainability, and island stewardship.
MID-PACIFIC PEST CONTROL OF HAWAIʻI, a family-founded, locally rooted company safeguarding homes, businesses, and communities with trusted pest management solutions across multiple islands.
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL HAWAIʻI, guiding families and businesses with financial planning solutions while fostering local growth and community impact.
OCEAN SPORTS, a multi-generational ocean recreation company combining entertainment, education, and workforce development.
OUTRIGGER HOSPITALITY GROUP, a hospitality leader integrating cultural stewardship, guest experiences, and community engagement.
TAIKOBO HAWAII INC / MAUNA KEA SUNSET TOUR, delivering immersive cultural and natural experiences while promoting sustainability.
TERRAFORMATION, advancing reforestation and environmental restoration initiatives across Hawaiʻi.
UHA HEALTH INSURANCE, offering accessible healthcare coverage while supporting community health programs.
WAI ORG INC (DBA WAI: WASTEWATER ALTERNATIVES & INNOVATIONS), creating sustainable water solutions to protect Hawaiʻi’s natural resources.
THE SYSTEMCENTER, a trusted commercial furniture dealership with 50 years of expertise in creating beautiful and functional workspaces.
Just as Amazon, Microsoft, and Nvidia remind us that world-changing companies can emerge from humble beginnings, Hawaiʻi’s first class of Excellence in Business honorees prove that innovation, vision, and community-minded leadership define true greatness — right here in the islands.
