Mana Cruises and Charters Operates Three Small Vessels in Waikīkī and Ko Olina
2025 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Co-founders Jacob Kahiapo and Mash Hatae want to be “exemplary models of responsible tourism.”
The Best of Small Business in Hawaiʻi
Meet 11 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 9.
Profiles by Savvy Andrews, Laurel Galvin, Roxana A. Jimenez, Cynthia Sweeney, Vicki Viotti and Ally Whaley
Photography by Aaron Yoshino
Picket Fence Florist: A Place for Flowers, Friends and Family
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Small Business Success!
Aloha,
From old-school diners to innovative companies, local businesses improve the health and economic longevity of our island communities. Mahalo to Hawai‘i’s entrepreneurs for your hard work and dedication. A special congratulations to the amazing small business owners recognized in this noteworthy issue of Hawaii Business!
Caring for the people we serve has been HMSA’s mission since we opened our doors in 1938. We’re proud to carry on this legacy in serving our members and employers for 87 years and counting. Whether you’re a small or large business, HMSA has you and your employees covered with quality health plans and excellent customer service.
To learn more, call us at (808) 948-5555 or visit us at an HMSA Center near you. HMSA is here for the good times, for the tough times, for lifetimes. We look forward to working with you.
Mahalo,
Mark M. Mugiishi, M.D., F.A.C.S.
President and Chief Executive Officer
HMSA