Deputy Director of Maui Hotel & Lodging Association Naomi Cooper (from left, Charity Walk Co-Chair Eric Duff, general manager of the Hyatt Vacation Club at Kāʻanapali Beach; Maui County Council member Tom Cook; Slipper Award Winners on behalf of Maui Humane Society; Slipper Award Winners on behalf of Fairmont Kea Lani; Slipper Award winners on behalf of VIP Foodservice; Mayor Richard Bissen; John Pele, executive director of Hotel & Lodging Association, Co-Chair Selawe Tau, hotel manager of The Westin Maui Resort & Spa; and Josh Hargrove, general manager of The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, stand for a photo after it was revealed that the 2025 Charity Walk raised a record $1.7 million in donations. Photo courtesy Maui Hotel & Lodging Association

It was a record-breaking day for island charities and their benefactors Aug. 1 as The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association held a special reception breakfast at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa celebrating the 46th annual Maui County Charity Walk, which raised an unprecedented $1.75 million for 76 nonprofit organizations.

This year’s fundraising marked a significant milestone, with a 13.5% increase in donations compared to 2024. For the 15th consecutive year, Maui led all other Hawaiian islands in per capita fundraising. Statewide, the Visitor Industry Charity Walk, with events on Kauai, Hawaii Island, Oahu and Maui, raised more than $2 million.

Charity Walk Co-Chairs Selawe Tau, manager of Westin Maui Resort & Spa, and Eric Duff, general manager of Hyatt Vacations Club at Kāʻanapali, presented Silver Slipper Awards to the top teams in several categories.

The second and third place organizations in each category also received plaques.

The top fundraising businesses were VIP Foodservice ($22,276), Maui Linen Supply ($5,129) and Pural Water Specialty Company ($2,600).

The top fundraisers in the property category were Westin Maui Resort & Spa ($52,907), Grand Wailea ($47,490) and Hyatt Regency Maui Resort ($41,346).

The Maui Humane Society ($354,237), Hale Makua ($125,967) and Hale Kau Kau ($125,587) were the top fundraisers among nonprofits.

Special awards included the best decorated booth, which went to the Fairmont Kea Lani, and best aid station, which was claimed by VIP Food Service.

Mayor Richard Bissen expressed his gratitude to the visitor industry for its high level of participation and noted Maui’s continued leadership in the annual fundraising effort. Maui County Council member Tom Cook was also in attendance.

“We are extremely proud of the effort the visitor industry has once again made in support of our community,” Tau said. “The record 1,900 participants and volunteers is a testament to their dedication, and the funds raised this year will be invaluable in moving our island forward.”

Eric Duff echoed the sentiment, praising the island’s spirit of aloha.

“Witnessing our community raise $1,771,390 and come together at the appreciation breakfast with businesses, hotels and nonprofits all united in purpose was a moving reminder of the island’s aloha spirit,” Duff said. “It’s what makes Maui so special.”

The next Maui Charity Walk is scheduled for May 9, 2026. Those interested can sign up to participate starting in October at mauihla.org.