Mo’ Money, No Problems: Visitor Industry Walk Raises Major Cash

The Big Island’s steps of support netted $360,000.

And counting.

The Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association kicked out this weekend the totals raised during the organization’s 43rd Visitor Industry Charity Walk, which raised $2.2 million statewide that will be distributed to local nonprofit organizations across the Aloha State.

This year’s Charity Walk, which was held simultaneously in four counties on Aug. 20, had more than 5,000 people participate across the state. The Big Island event took place at Waikōloa Beach Resort, Queens’ MarketPlace, and was the organization’s first, in-person Charity Walk since 2019.

“While there was some uncertainty surrounding Charity Walk this year, we are pleased to see that the aloha spirit remains strong in our community,” said HLTA President & CEO Mufi Hannemann, in a press release issued Sunday. “To top $2 million in our first year back to a live event is amazing, and it really speaks to how important Charity Walk is to so many people.”

Maui led the way in money raised with $1.05 million. Kaua‘i followed with second most at $456,000, followed by O‘ahu, $360,000 and Hawai‘i Island with $360,000. But the organization also reported that donations are still coming in, so those figures aren’t even final.

“Maui has again led the way with a strong showing, raising just over a million dollars this year,” Hannemann added. “Kudos are also in order for the Garden Isle for a great Charity Walk cycle during which they raised $456K. And a hearty round of applause for Hawai‘i Island and O‘ahu for their efforts in bringing in over $350,000 apiece.”

While the Big Island finished fourth in the county order this year, it has raised through the annual effort more than $5.6 million to support hundreds of diverse non-profit organizations on the island since 1979, according to Craig Anderson VP Operations, Mauna Kea Resort and Hawai‘i Island Charity Walk Chair.