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The Best of Small Business in Hawaiʻi

Meet 13 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 2.

JUMP TO PROFILES

Profiles written by Ryann Coules, Kathryn Drury Wagner, Chavonnie Ramos and Vicki Viotti

Photography by Nicholas Smith, Nani Welch and Aaron Yoshino

Mahalo for supporting this year's Best of Small Business in Hawaiʻi program

This feature was supported financially by Central Pacific Bank. The companies were chosen by Hawaii Business Magazine‘s editorial staff, and profiles were written and then edited by the editorial staff.

Meet Your Award-Winning Small Businesses of 2024

Kona Boys Leads Big Island Visitors on Ecotours on and in the Water

Kathryn Drury Wagner,

2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Co-CEOs Frank Carpenter and Brock Stratton are working to protect Kealakekua Bay’s natural and cultural treasures.

Still & Moving Center Focuses on Mindful Movement for All Ages

Ryann Coules,

2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Renee Tillotson opened her Kaka‘ako studio after falling in love with Nia, a holistic fitness practice.

A-1 Auto Repair Wins Loyal Customers with Honesty and Reliability

Kathryn Drury Wagner,

2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Owner Bubba Smith, a former Navy aircraft-engine mechanic, works on everything from Hondas to Ferraris.

Fernandez Entertainment Has Brought Fun to Hawai‘i for 121 Years

Kathryn Drury Wagner,

SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Awards Hall of Fame: CEO Linda Fernandez oversees a large family enterprise founded by the “Barnum of the Pacific.”

Noh Foods Blends the Flavors of Asia into Sauces and Seasoning Mixes

Vicki Viotti,

SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Awards Hall of Fame: Raymond Noh took over the small family business in 1983 and turned it into a global food brand.

GoLeanSixSigma Trains Teams Across the Globe to Quickly Improve Processes

Chavonnie Ramos,

2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: CEO and founder Karlo Tanjuakio operates his successful online training business from its Wai‘anae headquarters.

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Enviroservices & Training Center Helps Clients Navigate Complex Environmental Rules

Vicki Viotti,

2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: From a two-person startup, founders Mike Yee and Gregory Perry built an environmental consulting firm with global reach.

East West Marketing Imports Filipino Food Products with the “Taste of Home”

Chavonnie Ramos,

2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Melody Calisay started selling dry foods from her car to support her doctoral studies. It’s now a $4 million business.

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Simonpietri Enterprises Turns Demolition and Construction Waste into Energy

Kathryn Drury Wagner,

2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: President Joelle Simonpietri helps supply O‘ahu with renewable gas and jet fuel, with new ventures on the way.

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Fly Shuttle & Tours Is Rapidly Growing, But the Owners Still Get Behind the Wheel

Vicki Viotti,

2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Brothers Tim and Thai Lai started with two vans and now oversee a giant fleet, tire sales, a repair shop and more to come.

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535 Plumbing Offers High-Quality Repairs, with No Surprises

Ryann Coules,

2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Founder Shane Mizusawa says service costs are “very transparent and upfront.” Some are even free.

Lights On Helps Independent Hotels Manage the Business Side of Hospitality

Kathryn Drury Wagner,

2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: CEO Will Song and President Patrick Ahler use revenue management and digital marketing to keep rooms filled.

Symbrosia Harvests Seaweed in an Innovative Strategy to Slow Climate Change

Ryann Coules,

2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Founder Alexia Akbay says its nutritional supplement for livestock dramatically cuts their methane emissions.

Central Pacific Bank is proud to champion Hawaii’s vibrant small business community.

We understand that a thriving local economy relies on the dreams and hard work of entrepreneurs. That’s why we offer dedicated resources and personalized support to help small businesses reach their full potential. For 70 years CPB has celebrated diversity! We were founded to be the bank for all of Hawaii’s people because we understand that a strong local economy is built on a strong foundation of diverse businesses. No other Hawaii bank offers more comprehensive support for small business owners than CPB. We offer heartfelt congratulations to all our small business owners who fuel innovation, create jobs, and add their unique flavors to our communities. We also thank them for their passion and commitment to their craft. When small businesses succeed, the entire community benefits. Let’s continue building a brighter future, together.

Mahalo,

– Arnold Martines, President & CEO, Central Pacific Bank

The Best of Small Business in Hawaiʻi

Mahalo for supporting this year's Best of Small Business in Hawaiʻi program

Meet Your Award-Winning Small Businesses of 2024

Central Pacific Bank is proud to champion Hawaii’s vibrant small business community.

Previous Best of Small Business Award Winners