Past Honorees
The Five-Star Aloha Gala is our organization’s signature event and serves as a venue for honoring individuals and organizations with our Kulia I Ka Nu‘u (Strive for the Summit) Award for contributions in promoting the Aloha Spirit from Hawai‘i through Northern California and beyond. Below are past honorees.
2025
Kumu Hula Shawna Alapa‘i
2025
Kumu Hula Kawika Keikiali‘i Alfiche
2025
Kumu Hula Mark Keali‘i Ho‘omalu
2024
Hawai‘i Community Foundation
2023
Mana Up Hawaiʻi
2022 Lifetime achievement
Kumu Hula Patrick Makuakāne
2021
Chenoa Farnsworth, Blue Startups Hawaiʻi
2020
Sig Zane Designs
2019
Andy Bumatai
2018
Nainoa Thompson, Polynesian Voyaging Society
2017
Pacific Islanders' Cultural Association (PICA)
2016
Coach Dave Shoji
2015
Faith Thompson Ako
2015
Steven Espaniola
2015
Patrick Landeza
2014
Jan Yanehiro
2013
Chef Alan Wong
2012
Allan Ikawa, Big Island Candies
2011
Hawaiian Airlines
2010
Brothers Cazimero
2009
Chef Roy Yamaguchi
2008
Coach June Jones
2007
Wally Yonamine
2006
Chef Sam Choy
2005
Sara Sato
2005
Honorable William Fernandez (Ret.)
2005
Carlton D. Ka‘ala Carmack
2004
Takahashi Market
2004
Mary Bitterman
2003
Saichi Kawahara
2003
Vernon “Uncle Vern” Chang
2003
Kumu Hula Patrick Makuakāne