Pacific Edge Gala 2026 Winners

Lifetime Achievement Award
- Noe Noe Wong-Wilson, PhD
- Lālākea Foundation
Young Professional of the Year
- Kyle Watase
  - Mark Development, Inc.
- Stratton Wright
  - Paradise Inspections
Business Executive of the Year
- James “Jim” Polk
- Bank of Hawai‘i
Sustainability and Conservation in Hawaii
- Beth Amaro
- Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative
Best New Business
- Bert Takita, Andrew Balmores, Dustin Deniz
- Sun Source Power
Best Family-Run Business
- Kuan Yuan, Trudy Yuan & Kasey Komeiji
- Elite Mechanical Inc.
Social Media Influencer of the Year
- Brad Mira
- @unkoholicspupus
Native Hawaiian-Owned Business
- Haunani Miyasato
- Kaulana Mahina
Hospitality Executive of the Year
- Aaron J. Salā, Ph.D.
- Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau
Woman Leader of the Year
- Shauvon Young
- Aloha Ladies Social Club
- Terra Foti
- RUSHwahine
Best Real Estate Company or Agent
- Richard M. DeGutis
- Golden Pineapple Group
Healthcare Leader of the Year
- Sondra Leiggi-Brandon
- The Queen’s Medical Center, Kahi Mohala & Behavioral Health and Medicine, The Queen’s Health Systems
Non-Profit Impact of the Year
- Island Pacific Academy (IPA)
Innovative Tech Company of the Year
- Pierce Young
- Civic Nexus
Best Restaurant of the Year
- Lane Muraoka
- Big City Diner
Pacific Edge Man of the Year
- Duane DeSoto
  - Nā Kama Kai
- Max Mukai
  - Hawaiian Council

Publisher’s Choice Awards

Best Innovative Small Business of the Year
- Tina Wang
- Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya
Commitment To Green
- Fred Brooks
- Pacific Panel Cleaners
Future CEO Award
- Alissa Bautista
- Rosendin
Pacific Edge Trailblazer of the Year
- Puamakamae DeSoto
- Actions of Aloha
Young Visionary of the Year
- Coen Cadinha
- Keiki Rise
Franchise Development Professional of the Year
- Adam Bogucki
- StretchLab
Entrepreneur of the Year
- Ky Vuong
- Key Fitness Hawaii
Outstanding Community Achievement
- Dr. Vivien Tham
- Pacific Vision Institute of Hawaiʻi

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS

About the Business Achievement Awards

Pacific Edge Magazine is a premier business and lifestyle publication that shines a spotlight on Hawai‘i’s rising business stars, visionary entrepreneurs, and accomplished executives who drive innovation and success across the islands. The magazine serves as a platform for sharing stories of ambition, perseverance, and triumph, while also fostering connections within the local business community.

In 2008, Element Media and Pacific Edge introduced the Pacific Edge Business Achievement Awards, an annual program designed to celebrate the remarkable contributions, creativity, and leadership of Hawai‘i’s thriving business community. This initiative highlights individuals and organizations that exemplify excellence, innovation, and a commitment to shaping the state’s economic future.

The inaugural Pacific Edge Magazine Business Achievement Awards Gala took place in 2011 as part of the publication’s fifth-anniversary celebration. The sold-out, red-carpet, black-tie affair brought together over 100 nominees and set the stage for what has become one of Hawai‘i’s most prestigious and eagerly anticipated events. Year after year, the gala continues to honor the island’s most influential leaders, while fostering collaboration and inspiring the next generation of innovators. More than just an awards ceremony, it has become a cornerstone event that underscores the magazine’s commitment to celebrating Hawai‘i’s business excellence and community spirit.

Pacific Edge Magazine Business Achievement Awards Gala Wednesday, September 23, 2026 05:30 PM - 09:00 PM

Exclusive Hotel Rate for Pacific Edge Magazine Gala Guests. Reserve Your Room Here.

Pacific Edge Magazine proudly invites you to celebrate at the prestigious annual Business Achievement Awards, taking place on September 23, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa in the Regency Ballroom

Winners will be announced during the program. All finalists must attend the gala, or please send a representative in your place!

Sponsorships and Reserved tables, or any questions about the gala, please reach out to Marissa at social@elementmediahi.com.

Individual tickets are $285 each. Guests will be seated at a table, but to be seated together, tickets must be purchased as a group, or you must email Marissa at social@elementmediahi.com. Finalized table numbers will be on your name tags. (This is for which table you will be seated at)

Please plan to make a statement in your finest formal/black tie red carpet outfit! Please come dressed to impress! We will be doing a best dressed contest, and there will be two winners!

A tentative schedule for the evening is as follows:

5:15 – 6:30PM: New Networking Opportunity

5:30 – 6:30PM: Registration/Check in/ Networking

6:30PM: Finding your seats

6:45 PM: Plated dinner served

7:00 PM: Program recognizing event sponsors and featured finalists / Live Auction / Best Dressed

Additional Information and Tips

Bar Service: Complimentary Drink per person (Glass of wine, Beer, or Soft drink) after a no-host bar
Parking: $10.00 for self-parking / $15.00 for valet parking (Guest to pay on their own with event validation)
Name Tags: We will print name tags two days before the event. Any last-minute name changes will be accommodated with handwritten tags.

Dinner will be served as a plated three-course meal.

Please let us know if you are a vegetarian/vegan. You will not be able to change to a vegetarian option on the day of!

FIRST COURSE

Waipoli Green Salad, Cucumber, Cherry Tomato, Papaya

Seed Dressing

SECOND COURSE

Teri Sirloin Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Chef’s Choice of Seasonal Vegetables

DESSERT

House-made Mango Cheesecake

Vegetarian / Vegan / Gluten Free entrée

Mushroom and Kale Ravioli

Sundried Tomato Pesto, Edamame, Ali’i Mushrooms, Roasted Garlic, Crushed Walnuts, and Pea Shoots

Vegetarian / Vegan / Gluten Free Dessert

Molokai Sweet Potato Haupia, Fresh Berries, and Toasted Shaved Coconut

Join the conversation online using our event hashtags: #PEMgala2026 and #PEMgala.

No Refunds & No tickets sold at the door