2016 Charity Walk Raises a Record-Breaking $2M!

Mahalo to everyone who helped make this year's Charity Walk a record-breaking success!

The record number of visitor arrivals to Hawai‘i took a back seat to the record-breaking 2016 Visitor Industry Charity Walk, which concluded its statewide campaign on May 21 on Oahu.

The Charity Walk, sponsored by HLTA as a benefit for local charities, topped $2 million this year, besting last year’s $1.8 million. The walks, which bring together HLTA chapters, member hotels and businesses, and other sponsors, are held on six islands. Funds raised on each island this year were:

Hawai‘i Island: over $300,000
Kaua‘i: over $250,000
Lana‘i: over $19,600
Maui: $976,500
Moloka‘i: over $40,200 
O‘ahu: $425,000 and counting
Statewide total: over $2 million for local nonprofit organizations across the state. 

Oahu's Charity Walk, which included over 6,600 participants, began at Ala Moana Park, proceeded through Waikiki via Kalakaua Avenue, and returned to the park. The event featured food and refreshments at stops along the route, entertainment, and door prizes.  Uncle Tom Moffatt was the honorary chairperson.  Dean Nakasone, HLTA chairperson-elect and general manager of Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, served as the Charity Walk chair.

The Charity Walk began in 1974 when the Hawai‘i Hotel Association, predecessor of the HLTA, organized a “super walk” to benefit a major charity. In 1978, the association expanded the event to be a statewide fundraiser for numerous local charities. Since its inception, the Charity Walk has now raised $30 million, including this year’s total.  All the donations stay in Hawai‘i and benefit local charities exclusively.

VIEW MORE PHOTOS HERE!

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