In 1974 the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association sponsored a charitable "Superwalk" to benefit one major charitable organization.  Over the years, the HHLA's annual walk has grown to become one of the largest single day fundraising events by a non-profit organization in the State of Hawaii.  In 1978, Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association members voted to extend the reach of this decision.  Since its inception in 1978, over $20 million has been raised and helped hundreds of local charities throughout the State.  Last year over 190 local charities statewide received monies from the Visitor Industry Charity Walk.  The Charity Walk funding goes to help not only our co-workers, but also our friends, family and neighbors too. 

The CHARITY WALK's theme for 2009 is BACK IN THE PLANTATION DAYS...  The CHARITY WALK is a statewide event on the Big Island, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu that happens on the 3rd Saturday in May to raise monies for local charities. We encourage you to invite your co-workers, family, friends and business associates to participate in a morning of fun, food and a little exercise, all for our local charities.  All are welcome to join us for a morning of food, fun and a bit of exercise.  You DO NOT have to be a part of the visitor industry to participate.

As in the past, we will continue to support our island's local charities who help to make a difference.  The allocation recipients for 2009 have not yet been determined, nor are the charities pre-selected prior to the walk to receive funding.  Each year, non-profit organizations who are 501 (c)(3) are eligible to request funding from the monies raised during the Charity Walk.  This includes corporations, associations, foundations, schools and organizations.  This is the ONLY time we consider allocating funds to charities or organizations.  We also require that all funds received from our CHARITY WALK must be spent within the State of Hawaii to benefit primarily the residents of the City/County the funds were raised in.  Allocations will be considered on basis of donation impact and may vary widely in scope and size.  Allocations from the Visitor Industry Charity Walk are complete funding for any approved project and are NOT a source of guaranteed continuous funding. 

To apply, applications for funding from the Visitor Industry Charity Walk are available on-line at www.hawaiihotels.org from March 1 each year for all of the counties.  Please note that you must apply to each county separately, and each county's application and deadlines differ.  All Charity Walk Allocation Applications are updated annually.  The Hawaii Hotel Industry Foundation will not make any exceptions for late requests or applications. 

Remember, you do not have to work in a hotel or be part of the visitor industry to participate in the Visitor Industry Charity Walk. Anyone can walk. The CHARITY WALK is the only walk in the state where you can actually gain weight by helping to raise monies for our local charities