Get ready for 2026!
Are you the ONE (‘Ekahi)?
NACE Hawaii is proud to present the 4th Hawai‘i ‘Ekahi Awards, an extraordinary gala dedicated to honoring the exceptional achievements of wedding and event professionals across all industry categories over the past year. This prestigious event is more than just an awards ceremony—it’s a night of networking, celebration, and connection, bringing together talented professionals to foster a spirit of community over competition.
As a creative and resourceful professional, you’ve poured your passion into crafting unforgettable experiences for your clients. Now, it’s time for you to be recognized. This is your moment to shine, to stand out among your peers, and to be celebrated as one of the best in the industry. You deserve it!
Choice Awards Categories (Voted by the public)
Businesses are nominated and celebrated by fellow wedding and event professionals, industry peers, and the public, making these awards a true reflection of community recognition and excellence. Categories honor outstanding achievements across various specialties, including Venue of the Year, Photographer of the Year, and Caterer of the Year, along with distinctive accolades such as Company of the Year, the Rising Star Award, and more.
Best of all, there is no entry fee—nominees are selected solely based on merit, as recognized by those who know the industry best. This ensures that every nomination is a genuine acknowledgment of talent, dedication, and impact in the wedding, events, catering, and hospitality industries!
Venues
Indoor Venue of the Year
Outdoor Venue of the Year
Media & Production
Photography Company of the Year
Videography Company of the Year
Wedding Content Creator of the Year
Planning & Coordination
Wedding Planner of the Year
Corporate Event Planner of the Year
Entertainment
DJ of the Year
Emcee of the Year
Entertainment of the Year
Design & Decor
Floral Design Company of the Year
Event Design Company of the Year
Rental Company of the Year
Culinary & Beverage
Catering Company of the Year
Mobile Bar Service of the Year
Cake Bakery of the Year
Fashion & Beauty
Bridal Boutique of the Year
Hair & Makeup Company of the Year
Guest Experience
Officiant of the Year
Special Recognition
Rising Star Award
Company of the Year
Voting Process: The public will have the opportunity to cast their votes for each award category, helping to recognize the most outstanding professionals in the industry. Once voting concludes, the top five nominees in each category will be officially announced. The excitement culminates at the Awards Gala & Celebration, where the winners will be revealed and honored in a night of recognition and celebration!
Awards Categories (Judged)
Photo by Nick Pugay Photography
The Hawai‘i ‘Ekahi Awards proudly honor individuals in Hawai‘i who showcase exceptional planning, production, and execution of truly spectacular events. In each category, NACE award judges carefully select one outstanding winner—will you be THE ONE to take home the top honor?
Winners from our local award categories will also have an exciting opportunity to compete on a national stage at the NACE One Awards, held every summer. This is your chance to gain prestige, recognition, and industry-wide acclaim beyond Hawai‘i!
(Eligible for the national awards, NACE One Awards)
The judges for the following categories are a group of selected NACE Chapter Board Members from other states.
ENTRY FEES
nace hawaii Members: FREE
General public Entry: $125
For criteria of the categories or any questions, please email us at nacehawaii@gmail.com
Other Awards
nace Member of the Year
The "NACE Member of the Year" award honors a dedicated member whose active participation, leadership, and contributions at both the local and national levels have significantly impacted NACE. This recognition celebrates those who go above and beyond in their involvement, demonstrating a strong commitment to the growth, success, and advancement of the association and its members.
The Dianna k. shitanishi legacy award
The Dianna K. Shitanishi Legacy Award celebrates an individual or business that has demonstrated exceptional dedication, service, and commitment to the community. This prestigious honor recognizes those who have consistently given back, supporting multiple local causes and making a lasting impact not only in the industry but also in the lives of those they serve. It is a tribute to a lifetime of generosity, leadership, and unwavering support for the betterment of Hawai‘i.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Entries & Nominations Open:
August 2026
Nominees Announced + Online Voting:
September 2026
Stay tuned for more information on the Awards Ceremony & Gala!
Awards Ceremony & Gala Celebration at Generations Ballrooms
Thursday, October 22, 2026
Questions? Email us at nacehawaii@gmail.com