About Maui Hometown Guru

Maui Hometown Guru is a celebration of community — a showcase of the businesses, professionals, and experiences that shape everyday life across our island.

As the companion site to Best of Maui, the annual Readers’ Choice Awards presented by The Maui News, this platform highlights the outstanding individuals and establishments recognized by Maui residents for their excellence and service.

In this inaugural year, the Best of Maui contest invited the community to share its voice — nominating and voting for the restaurants, shops, services, and events that define what it means to live and thrive on Maui. Each year, this tradition will continue, preserving the island’s favorites while spotlighting new standouts that capture the heart of our community.

Here, visitors will find a curated list of contest winners, finalists, and top-five vote-getters, reflecting the trusted opinions of Maui locals. Whether you’re a resident seeking a new favorite or a visitor discovering island gems, Maui Hometown Guru serves as your guide to the best of the best.

Understanding Contest Recognition

Each business page includes colored tags identifying its Best of Maui status — Gold for Winner, Silver for Finalist, and White for Top 5 — along with the year awarded. A red “Closed” tag marks businesses that have since closed, recognizing their past contributions to the local community.

Accuracy and Updates

While every effort is made to ensure listings remain current, Maui’s business landscape evolves constantly. Users are encouraged to suggest updates by clicking “Suggest an Edit” on individual business pages.

Contact Us

For general inquiries or site feedback, please reach out to support@ogdensharedservices.freshdesk.com.

With each passing year, Maui Hometown Guru will continue to grow — honoring the achievements of local businesses, strengthening community connections, and celebrating the people and places that make Maui extraordinary.

Use of AI-Assisted Summaries

We may use AI tools to assist in generating informational summaries using publicly available business information. All AI-assisted content is reviewed by our staff and is used for informational purposes only. We use AI as a support tool to enhance efficiency while maintaining editorial standards — not as a replacement for human judgment. Our goal is to present clear, fair, and consistent information while honoring the integrity of the businesses recognized by our community. If a business believes its summary requires correction or updating, we welcome outreach and are happy to review requested changes.

Together, let’s celebrate local pride, support small businesses, and keep shining a light on the people and places that make Maui truly no ka oi — the best!