About the Event
Join us in honoring the extraordinary people who are transforming mental health care in our community. The Mental Health Mahalo Awards recognize outstanding leaders, advocates, and employers across six categories — celebrating those who are driving real change through innovation, compassion, and bold leadership.
But that's not all. In partnership with PBS Hawaii, we're proud to spotlight five remarkable students from across the state with the Student Voice Award. These young people have shown incredible courage by sharing their personal stories through PBS Hawaii's HIKI NŌ program — and their voices matter.
As Hawaii's oldest and most trusted mental health organization, Mental Health America of Hawaii has been the state's leading advocate for expanding access to care and ending the stigma surrounding mental illness.
2026 Mental Health Mahalo Awards
Nominations Open
Nominate your favorite mental health champion for an award and recognition in one of the categories below.
Awards will be given in the following categories:
-
Outstanding Community Mental Health Leader: An individual or community organization that has led significant advocacy initiatives or spearheaded innovative new programs that resulted in meaningful improvement to mental health, in Hawaii.
-
Outstanding Government Leader: A government employee, elected official, or government agency that has developed groundbreaking programs and/or spearheaded public policies that significantly promote mental health.
-
Outstanding Adult Mental Health Consumer Advocate: A person who has experienced mental illness and is a strong representative and advocate for improving mental health treatment and services and reducing discrimination.
-
Outstanding Youth Mental Health Advocate: A young person (24 years and under) who is a strong advocate for increasing awareness of mental health, improving mental health treatment and services, and reducing discrimination.
-
Outstanding Employer: An employer that provides innovative workplace programs to support employees' mental wellness and/or that hires people who have serious mental illness.
-
Outstanding Family Advocate: A person who has a family member with mental illness who acts as a strong advocate for family members and people with mental illness.
The deadline for nominations is March 21, 2026.
Previous winners, current Mental Health America of Hawaii staff and Board of Directors are not eligible for this award. Click here to see a list of previous winners.
Event Sponsors
Our Supporters
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors for their generous support and commitment to making this event a success. Their contributions play a vital role in ensuring a seamless and enriching experience for all attendees.
Get in Touch
