Daryl Fujiwara

“The Foundation literally laid a foundation — good work ethic, showing up on time and being prepared with my costumes…on top of that, a stage presence and the confidence to perform in front of captive audiences. It wasn’t just dancing and perpetuation of culture, but the building of one’s self.  Professionals today don’t usually have this kind of training.”

Born and raised on Maui, Daryl Fujiwara graduated from Lahainaluna High School in 2001, continued his education at Chaminade University of Honolulu and received a degree in Communication Arts from Honolulu Community College.  Daryl is owner of Smythe Fujiwara Design, a one-person advertising firm (marketing, branding, event coordination, grant writing, management and social media).

Daryl also works as an executive assistant for council member Yuki Lei Sugimura. In 2014, he won the Hawaii Academy of recording Arts Na Hoku Hanohano award for Graphic Design.  His clients include the County of Maui, Maui County Farm Bureau, Kauhane Communications, Napili Kai Foundation, Maui Health System, Kalani Pe’a Music, LLC, Aha Hipuu, Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts, Hawaii Agritourism Association, GoFarm Hawaii and Miyake Concrete and Accessories. Fujiwara annually produces:  The Kamehameha Day Celebrations in Lahaina, the No Ka Oi Volleyball Tournament, the Maui Nui Canoe Race, Mele Mei Maui — the Na Hoku Hanohano Music Festival, Prince Kuhio Maui Ho’alaule’a, the Richard Ho’opi’i Falsetto Contest, the Emma Farden Sharpe Hula Festival and Festivals of Aloha. Daryl supports many non-profits, boards and committees.  He is immediate past president of the Maui AIDS Foundation, board president for the Maui Dance Council, Maui Commissioner for the King Kamehameha Celebration and Pelekikena Iho Nei (past president) for the Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club. Daryl is also a 2019 Fellow of the Kaipu Kukui leadership and intern program, which focuses on training Maui’s future leaders. (https://kaipukukui.com/2019-fellows/) January 2020