From the mom-and-pops to the largest employing thousands of workers, Hawaii's seasoned businesses have paved the way during Hawaii's first 50 years as a state. The cultural diversity that has created Hawaii's unique environment has also flavored its business community, creating a strong, varied economic base.

When we asked for help in compiling a list of businesses that have been here for at least 50 years, readers responded quickly and enthusiastically with e-mails, letters and phone calls. We received many more than we have been able to acknowledge in this publication.

We have tried to compile a cross section of businesses that reflect our community. Some longtime businesses fall into predictable groups that appear under general headings: financial companies, hospitals and retailers. We also spotlight interesting and, in some cases, one-of-a-kind enterprises. In addition, there are many stand-alone photos of a varied group of businesses—what makes these companies especially valuable is their proprietors.

In the end it is the extraordinary people who have made all the companies in these pages survivors.