50 Years of MacNaughton: Building Beyond Real Estate

MacNaughton's commitment to Hawai'i has always extended beyond the buildings we develop or the properties we manage. For five decades, our work has been guided by a broader belief: that strong communities are built through stewardship, education, and long-term investment in people and place.

As we celebrate MacNaughton's 50th anniversary, we are reflecting not only on what we've created, but on what we've helped sustain-from Hawai'i's natural beauty to educational opportunities that open doors for future generations.

A Legacy Rooted in Stewardship

A deep respect for Hawai'i's environment has long been part of the MacNaughton family ethos. That legacy began with Duncan MacNaughton's mother, an active member of The Outdoor Circle, one of Hawai'i's most respected environmental organizations dedicated to protecting the islands' natural beauty and public spaces.

Her example helped shape a lasting sense of kuleana that continues to influence the company today.

Both Duncan MacNaughton and Brett MacNaughton have served on the board of The Nature Conservancy of Hawai'i, supporting efforts to preserve native ecosystems, protect natural resources, and promote sustainable stewardship across the islands.

That commitment has also been reflected in the company's projects themselves. Park Lane Ala Moana was honored with an Outdoor Circle award recognizing thoughtful design and landscaping that contributes positively to Hawai'i's built and natural environment-a reminder that development and stewardship can, and should, coexist.

As Hawai'i continues to evolve, MacNaughton remains committed to helping protect the qualities that make these islands extraordinary for future generations.

Expanding Access Through Education

Supporting education has long been part of MacNaughton's commitment to Hawai'i-not simply through donations, but through active involvement in programs and organizations that help create opportunity for local students and families.

Over the years, MacNaughton's leaders have supported a wide range of educational initiatives across the state, from early childhood education and public school enrichment programs to mentorship, scholarships, and workforce development opportunities for underserved youth.

The company's support for Teach For America Hawai'i has spanned the organization's entire 20-year history, helping strengthen educational equity and leadership development in communities across Hawai'i.

Duncan MacNaughton also served as an early board member of Lawakua, a martial arts and educational scholarship program serving children from Kuhio Park Terrace public housing in Kalihi. More recently, MacNaughton Foundation established a $500,000 donor-advised fund at Hawai'i Community Foundation to support educational and community initiatives throughout the islands.

MacNaughton has also supported organizations focused on youth development and career pathways. A $200,000 gift to Kupu Hawai'i helped fund a commercial kitchen supporting hands-on youth education and sustainability programming.

Members of the MacNaughton team have additionally volunteered and served on the boards of various schools and educational nonprofits across Hawai'i, while advocating for greater access to financial aid, enrichment programs, and mentorship opportunities for local students.

When Emily Su-lan Reber Porter became a trustee of Punahou School, she established her family's own financial aid fund after a conversation with her children about expanding access to educational opportunity.

That same philosophy continues to guide MacNaughton's broader approach to educational giving today: investing in programs that help young people across Hawai'i grow, thrive, and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.

Looking Ahead

For 50 years, MacNaughton has believed that long-term success is measured not only by what a company builds, but by the impact it leaves behind.

Whether through environmental stewardship, educational access, or community investment, our goal has always been to help strengthen Hawai'i for generations to come.

That commitment remains as important today as it was when the company was founded-and it will continue to guide us into the future.