SM Hawaii

SM Hawaii is a public relations and communications agency based in Honolulu, United States, that has been operating since 2007. The firm is particularly active in the nonprofit, government, and for-profit sectors within the state of Hawaii. Unlike many traditional PR agencies, SM Hawaii (formerly known as Social Marketing Hawaii) positions itself as a communications and advocacy hub, with a stated focus on creating behavior-based communications, marketing, and policy change. The agency’s team brings together more than 80 years of combined experience, which has been applied to some of the largest campaigns and legislative efforts in the state.

Services and Specialties

SM Hawaii’s core work revolves around public relations and communications services, but with a distinct emphasis on social marketing and advocacy. The agency’s approach is grounded in applying marketing principles to achieve social good, rather than solely commercial profit. Based on their stated methodology and industry focus, likely services provided by SM Hawaii include:

• Strategic communications planning and messaging
• Public relations and media relations
• Social marketing campaign development
• Advocacy and legislative campaign management
• Behavior change communications
• Research and evaluation for measurable outcomes
• Marketing strategy for nonprofit and government clients
• Crisis communications and issue management
• Digital and content marketing
• Community outreach and stakeholder engagement

These services are designed to help clients achieve tangible results, whether that means shifting public behavior, influencing policy, or raising awareness around a social issue. The agency’s experience spans large-scale campaigns for nonprofits, government agencies, and for-profit entities across Hawaii.

Methodology and Approach

What distinguishes SM Hawaii from other PR firms is its explicit commitment to social marketing—a discipline that originated in the 1970s and focuses on using universal marketing techniques to drive social change. The agency describes its work as socially conscious, evidence-based, and forward thinking. This means that every campaign is built on sound research, with strategies designed to reduce barriers and enhance the benefits associated with a product or desired behavior. SM Hawaii aims to create measurable outcomes, ensuring that clients can see the impact of their investment. Additionally, the firm emphasizes future-proofing its work, striving to make campaigns that are effective today and remain relevant over time. This long-term perspective is particularly valuable for clients working on complex social issues or policy shifts that require sustained public engagement.

Location and Local Expertise

Based in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States, SM Hawaii has deep roots in the local community and a strong understanding of the state’s unique cultural, political, and social landscape. The agency’s office is located at an address in the 96816 zip code of Honolulu. This local presence is a significant advantage for clients who need to navigate Hawaii’s specific policy environment, build relationships with key stakeholders, or craft messages that resonate with diverse island populations. Having worked on some of the largest campaigns and legislative efforts in the state, SM Hawaii’s team knows how to operate effectively within Honolulu’s media and advocacy circles. For organizations looking to make a difference in Hawaii—whether through public health initiatives, environmental campaigns, or legislative advocacy—SM Hawaii offers a combination of local knowledge and professional communications expertise that is difficult to replicate from outside the state.

SM Hawaii is best suited for organizations—particularly nonprofits, government agencies, and socially conscious businesses—that need more than standard PR. If your goal is to change behavior, influence policy, or drive measurable social impact in Hawaii, this agency’s evidence-based, forward-thinking approach could be a strong fit. Their team’s collective experience and focus on social marketing make them a practical choice for clients who value research-driven strategies and long-term results.