| Category | Description | Example |
| Anime of the Year | Determined by overall elements of animation. This includes the best music, best animation, best characters, best storyline, overall flow, the flow of story arc, and popularity. | |
| Manga of the Year | Determined by overall elements of a manga. This includes best artwork, drawing, best characters, best storyline, overall flow, the flow of story arc, and popularity. | |
| Best Local Cosplay | Determined by creativity and quality of material, and how close it is to the source material. (may be purchased or handmade) | |
| Best Male Stand Out Anime Character | Best fictional male character (ex. Goku, Krillin) determined by power or look or changes while going through the anime. | |
| Best Female Stand Out Anime Character | Best fictional female character (ex. Asuna) determined by power or look or changes while going through the anime. | |
| Best New Hawaii Artist | Best local artist that is known for drawing anime must be a newcomer and not have any published works where they are making a living off animation. | |
| Best Hawaii Artist Vendor of 2016 | Local Hawaii vendor that has participated in an event from 2016 onward. Determined by work, reviews, popularity, and variety offered. | |
| Best Anime In Transition (from Japanese to English) | Determined by best-dubbed version of the anime. Mainly focused on voice actor casting and music where viewers prefer the dubbed over the subbed. | |
| Best Animated Film Japan | Film format that is movie length with one over-arching story. Determined by visual quality, sound, story, and popularity. (Released in Japan) | |
| Best Animated Film America | Film format that is movie length with one over-arching story. Determined by visual quality, sound, story, and popularity. | |
| Hawaii’s Favorite Place for Anime Things | Shop that carries anime-type products and sells them and locally in the state of Hawaii. | |
| Hawaii’s Favorite Site for Anime | Legitimate company to watch anime based off of user experience, subscription rate, and popularity | |
| Best Anime YouTuber | Youtuber that you enjoy watching explain anime | |
| Best Hawaii Anime YouTuber | Youtuber that you enjoy watching explain anime locally | |
| Best Japanese Food in Hawaii for Anime Goers | Local Japanese food that people love. | |
| Best Animation Education Program | Best current education program to learn animation or get in the field of the anime industry. | |
| Best Opening Song for an Anime | Catchy tunes compels you to watch the anime, memorable, or talk about with friends. At the beginning of the anime. | |
| Best Closing Song for an Anime | Catchy tunes compels you to watch the anime, memorable, or talk about with friends. At the end of the anime. | |
| Best Musical Composition/Score in Anime | Music used within an anime that helped to create a climax or instill emotion during a high point of the story. |
