More than 400 local charities will be the beneficiaries of this year’s record-breaking Visitor Industry Charity Walk, sponsored by the Hawaii Lodging &Tourism Association.

The Charity Walk, which began in 1974, raised more than $2 million this year: $976,500 on Maui, $425,000 on Oahu, $290,000 on Hawaii island, $250,000 on Kauai, $40,200 on Molokai and $19,600 on Lanai. Last year the events on six islands generated $1.8 million and helped 300 groups.

“We now set an all-time high of $2 million. Our fundraising efforts are not pau with the charity walk. Money continues to roll in,” said Mufi Hannemann, president and chief executive officer of the Hawaii Lodging &Tourism Association, a nonprofit trade organization for lodging properties founded in 1947. “People still want to make donations. We expect our coffers to continue to grow.”

Hannemann said it’s too early to say which charities will benefit from the proceeds because some are still applying for grants that range from $250 to $10,000 on average.

The Oahu walk Saturday included nearly 7,000 participants and began at Ala Moana Park, proceeded through Waikiki and returned to the park.

“The visitor industry just posted its fourth consecutive year of solid growth, and this is one way for us to thank the people of Hawaii for their support of our industry by raising money that will directly benefit local charities,” Hannemann said. “All the money collected stays on the island it’s collected from. It will (go to) well over 400 (groups), especially since the word will go out that we were able to raise more money this year.”

Since its inception the Charity Walk has raised $30 million, including this year’s total, for local charities. Groups must be designated as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and be able to justify the use of funds. Decisions are made by the respective island chapters.