Business & Tourism
Hawai‘i’s economy, in all its complexities.
What do we talk about when we talk about ‘the economy’ in the Islands? We talk about the cost of living, the cost of doing business, what it takes to make Hawai‘i a place where people can succeed, where they can build a career or a business and afford to raise a family. We cover such issues as Hawai‘i’s efforts to maintain a strong, sustainable tourism industry, but also its attempts diversify the economy. We look at everything from small business success stories to major players such as Hawaiian Airlines and the hotel industry.
News

Hawai‘i businesses participating in specialty food trade show
More than a dozen makers will represent at the 2026 Winter FancyFaire*, a trade show organized by the Specialty Food Association that will be held Jan. 11 to 13 in San Diego.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 10, 2026

HMSA, Hawai‘i Pacific Health announce partnership plan
The leaders of these organizations say the proposed affiliation aims to improve access to care and address health care affordability in Hawai‘i
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 10, 2026

Parking lot improvements underway at Līhu‘e Airport
The state Department of Transportation says the work will help relieve some congestion in the airport’s public parking lot.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 07, 2026

Sentry gifts $1M to Maui nonprofits
Three local nonprofits benefited from The Sentry Insurance Foundation’s donation on Tuesday.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 07, 2026

Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow on her new role
Formerly the senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability at Alaska Airlines, Birkett Rakow was named CEO of Hawaiian in September and stepped into the position in late October. Aloha State Daily recently asked about her professional goals and the newly announced Kahu‘ewai investment plan.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 07, 2026

Hawaiian Airlines announces $600M investment plan
The Kahu‘ewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan includes investments over the next five years to modernize airport spaces, aircraft cabins and technology, expand loyalty benefits for Hawai‘i residents and continue "our deep investment in community and sustainability statewide," Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow said.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 06, 2026

Hawai‘i restaurants, Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana recognized on 10Best lists
USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for Best New Restaurants and Best New Attractions were announced Jan. 2.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 05, 2026

Small business owner with Hawaiʻi roots to open first store in Seattle
Born and raised on Oʻahu, Isaiah Corpus plans to launch Shop Kainalu, a Hawaiʻi inspired lifestyle and apparel brand, in Washington where he now lives. Corpus, a self-described ocean and beach enthusiast, discusses the details leading up to its spring debut, as well as his hope to open another retail store in his island home.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 03, 2026

Pipikaula Corner: Honolulu drinking, by the numbers
Honolulu Liquor Commission data details a billion-dollar business.
A. Kam NapierDecember 31, 2025

Items from Paradise Cove Lū‘au for sale at auction
Curtains close on the long-running attraction Dec. 31 — the closure making way for a planned redevelopment of the West O‘ahu property — but you can take a piece of the history home with you.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 31, 2025

Where to go for Fukubukuro this year
Meaning “lucky bag,” Fukubukuro is Japanese New Year custom where shops and merchants offer mystery bags at discounted prices. Here are a few places to check out.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 30, 2025

Wai‘anae entrepreneur kicks off Hawai‘i-inspired boot brand
Leather and Lei debuted in October with its Lehua collection, offering made-to-order boots “inspired by Hawai‘i’s natural beauty and the resilient spirit of paniolo and cowgirl heritage."
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 27, 2025