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

Here's what's new at Ala Moana Center
The shopping center has welcomed six new tenants with more opening soon.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 26, 2025

What's next for Vance Roley
Roley, the long-time dean of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Shidler College of Business, announced earlier this month that he'll step away from the role. Aloha State Daily recently spoke with Roley about his career, how he got to Hawai‘i and what'll come after his transition from the leadership position he's held since 2005.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 26, 2025

Lawsuit filed against Maui Land & Pineapple
The suit alleges that the company has failed to maintain its Honokōhau ditch system.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 23, 2025

Ryan Emmons and the passion behind Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages
The co-founder and CEO says the Hilo-based company was founded on a simple idea that the world doesn't need another beverage company or bottled water company, but rather a "catalyst for change."
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 23, 2025

Chamber event will showcase careers at Kona Brewing Co.
A workforce open house hosted by Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i, in partnership with the Hawai‘i Island Economic Development Board and the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce — is open to early- to mid-career professionals 21-plus, and will highlight careers in Hawai‘i's brewing industry such as mechanical engineering, manufacturing, sales and marketing.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 21, 2025

North Shore Scout camp reenvisioned for community use
The planned improvements to Camp Pupukea aim to serve scouts, business and nonprofit organizations and community groups, as well as those seeking refuge during natural disasters, per Scouting America, Aloha Council.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 20, 2025

Alaska, Hawaiian airlines launch joint loyalty program
As of Aug. 20, Alaska Mileage Plan members are Atmos Rewards members while HawaiianMiles members and their miles will transition into the new loyalty program on Oct. 1
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 20, 2025

Made in Hawai‘i Festival draws nearly 70K attendees
The three-day event began Friday, Aug. 15, and ran through the weekend.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 18, 2025

Annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival welcomes shoppers
The three-day event began Friday and continues through the weekend. Aloha State Daily spoke with a handful of the small business owners who set up shop.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 16, 2025

Canadian restaurant chain set to open its first Hawai‘i location
Earls Kitchen + Bar will open in Waikīkī in October. In the meantime, the restaurant is looking to fill a lot of jobs.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 13, 2025

Meant to BE: This coffee trailer is worth the drive to West Oʻahu
BE. owners Cody and Kaitie Miyashiro-Carvalho created their business to be a space where “kamaʻaina and kanaka can find BElonging.” Plus — find out what they’re bringing to this year’s Made in Hawaiʻi Festival.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 12, 2025

Conservation easement protects 74 acres of Hilo farmland
The Pu‘u‘eo Mauka conservation easement protects about 74.3 acres of land along the Wailuku River and Rainbow Falls that the Keolanui family, co-founders of O.K Farms, have cared for and stewarded for more than 20 years.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 11, 2025