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

Kīlauea eruption, long weekend leads to big crowds and traffic jams
The most recent episode of the ongoing eruption drew thousands of visitors to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park over the weekend.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 28, 2025

Aloha Ambassadors make measurable improvements in Waikīkī
Services are provided by the Waikīkī Business Improvement District's Aloha Ambassadors as part of Clean and Safe programs.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 23, 2025

What's with the cranes atop First Hawaiian Center?
Aloha State Daily was curious, so we asked officials with First Hawaiian Bank what's going on.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 22, 2025

Pickles at Forté continues to draw players, expands offerings
The first air conditioned, indoor pickleball and social club in Downtown Honolulu opened earlier this year in the space formerly occupied by Walmart.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 21, 2025

Hawai‘i Made Conference gives local businesses opportunity to connect, learn
The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism said more than 200 entrepreneurs, manufacturers and industry professionals attended the day-long conference on Tuesday. Among those who attended were Steve and Ruiko Miller, owners of Sweet Brown Hawai‘i caramels.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 21, 2025

New collection reimagines the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku
Mana Up and The Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation partnered on a limited-edition collaboration with seven Hawai‘i-based companies which offer exclusive products that pay homage to the waterman.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 21, 2025

Mainland financial services firm invests $10M in new Hawai‘i loan program
The new initiative from Hawai‘i Community Lending will offer zero-down mortgages to Native Hawaiians on Hawaiian Home Lands.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 19, 2025

The Maui Cookie Lady among Hawai‘i businesses nominated for USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
The awards rank the 10 best in several travel and lifestyle categories, including Best Cookie Shop.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 14, 2025

Dave & Buster’s liquidation sale from former Ward Village spot happening now
You have a week to browse and bid on the biz’s furniture, equipment and more.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 14, 2025

Here's how the Construction Industry of Maui is supporting students
CIM recently gave tens of thousands of dollars in grants to construction vocational programs in Maui County high schools and will soon award three $25,000 scholarships to Maui students as part of an annual scholarship program.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 14, 2025

Five takeaways from UHERO's Q2 forecast
Economists say Hawai‘i is headed for 'mild recession.' Here's what that means for you.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 13, 2025

Here's another chance to learn about UH’s “Campus Town” plans this week
UH Mānoa is exploring redevelopment plans for its property on the ʻEwa side of University Avenue, currently home to University Lab School and other tenants. A community outreach workshop engaging stakeholders will take place from 6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. this Wednesday, May 14, at the Noelani Elementary School cafeteria, located at 2655 Woodlawn Dr.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 12, 2025