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

Golf tournament raises $65K for high school construction trade programs in Maui County
Some 144 golfers, students, their teachers, and volunteers attended the Construction Industry of Maui's Sept. 27 tourney at The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 08, 2025

Hawai‘i hotels, resorts recognized in Condé Nast Traveler's 2025 Readers' Choice Awards
Hundreds of thousands of people voted between April 1 and June 30 to find the best hotels, resorts, cruise lines, spas, cities and more around the world, including the top hotels and resorts in Hawai‘i.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 08, 2025

Mālie Organics opens new shop at International Market Place
Mālie — which founder Dana Roberts says, means calm, serene, tranquil — was founded on Kaua‘i in 2004.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 03, 2025

55 years of Kāhala Mall
The first enclosed, air-conditioned shopping center in the Islands celebrates its 55th anniversary in October.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 01, 2025

"Bleak" economic report predicts recession
UHERO forecast warns about rising costs, stagnant jobs as tariffs and federal government job cuts continue.
Michael BrestovanskySeptember 26, 2025

Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i set to celebrate 175th anniversary
Founded in 1850, the chamber — the second oldest chamber organization west of the Rockies — will mark its 175th anniversary in October. To celebrate the milestone, the chamber will host "An Evening of Legacy" gala on Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 25, 2025

Maui landowner countersues in water battle
Maui Land & Pineapple hits back against golf courses and other water users, accusing them of ignoring water restrictions.
Michael BrestovanskySeptember 24, 2025

These Hawai‘i hotels recognized as some of the best in the U.S.
USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards aim to rank the 10 best in several areas of travel, lifestyle and other categories.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 23, 2025

AIA Honolulu builds community with Architecture Month
The organization has events lined up on O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island throughout October to celebrate.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 19, 2025

Shake Shack is opening its first Hawaiʻi location
Shake Shack is partnering with Hawaiʻi-based company Union MAK corporation to bring the first Shack to Oʻahu in 2027.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 19, 2025

DBEDT invites product manufacturers to exhibit at San Diego trade show
The Winter FancyFaire, which is organized by the Specialty Food Association, is set to take place Jan. 11 to 13, 2026, at the San Diego Convention Center.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 18, 2025

Hawai‘i Pacific University to offer three-year bachelor degree
Applications for the new bachelor of science in global business program are open now, and the first cohort of Global Business Scholars are expected to start in the fall of 2026, the university says.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 17, 2025