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

Kaula Lūʻau launches in Ko Olina this week
A new immersive cultural performance that is a partnership between Hawaiian Council and Ko Olina Resort will debut on Friday, Feb. 27, in West Oʻahu. Kūhiō Lewis, president and CEO of Hawaiian Council, shares how the idea for the production started with a lunch meeting.
Katie HellandFebruary 24, 2026

Executive Vineyards 2026 is coming this March
The annual fundraising event for the Shidler College of Business Alumni Association will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort. Here’s a sneak peek of the restaurant line-up.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 21, 2026

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel debuts $180M renovation
The hotel says this is the “most extensive transformation in the property’s 60-year history.”
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 20, 2026

Architect Francis Oda, founder of G70, dies at 84
Hawai‘i has lost "one of its most influential voices," Lance Hirai, the 2026 president of AIA Honolulu and an associate principal at G70, says.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 19, 2026

Chance and the pandemic led West Maui resident to interior design career
Melissa Dyckman is the founder and principal designer at her namesake interior design studio, Melissa Dyckman Interiors.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 18, 2026

You can get $1 shave ice this Saturday
Matsumoto Shave Ice is celebrating its 75th anniversary this Saturday, Feb. 21. The community is invited to enjoy a variety of specials, including $1 small shave ice (no toppings included), discounted anniversary T-shirts and more.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 18, 2026

'Secret Treehouse' in Volcano was one of Airbnb's most loved listings in 2025
The company last month shared its list of Airbnbs "topping Instagram and TikTok feeds" in 2025.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 16, 2026

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue continues nationwide growth
The chain opened 14 new locations 2025 and was recently ranked on Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 12, 2026

Glenn Mason to receive Medal of Honor for work in architecture
Mason, who is known for his historic preservation work, is just the 12th person to receive this award.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 11, 2026

Pacific Whale Foundation on its work, humpback whale season, more
Founded by Greg Kaufman in 1980 “to protect a declining humpback whale population from global threats,” the nonprofit owns PacWhale Eco-Adventures, whose profits support the Pacific Whale Foundation’s work.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 10, 2026

These Hawai‘i businesses and organizations have been nominated for best-of lists
Several Hawai‘i businesses, eateries, museums, festivals — and even Honolulu itself — are among those vying to be among the best in a handful of USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards categories.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 07, 2026

Kaimukī sandwich shop named best in Hawai‘i on new 50 Best list
The newest 50 Best list from Only in Your State — devoted to the 50 Best Sandwich Shops Across the U.S. — has declared its winner.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 07, 2026