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

New updates unveiled at Pagoda Hotel
Originally built for and still aiming to cater to kama‘āina guests, the hotel has recently unveiled a new, property-wide refresh.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 17, 2026

“Meet the Drapers” episode films in Kāneʻohe
Venture capitalist Tim Draper joined Marc Benioff, CEO and co-founder of Salesforce, and Chenoa Farnsworth, managing partner of Blue Startups, to hear pitches from companies with ties to the Islands last week. The episode will be part of Season 10 of “Meet the Drapers.”
Katie HellandApril 16, 2026

Everything you’ll find at the 22nd annual Waikīkī SPAM JAM Festival
The 2026 festival features more than 40 food and retail booths, a line-up of creative Spam dishes, limited-edition Spam slippers for sale from OluKai, and a Spam-themed drone show.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaApril 16, 2026

Zippy's, Diamond Bakery create limited soda cracker box
The collaboration commemorates Zippy's 60th and Diamond Bakery's 105th anniversaries.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 16, 2026

Lāna‘i resort tops list of 10 best golf resorts in the U.S.
The course "offers some hard-to-beat features, including a Jack Nicklaus-signature course built on lava outcroppings,” the list reads.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 15, 2026

What's new at Ala Moana Center
The shopping center has welcomed a number of new tenants with more coming soon.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 15, 2026

Public input sought for Kauleolī plan in South Kona
Now through May 15, The National Park Service is seeking public feedback to help shape the long-term vision of the Kauleolī Unit of Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail on Hawaiʻi Island. A community meeting will be held on April 18 at the Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Captain Cook, where trail managers will share preliminary concepts, gather ideas and answer questions.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 14, 2026

Waikīkī hotel unveils multi-million dollar renovation
Courtyard by Marriott Waikīkī Beach has revamped its 405-room property.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 13, 2026

How world events are influencing travel decisions
Hawaii.com surveyed more than 300 people in March to gauge traveler sentiment. Here’s what they found.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 11, 2026

Farmers face flooding, storm damage once again
Third storm in less than a month pelts Hawai‘i's beleaguered farmers
Michael BrestovanskyApril 11, 2026

Update: Kīlauea eruption paused again; Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park reopens
Episode 44 of the ongoing eruption began at 11:10 a.m. Thursday, April 9.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 10, 2026

Honolulu named one of the best U.S. cities for coffee
Hawai‘i's capital city was ranked as part of Food & Wine's 2026 Global Tastemakers Awards.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 09, 2026