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

Kaua‘i resort gifts $400K to community foundations
The Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa and its owner, Takenaka Corp., marked the resort’s 35th anniversary by honoring longtime employees and gifting $100,000 endowments to four local community foundations.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 17, 2025

What's new at Queens' Marketplace
Several new retailers and restaurants have opened in the Waikoloa Beach Resort shopping center, and more are coming soon.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 17, 2025

Maui bakery featured on Good Morning America
The Maui Cookie Lady was included in a Dec. 13 GMA segment highlighting cookie delivery companies from across the country.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 16, 2025

Three Hawai‘i eateries among those nominated for Best New Restaurant
You can vote for your favorite in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards until Dec. 22.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 15, 2025

Local maker loves to malama the ocean
Shera Mercer, owner of ‘Alohi Kai, a Hawaiʻi-based jewelry business inspired by her own underwater encounters, talks about her slow fashion approach making hand carved pieces — in shapes like sharks, turtles, Hawaiian monk seals and more — each with a story to tell. Her overall goal is to raise awareness about ocean sustainability and conservation.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 15, 2025

Lahaina shop to support two nonprofits
Hana Hou by Hale Zen’s Sip and Shop, a community event featuring sparkling beverages and festive items for sale, will benefit two nonprofits — Maui Food Bank and Maui Humane Society — on Dec. 12 and 13, respectively. Owner Lisa Payne shares what to expect and why to give.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 11, 2025

5 places to carb load for the Honolulu Marathon on a budget
Looking to load up on carbs a few days before running the marathon? Aloha State Daily put together a list of places you can find noodles leading up to the race.
Katie HellandDecember 11, 2025

Applications open for the Akamai Internship Program
Interns will be placed at Hawai‘i observatories and other STEM industries in the Islands during the course of the summer program.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 10, 2025

Ace Handyman Services opens first franchise in Hawai‘i
O‘ahu Ace Handyman Services is owned by local entrepreneur Jonathan Wong.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 06, 2025

New wellness concept coming to Honolulu
All too familiar with injury, former UH athlete Steele Dubar aims to help bring healing to everyday people and life through new dual venture.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 05, 2025

Hamada: Why I'm done with shopping in stores
’Tis the season to hit the malls ... or not!
Rick HamadaDecember 02, 2025

Maui nonprofit focuses on statewide workforce training
Nick Winfrey, executive director of Imua Onipāʻa, discusses what drew him to the organization, what heʻs working toward and more.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 02, 2025