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
Retailers say fines for illegal peddling are too low
The Honolulu City Council is considering a bill that would increase the fines for unlawful peddling on Oʻahu.
Haley LehmanSeptember 12, 2026
NOHO HOME collabs with Honolulu Cookie Co.
A limited-edition fall gift box pairs Hawai‘i-inspired art from NOHO HOME with signature cookies from Honolulu Cookie Co. Aloha State Daily caught up with Jalene Kanani Hitzeman, president and creative director of NOHO HOME, about the collaboration and looks at how other businesses have partnered to support each other.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 12, 2026
Assets School makes strides in Great Minds Capital Campaign
A total of $3.5 million was donated to the campaign in August, with funds coming from a local nonprofit as well as a former Assets parent.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 10, 2026
Seguin Family Farms is recovering after flash flooding
The farm experienced flooding for the third time this year, according to farmer Jordan Seguin. The family-owned farm — located in Waiāhole — is known for its banana and ti-leaf crops. The farm experienced flooding and devastation following the Kona Lows, Hurricane Lala and, now, Hurricane Lowell. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Seguin Family Farms recover; Seguin says updates will be posted on social media.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 08, 2026
‘Chill’ out with this keiki-owned business
Chillex Pops — owned by 17-year-old Alexus Dickens — specializes in matcha, coffee and ice candy. Dickens founded the company when she was 14 years old; now, the biz pops up at What the Truck?! in Waikele and at various events across Oʻahu. Chillex Pops is one of the featured businesses at Whisk & Brew: Coffee + Matcha Fest, coming up on Sept. 13 at Wai Kai.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 08, 2026
HI Cravings Co-Op opens in Kapolei
The acai bowl businesss’s new space is a co-op, designed to help support other small businesses, according to HI Cravings founder Jess Kamanaʻo. Customers can look forward to HI Cravings’ signature acai bowls, along with specialty options like the stuffed strawberry bowl.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 04, 2026
$3.35M available for O‘ahu businesses affected by Kona Low storms
The O‘ahu Kona Low Business Recovery Program is a new grant program from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism that's being administered by Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 04, 2026
Southwest Airlines set to debut first-ever lounges at four airports — including Honolulu
Construction is underway on the first four Southwest lounges, which are set to open next year in Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu and Nashville.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 03, 2026
Dine and donate to Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy on Maui this month
Hana Hou Hospitality Group’s Round-up program allows its restaurants’ patrons to round their checks up to support nonprofit efforts on the Valley Isle. This month, the company will donate proceeds to KOA, which is focused on strengthening the mental well-being of Maui keiki through connection to kai and ʻāina.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 02, 2026
Aliʻi Coffee Co. opens on Monsarrat Avenue
The coffee biz — which recently moved its Ward Centre store to Ala Moana Center — opened another location on Monsarrat Avenue. This location has a slightly different food menu — compared to the business’s other stores — and brought back dishes like the roast beef sandwich, brie and balsamic toast, and prosciutto pear flatbread.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 01, 2026
CU Hawai‘i opens in Pagoda Hotel
In the 648-square-foot retail space you'll find fresh grab-and-go items, customizable beverages, a ramen bar with various Korean instant ramen offerings, travel and wellness necessities, and a range of Korean and local products, according to an announcement Monday.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 01, 2026
Hawaiʻi County lease of Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park to end
Negotiations between the county and landowner Black Sand Beach LLC will cease Saturday without an agreement. County officials aim to "minimize the disruption" to the community, while tourism operators work to shift their itineraries.
Haley LehmanAugust 29, 2026
Bar Leather Apron, BirdyGo! pop up at MĀZE
Both businesses — located in Topa Financial Center — have been closed for about one month, due to a water leak in the building. Bar Leather Apron is popping up at MĀZE on Mondays and Tuesdays; customers can enjoy a casual, standing bar cocktail experience. BirdyGo! will be offering grilled chicken bentos at MĀZE, available for pre-order and pick-up.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 27, 2026
32nd Made in Hawai‘i Festival draws nearly 70,000 people over four days
Revenue totals from the four-day event are still being tallied, organizers say.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 26, 2026
Shibu’s Kauaʻi is serving up fresh poke in Līhu‘e
The business — formerly known as Poipu Poke Shack — opened earlier this year within Tip Top Motel, Cafe & Bakery. Owned by Jana Oshita and Cody Shibukawa, Shibu’s Kauaʻi is known for its fresh poke and sushi, made with fresh ‘ahi.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 26, 2026
These Kaua‘i resorts top recent 10Best lists
More Hawai‘i resorts have been recognized by voters in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. Read on to see who made the lists.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 25, 2026
Made in Hawai‘i Festival welcomes shoppers
The four-day event began Thursday and continues through the weekend. Aloha State Daily spoke with a handful of small business owners who set up shop.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 22, 2026
Best of Hawai‘i Mākeke offers more ways to shop local
The three-day mākeke, presented by Hawai‘i's Finest, returns to the Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall this weekend with more than 300 local businesses.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 21, 2026
What Pennsylvania and Florida know about sports tourism that Hawai‘i doesn't
Hawai‘i has plenty of sporting events that are, individually, successful and well known: Paddling, surfing, golf, triathlons and more. Here's how to take that collection to the next level and really elevate the Islands' sports stature.
Ray TsuchiyamaAugust 21, 2026
AM to PM Coffee is Oʻahu’s first kei cafe on wheels
The coffee café is usually at Hoalauna Park in ‘Ewa Beach. The business, run by husband-and-wife team Emil and Paula Corpuz, came from a vision to offer a friendly, welcoming place where people can enjoy a quality cup of coffee at any time of the day.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 20, 2026
Tali’s Bagels & Schmear is reopening in Honolulu
The bagel shop, which used to be located in Ward Centre, is soft opening in its new location on Waimanu Street on Friday, Aug. 21. The business features bestselling dishes like the OG NYC bagel, along with new deli-style creations like the hot pastrami.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 20, 2026
Kilo Summit brings intention, collabs to Made in Hawai‘i Festival
The largest-ever MIHF is set for Aug. 20 to 23 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. Kilo Summit will bring a curated collection of local artists, designers, musicians, brands and storytellers to the event.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 20, 2026
Hawai‘i Island businesses impacted by Hurricane Lala
Some businesses in Kā‘u have lost nearly everything, officials with the Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce say.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 19, 2026
Hurricane Lala's impacts to Hawai‘i businesses
Island businesses are evaluating the damage after the hurricane brought heavy rain, winds and destruction to the Islands over the weekend.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 18, 2026