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

HoMA announces new director and CEO
The Honolulu Museum of Art has announced its next director and CEO, who will assume the role on Sept. 1. Learn more about the executive, who grew up in Kailua.
Katie HellandJuly 09, 2026

Anna O’Brien’s under new management
Learn what will and won't change as this Irish pub — not far from the campus of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa — soft opens under new management on Friday, July 10.
Katie HellandJuly 09, 2026

North Shore farm aims to expand opportunities for immigrant farmers, strengthen local food systems
Nonprofit Pacific Gateway Center has launched PGC Farms Hale‘iwa, a new 80-acre agricultural hub on land owned by Kamehameha Schools.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 08, 2026

Tickets for Made in Hawai‘i Festival go on sale Aug. 1
The annual event will be held Aug. 20 to 23 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 07, 2026

Liliha Bakery to open new spot in Waikīkī
This will be the brand's sixth location on O‘ahu.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 06, 2026

Ala Moana Center makes list of best shopping centers
USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards aim to rank the 10 best in several areas of travel and lifestyle. Here's where Ala Moana — and other Hawai‘i businesses — landed on several lists.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 03, 2026

Center for Family Business & Entrepreneurs helps businesses plan for growth, transition
The new center was launched earlier this year by Bank of Hawai‘i, created for family-owned and closely-held businesses. CFBE Director Agatha Viernes-LeGros told Aloha State Daily that the center aims to provide education, advice and hands-on execution of planning services to clients in a confidential manner.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 03, 2026

Zippy's Kāhala location to reopen
The restaurant will reopen next week, following four months of renovations.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 01, 2026

Pilot program aims to support North Shore businesses affected by Kona Low storms
Hawaiian Council, in partnership with the Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau, E Noa Tours and Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, this week launched North Shore Huaka‘i, connecting visitors and kama‘āina to businesses in Hale‘iwa and Waialua.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 01, 2026

Hawaiian Airlines’ new main cabin menu launches July 1
For in-flight meals on domestic flights between Hawaiʻi and the Mainland, guests can pre-order from a menu curated by Maui-based chef Sheldon Simeon. The menu features elevated takes on local favorites and comfort foods, and features dishes like corned beef hash and eggs, banana pancakes, teriyaki cheeseburgers, crispy mochiko chicken and garlic noodles, and more.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 30, 2026

Kaua‘i Coffee Co. secures 15-year lease
The brand's parent company, Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA, negotiated a new 15-year lease for the 3,100-acre farm on which it has been operating with property owner Brue Baukol Capital Partners. Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami shares what this means for the Garden Isle community.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 26, 2026

What's new at Ala Moana Center
The shopping center has welcomed a number of new tenants with more coming soon.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 25, 2026