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

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

Almond Tree is ‘meant to be shared’
The first-time Made in Hawaiʻi Festival vendor hopes to share its values of family, gratitude and aloha through its toffee, according to business founder Joanne Young. Almond Tree will also be debuting a new exclusive product — graham cracker matcha toffee — at this year’s festival.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 17, 2026

Made in Hawaiʻi Festival to feature Mākia Market for the first time
Founder Taylor Yuen is a college senior and local entrepreneur who remembers helping at her dad’s booth at MIHF at a young age. This month, her business will participate in the festival, showcasing Hawaiʻi-based student makers — what she describes as a “full circle moment.”
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 15, 2026

Play pickleball in Downtown Honolulu to rally for a good cause
Stay out of the kitchen and paddle on at Northwestern Mutual Hawaiʻi’s charity pickleball tournament scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26. All proceeds will benefit Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children’s new Martha B. Smith Cancer & Infusion Center, slated to open next year. Individual tickets start at $100 per person, and include round-robin play, lunch and more.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 14, 2026