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
Residents weigh in on storm power outages
The state PUC held the first of five town hall meetings discussing power outages caused by this year's various storms.
Michael BrestovanskyOctober 07, 2026
Press ‘pause’ at this upcoming event on Oʻahu’s east side
Kailua-based mindfulness coach and clinical psychologist Gaby Toloza will debut PauseFest on Oct. 24 at YWCA Kokokahi in Kāneʻohe. The family-friendly event aims to encourage participants to slow down, unplug and connect in-person through screen-free fun and activities, a collective pause and chance to shop local vendors focused on food, wellness and creativity. Toloza says come as you are.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosOctober 06, 2026
These Hawai‘i hotels, resorts recognized by Condé Nast Traveler
Hundreds of thousands of people voted between April 1 and June 30 to find the best hotels, resorts, cruise lines, spas, cities and more around the world, including the top hotels and resorts in Hawai‘i, which were ranked in the magazine's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 06, 2026
Little Pickle is a new specialty hot dog shop in Kailua
Located next to Please Come Again Ice Cream, Little Pickle celebrated its grand opening this past Saturday. The biz specializes in all-beef, pasture-raised hot dogs made with no hormones, nitrates or antibiotics. Choose from a rotating selection of flavors, ranging from the Chicago dog and chili cheese dog to the Japanese-inspired nori dog.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 06, 2026
Room renovations unveiled at Outrigger Waikīkī Beach Resort
The updates are part of Outrigger Hospitality Group's $100 million refresh of the resort, which started earlier this year.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 06, 2026
Yours Truly to launch a limited-time Halloween speakeasy
The downtown Honolulu’s “Dead Letter Office” Halloween speakeasy will run starting this week from Oct. 8 to 31. The speakeasy features specialty Halloween cocktails and themed dishes for the first time.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 06, 2026
Lotte Championship relocates to Maui
The Plantation Course at Kapalua, which hasn't hosted a professional tournament since January 2025 due to water issues, will be the new host of the Lotte when it comes to Maui in March 2027.
Christian ShimabukuOctober 06, 2026
More changes ahead for Hawaiian Airlines' interisland, international travelers
Daily supplemental service between Honolulu and Kahului take flight Oct. 3 on Alaska Airlines-branded 737-800 aircraft, among other changes.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 03, 2026
Hawai‘i's first Curio Collection by Hilton resort now open
You'll find Hale Hōkūala Kaua‘i within the Hōkūala Resort community in Līhu‘e. The resort is designed to be more than a place to stay, General Manager Jon Itoga told Aloha State Daily, noting, that "the goal isn't to bring something new to Kauaʻi, but to create a resort experience that honors what's already here and helps guests connect more deeply with the island, its stories and its people."
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 02, 2026
Nearly a year into the role, Hawaiian Airlines CEO talks challenges, changes
The 11 months since Diana Birkett Rakow has taken the helm of Hawaiian Airlines has been full of change for the carrier.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 02, 2026
Oʻahu has a new ‘Coffee Girl’
The cafe with roots in Hilo — known for its coffee, matcha and aesthetic decor — just opened its first Honolulu location on Keʻeaumoku Street at Azure Ala Moana. Its grand opening is this Saturday at 8 a.m.; customers can look forward to specialty lattes like chocolate haupia pie, banana bread and white chocolate strawberry.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 01, 2026
Hamada: Tourism on the rocks
We said we wanted fewer visitors and our wish was granted — and now revenue is dropping. Where do we go from here?
Rick HamadaOctober 01, 2026
Lego bricks inspire sky-high imagination on display at Bishop Museum
The sky might be the limit for this Lego enthusiast, who is a Hawaiian Airlines engineer and after work creates custom-built aircraft currently on display as part of the museum’s special exhibit “Aloha Bricks '26: Stories of Hawaiʻi.”
Katie HellandOctober 01, 2026
Bidding on this online auction benefits Native Hawaiians through college scholarships
JoNelle Sood, a Kanaka Maoli who was born, raised and resides in California, founded Ho‘omau Foundation in 2020 to provide scholarships, mentorship and networking opportunities to Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students pursuing higher education. She shares more details about the organization’s fundraising silent auction that runs through Oct. 2, which is the same day as its gala in Northern California. Tickets to the event are sold out, though, sponsorship opportunities remain.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosOctober 01, 2026
Maui Frozen features affordable, chilled treats
The business, which specializes in Maui slush and pineapple scoop ice, originated as a food truck in 2024 and recently opened its first storefront in Kīhei. According to Maui Frozen owner Jason Kashtan, all desserts do not feature any dyes, flavorings or extracts, or high fructose corn syrup, and are kept at a $4.75 price point to serve the community.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 01, 2026
Hawaiian Airlines to launch Leihōkū
The Leihōkū experience will be anchored by updates to Hawaiian's Airbus A330 fleet.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 29, 2026
Rainbow Drive-In is celebrating 65 years with $6.50 chili plates
The eatery is offered discounted chili plates on Friday, Oct. 2, all day at its Kapahulu location and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its Pearlridge Center location. Customers will also have the chance to win prize giveaways and meet Rainbow Drive-In third generation owner Chris Iwamura. The business’s 65th anniversary shirts will also be for sale starting that day at its Kapahulu location and online.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 29, 2026
The Kini Room is open in this redesigned Waikīkī resort
The Kini Room is the new signature restaurant at renovated Ka La‘i Waikīkī Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts. The 86-seat open-air space features a refined dining experience inspired by global culinary traditions and modern Hawaiʻi. Customer favorites so far include the lemongrass lamb shank, double rainbow roll, and Kini Kini Pie — along with the eatery’s daily sunset happy hour.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 28, 2026
Brown Butter Delights is a new porch bakery
Business owner Kristy Caldwell has always loved baking, and started Brown Butter Delights in 2024. Her goal was to create familiar treats, but to use brown butter to give them “something extra.”
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 28, 2026
Third Hui Kapili cohort launches
Hui Kapili began in 2024 and works to address the state's construction labor shortage and foster sustainable growth in the industry. The 11 companies selected for the third cohort represent a range of construction-related specialties across the Islands.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 28, 2026
Oakberry Hawaiʻi is opening its newest location with free acai bowls
The acai bowl business is celebrating its grand opening on Sept. 26 at Waiānuenue at Kapaʻakea in Mōʻiliʻili. The store — which opens at 10 a.m. — is the first business to open at newly revitalized Waiānuenue at Kapaʻakea (formerly known as Varsity Center). The first 100 customers will get free acai bowls; customers can also enjoy 50% off for the remainder of grand opening day.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 25, 2026
These Hawai‘i coffee shops, distilleries are nominated for 10Best lists
The USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards aim to rank the 10 best in several areas of travel and lifestyle. Nominees are chosen with the help of a panel of experts but the final 10 will be determined by voters.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 25, 2026
Zarina Dessert Studio’s viral fruit desserts are now in Kapolei
The online dessert shop’s fruit-shaped confections are now available at HI Cravings’ Co-Op in Kapolei. The fruit desserts feature a white chocolate crunchy shell with a ganache filling inside; popular flavors include mango, pina colada, pistachio, banana and coffee caramel.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 25, 2026
Cae’s Smash and Grindz is a new smashburger biz
The business, which pops up at events across Oʻahu, celebrated its grand opening in July. Cae’s Smash and Grindz is known for its smashburgers with ube buns; the business’s bacon and mushroom smash is its bestseller and most popular dish.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 25, 2026