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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

Golf tournament raises $65K for high school construction trade programs in Maui County

Golf tournament raises $65K for high school construction trade programs in Maui County

Some 144 golfers, students, their teachers, and volunteers attended the Construction Industry of Maui's Sept. 27 tourney at The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course.

Stephanie SalmonsOctober 08, 2025

Hawai‘i hotels, resorts recognized in Condé Nast Traveler's 2025 Readers' Choice Awards

Hawai‘i hotels, resorts recognized in Condé Nast Traveler's 2025 Readers' Choice Awards

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.

Stephanie SalmonsOctober 08, 2025

Mālie Organics opens new shop at International Market Place

Mālie Organics opens new shop at International Market Place

Mālie — which founder Dana Roberts says, means calm, serene, tranquil — was founded on Kaua‘i in 2004.

Stephanie SalmonsOctober 03, 2025

Maui hotel GM talks new restaurant, business

Maui hotel GM talks new restaurant, business

Serkan Hizliok, area general manager of Hampton Inn & Suites Maui North Shore, shares about The Palms Bar & Bitesʻ Sept. 16 opening — including who helped with the design/build and his favorite item on the menu — and how business has been for the new 136-room property on the shores of Kahului Bay.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 15, 2025

If can, can: AIA Honolulu celebrates 20 years of CANstruction

If can, can: AIA Honolulu celebrates 20 years of CANstruction

Build Day for the professionals will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. A Keiki Corner build is set for 10 a.m. until noon the same day. The structures will then be on display for People's Choice voting from Sept. 13 through Saturday, Sept. 20.

Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 12, 2025

Hawaiian Electric looks to raise $500M through the sale of bonds

Hawaiian Electric looks to raise $500M through the sale of bonds

HECO will use the net proceeds from the offering to finance capital expenditures, as well as repay or refinance debt

Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 12, 2025

LahainaTown Action Committee to host cleanup event

LahainaTown Action Committee to host cleanup event

Community volunteers from keiki to kūpuna can lend a hand at the 21st annual Lahaina Town Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 27, as part of International Coastal Cleanup Month. Tambara Garrick, director of LahainaTown Action Committee, the organizer of the event, shares what she’s most looking forward to, the overall impact and what day-of participants can expect.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 11, 2025

Hawaiian Airlines names new CEO

Hawaiian Airlines names new CEO

Diana Birkett Rakow, senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability at Alaska Airlines, will step into the role, effective Oct. 29.

Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 11, 2025

Hawaiian Airlines, Honolulu Community College and the next generation of aircraft mechanics

Hawaiian Airlines, Honolulu Community College and the next generation of aircraft mechanics

A newly launched Maintenance Technician Development Program offers "significant financial and professional support" for selected students enrolled in the school's Aeronautics Maintenance Technology Program.

Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 09, 2025

Month-long fundraiser to support Kunia farmers, businesses

Month-long fundraiser to support Kunia farmers, businesses

Nonprofits Kunia Village Development Corp. and the Hawai’i Agricultural Foundation, along with local businesses including Kō Hana Distillers and Nalo Farms, have launched the “Kōkua Kunia" campaign to support farmers in the area affected by the recent brushfires. A fundraising event is slated for Saturday, Sept. 20, at Kō Hana Distillers, which will feature a three-part rum tasting, food from various vendors in the neighborhood and a chance to meet first responders.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 09, 2025

Claire's closing hundreds of stores nationwide, including these in Hawai‘i

Claire's closing hundreds of stores nationwide, including these in Hawai‘i

A handful of the shops, often popular with tweens and teens, will remain open across the Islands.

Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 05, 2025

Kailua’s Gnarwall Surf Shop rides final wave

Kailua’s Gnarwall Surf Shop rides final wave

The Oʻahu-based business that opened six years ago with a mission to empower local shapers, while supporting surfers at every level, plans to close shop by the end of this month. Surfer turned business owner John Ingari shares insights about the industry, what heʻll miss most about serving the community and whatʻs next.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 29, 2025

Ryan Emmons and the passion behind Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages

Ryan Emmons and the passion behind Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages

The co-founder and CEO says the Hilo-based company was founded on a simple idea that the world doesn't need another beverage company or bottled water company, but rather a "catalyst for change."

Stephanie SalmonsAugust 23, 2025

Chamber event will showcase careers at Kona Brewing Co.

Chamber event will showcase careers at Kona Brewing Co.

A workforce open house hosted by Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i, in partnership with the Hawai‘i Island Economic Development Board and the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce — is open to early- to mid-career professionals 21-plus, and will highlight careers in Hawai‘i's brewing industry such as mechanical engineering, manufacturing, sales and marketing.

Stephanie SalmonsAugust 21, 2025

North Shore Scout camp reenvisioned for community use

North Shore Scout camp reenvisioned for community use

The planned improvements to Camp Pupukea aim to serve scouts, business and nonprofit organizations and community groups, as well as those seeking refuge during natural disasters, per Scouting America, Aloha Council.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 20, 2025

Canadian restaurant chain set to open its first Hawai‘i location

Canadian restaurant chain set to open its first Hawai‘i location

Earls Kitchen + Bar will open in Waikīkī in October. In the meantime, the restaurant is looking to fill a lot of jobs.

Stephanie SalmonsAugust 13, 2025

Meant to BE: This coffee trailer is worth the drive to West Oʻahu

Meant to BE: This coffee trailer is worth the drive to West Oʻahu

BE. owners Cody and Kaitie Miyashiro-Carvalho created their business to be a space where “kamaʻaina and kanaka can find BElonging.” Plus — find out what they’re bringing to this year’s Made in Hawaiʻi Festival.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 12, 2025

Conservation easement protects 74 acres of Hilo farmland

Conservation easement protects 74 acres of Hilo farmland

The Pu‘u‘eo Mauka conservation easement protects about 74.3 acres of land along the Wailuku River and Rainbow Falls that the Keolanui family, co-founders of O.K Farms, have cared for and stewarded for more than 20 years.

Stephanie SalmonsAugust 11, 2025

Entrepreneurship and Hawai‘i Pacific University

Entrepreneurship and Hawai‘i Pacific University

As Amy Nguyen-Chyung settles into her new job as dean of Hawai‘i Pacific University's College of Business, HPU also is working to support innovation and entrepreneurship across its campus thanks in part to a recent gift from philanthropist and entrepreneur John Scarpa. Aloha State Daily recently spoke with Nguyen-Chyung about her new role, entrepreneurship in Hawai‘i and the new entrepreneurial pathway.

Stephanie SalmonsAugust 11, 2025

Restauranteurs talk rebuilding and expanding two years after Maui wildfires

Restauranteurs talk rebuilding and expanding two years after Maui wildfires

Qiana and Michele Di Bari are the restauranteurs behind Sale Pepe Pizzeria e Cucina, which was lost in the 2023 wildfires and reopened earlier this year, returning to Lahaina. They also recently opened Via! by Sale Pepe, a "fast casual twist" to the Italian flavors made popular at its sister restaurant. Aloha State Daily recently spoke with the Di Baris ahead of the second anniversary of the fire to talk about their experience during the tragedy, their rebuilding — and their newest endeavor.

Stephanie SalmonsAugust 08, 2025

Dipped by Dee is bringing signature dipped delights to Made in Hawaiʻi Festival

Dipped by Dee is bringing signature dipped delights to Made in Hawaiʻi Festival

Business owner Daniela Fry gives us an update on her second store in Las Vegas, the newest dipped treats, and what to expect at the 31st annual Made in Hawaiʻi Festival.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 08, 2025

Tickets on sale for Made in Hawai‘i Festival

Tickets on sale for Made in Hawai‘i Festival

Set for Aug. 15 to 17 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center, the festival will showcase more than 700 local artisans, makers and entrepreneurs, and offer shoppers thousands of locally made products.

Stephanie SalmonsAugust 04, 2025

Airlines talk flight impacts during tsunami threat

Airlines talk flight impacts during tsunami threat

Evacuation orders on July 29 snarled traffic in Honolulu and some fliers were grounded — along with the planes — at the state's airports as flights were canceled.

Stephanie SalmonsAugust 02, 2025

Alaska Air Group names Honolulu leadership team

Alaska Air Group names Honolulu leadership team

The newly announced leadership team will oversee Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines combined operations in Hawai‘i — once the carriers receive a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Stephanie SalmonsAugust 01, 2025

Peter Dames: 'Servco’s strength has always been adaptability'

Peter Dames: 'Servco’s strength has always been adaptability'

Aloha State Daily recently caught up with Dames, who became president and CEO of Servco Pacific Inc. in late 2023, to talk about his leadership role, the challenges the company currently faces, what's on the horizon — and more.

Stephanie SalmonsJuly 15, 2025

What's up with LongHorn Steakhouse?

What's up with LongHorn Steakhouse?

A sign in Honolulu's Ala Moana neighborhood has been announcing for a while now that the restaurant is coming soon — but how soon? Aloha State Daily was curious, so we asked.

Stephanie SalmonsJuly 15, 2025

Hawai‘i Leadership Forum expands its Leaders Lab to Neighbor Islands

Hawai‘i Leadership Forum expands its Leaders Lab to Neighbor Islands

The immersive one-day labs will be held Oct. 28 on Kaua‘i; Nov. 7 on Maui; and Dec. 3, on Hawai‘i Island. You have until noon Friday, Aug. 1, to apply.

Stephanie SalmonsJuly 14, 2025

Royal Hawaiian Center's Sam Shenkus recognized

Royal Hawaiian Center's Sam Shenkus recognized

Shenkus recently received the 2025 ICSC Trustees' Distinguished Service Award, the highest volunteer recognition from the International Council of Shopping Centers. Aloha State Daily recently spoke with Shenkus about her award, career and community service.

Stephanie SalmonsJuly 07, 2025

Honolulu's small business incubator recently launched in West O‘ahu

Honolulu's small business incubator recently launched in West O‘ahu

The 13-week Idea2Biz program, offered by the City and County of Honolulu's Office of Economic Revitalization, kicked off June 17 with 20 aspiring entrepreneurs from the Wai‘anae Coast.

Stephanie SalmonsJuly 04, 2025

Young Brothers president steps down, new interim president named

Young Brothers president steps down, new interim president named

Jeremiah “Jay” Ana has led the company since 2020 and will take on an advisory role through the end of the year. Frank Almaraz, pictured, has been appointed interim president.

Stephanie SalmonsJuly 04, 2025

Romer House Waikīkī set to launch Après Surf

Romer House Waikīkī set to launch Après Surf

The hotel says the new community surf club — hosted by pro surfers Meg Godinez and Makoa Kaleiki Ho — is inspired by the "spirit of après ski culture," or the social activities after a day of skiing.

Stephanie SalmonsJuly 02, 2025

CNHA assumes operation of Bishop Museum gift shop

CNHA assumes operation of Bishop Museum gift shop

With the move comes plans to refresh the space under a new name and showcase Hawai‘i-made and designed projects, the organizations recently announced.

Stephanie SalmonsJuly 01, 2025

Mark your calendars for Mari’s Gardens Summer Fair on July 19

Mark your calendars for Mari’s Gardens Summer Fair on July 19

The summer event in Mililani will feature more than 50 vendors, keiki activities and, of course, plants. Mari’s Gardens Manager Mariko Lau shares what to expect, where to park and more about the family business.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 28, 2025

Movers and Shakas helps new transplants and returning kama‘āina learn about Hawai‘i

Movers and Shakas helps new transplants and returning kama‘āina learn about Hawai‘i

The nonprofit got its start early in the Covid-19 pandemic, initially aiming to bring remote workers from the Mainland. Now, its Hawai‘i Talent Onboarding Program offers a six-week acculturation program that introduces business leaders and executives who have recently relocated or returned to the Islands to Hawai‘i's culture, history and community.

Stephanie SalmonsJune 26, 2025

Items that once belonged to Abigail Kawānanakoa available at auction

Items that once belonged to Abigail Kawānanakoa available at auction

You'll find furniture, artwork, leather goods, rugs, carved wooden bowls and chairs, saddles and other riding gear, and more available in the sale, hosted by O‘ahu Auctions.

Stephanie SalmonsJune 24, 2025

New oceanfront chapel opens in Waikīkī

New oceanfront chapel opens in Waikīkī

A new destination wedding venue called Kahawai Chapel, located at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, opened this month. Learn more about its unique offerings catered toward the visitor market, while rooted in Hawaiian culture, from chapel general manager Takeshi Miyamoto.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 23, 2025

Made in Hawaiʻi to feature Molokai Alliance for Native Artisans

Made in Hawaiʻi to feature Molokai Alliance for Native Artisans

Molokai resident Solana Adachi shares the heart behind this new organization and what it means to be featured at Made in Hawaiʻi Festival on Oʻahu this year. Adachi volunteers as the nonprofit’s interim president, is a full-time business owner and mom to twins.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 21, 2025

Eddie Flores Jr. on 'Franchising the American Dream'

Eddie Flores Jr. on 'Franchising the American Dream'

The businessman and entrepreneur has just published his latest book, "Franchising the American Dream." He'll hold a book signing and discussion at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 21, at Barnes & Noble in Ala Moana Center.

Stephanie SalmonsJune 21, 2025

Meet the husband-wife team at Aurum Maui

Meet the husband-wife team at Aurum Maui

Natasha and Taylor Ponte are looking to strike gold with the new restaurant venture.

Stephanie SalmonsJune 19, 2025

Hawai‘i Farm Project expands executive leadership team

Hawai‘i Farm Project expands executive leadership team

Julie Strong has been named to a newly created role, while Edgar Cordero is now the general manager of one of the company's most notable brands.

Stephanie SalmonsJune 18, 2025

The Park on Ke‘eaumoku expected to welcome first residents in September

The Park on Ke‘eaumoku expected to welcome first residents in September

Aloha State Daily recently caught up with the developer to see how the $500 million-plus mixed-use project is progressing.

Stephanie SalmonsJune 17, 2025

Katie Kaahanui scales Safe and Sound Waikīkī program

Katie Kaahanui scales Safe and Sound Waikīkī program

This initiative has reduced crime and homelessness from Ala Wai Boat Harbor to Diamond Head in less than three years. As executive coordinator, Kaahanui highlights Safe and Sound’s success and shares about her long-term goal of replicating it in other communities.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 14, 2025

Waimea-based custom cowboy hat company returns to Oʻahu this week

Waimea-based custom cowboy hat company returns to Oʻahu this week

The Uihā Hat Bar pop-up shop at Ka Makana Aliʻi will be back starting Thursday. Designer and owner Chaz Lindsey Kamauu created the brand to honor his family’s paniolo legacy, while also giving customers an experience that speaks to their own.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 11, 2025

Luxury Waikīkī hotel unveils $82M renovation

Luxury Waikīkī hotel unveils $82M renovation

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikīkī Beach, which opened in 2016, has refreshed the guest rooms in its ‘Ewa Tower, front desk and both infinity pools; recently debuted The Ritz-Carlton Suite Collection on its highest floors, and has introduced a a new dining concept.

Stephanie SalmonsJune 10, 2025

Meet the next generation of leadership at PBR Hawaiʻi

Meet the next generation of leadership at PBR Hawaiʻi

Founded by Frank Brandt, PBR Hawai’i and Associates Inc. has provided professional landscape, architectural and community planning services statewide and in the Pacific for more than 55 years. Since the beginning of the year, the company has promoted several employees from within, including Kimi Yuen, serving as president and chairperson, and its two new executive vice presidents.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 09, 2025

Relationships are the reason this Honolulu-based financial advisor loves her job

Relationships are the reason this Honolulu-based financial advisor loves her job

When Michelle Kreis joined Northwestern Mutual as an assistant in 2008 while living in Oregon, her passion for financial planning grew. Five years after that, she moved back home to Hawai’i and continues to help small businesses and individuals from its local office.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 06, 2025

Mom from Mānoa grows alohawear company for ʻohana

Mom from Mānoa grows alohawear company for ʻohana

Guava Jammies turns one this month. Small business owner Steffy Simms shares her story as a self-taught designer with an eye for color and heart for Hawaiʻi-made products. She also works full-time as a teacher and has a second child on the way.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 06, 2025

Mana Up's Meli James says small businesses are the 'core and backbone' of Hawai‘i

Mana Up's Meli James says small businesses are the 'core and backbone' of Hawai‘i

James, who co-founded the business accelerator and venture fund with Brittany Heyd, tells ASD more about the role small businesses play in Hawai‘i, the challenges they face, what more can be done to support the state's entrepreneurs and the lessons she's learned since starting Mana Up.

Stephanie SalmonsJune 05, 2025

Historic tour boat Vida Mia delivers Old Hawai‘i charm

Historic tour boat Vida Mia delivers Old Hawai‘i charm

Aloha State Daily joined a coffee cruise May 30, where we spoke with Brynn Rovito, owner of the nearly 100-year-old classic motor yacht about its history — and how business is going nearly five years after she acquired the boat.

Stephanie SalmonsJune 03, 2025

Outreach team provides medical, social services to homeless in Waikīkī

Outreach team provides medical, social services to homeless in Waikīkī

The joint effort includes members of the Waikīkī Business Improvement District and its Safe and Sound Waikīkī program, the Institute for Human Services, Waikīkī Health and other business partners. They walk Waikīkī every Wednesday, meeting people where they're at. This week, ASD tagged along to see their work firsthand.

Stephanie SalmonsMay 30, 2025

Kīlauea eruption, long weekend leads to big crowds and traffic jams

Kīlauea eruption, long weekend leads to big crowds and traffic jams

The most recent episode of the ongoing eruption drew thousands of visitors to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park over the weekend.

Stephanie SalmonsMay 28, 2025

Hawai‘i Made Conference gives local businesses opportunity to connect, learn

Hawai‘i Made Conference gives local businesses opportunity to connect, learn

The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism said more than 200 entrepreneurs, manufacturers and industry professionals attended the day-long conference on Tuesday. Among those who attended were Steve and Ruiko Miller, owners of Sweet Brown Hawai‘i caramels.

Stephanie SalmonsMay 21, 2025

New collection reimagines the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku

New collection reimagines the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku

Mana Up and The Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation partnered on a limited-edition collaboration with seven Hawai‘i-based companies which offer exclusive products that pay homage to the waterman.

Stephanie SalmonsMay 21, 2025

Mainland financial services firm invests $10M in new Hawai‘i loan program

Mainland financial services firm invests $10M in new Hawai‘i loan program

The new initiative from Hawai‘i Community Lending will offer zero-down mortgages to Native Hawaiians on Hawaiian Home Lands.

Stephanie SalmonsMay 19, 2025

Five takeaways from UHERO's Q2 forecast

Five takeaways from UHERO's Q2 forecast

Economists say Hawai‘i is headed for 'mild recession.' Here's what that means for you.

Stephanie SalmonsMay 13, 2025

Here's another chance to learn about UH’s “Campus Town” plans this week

Here's another chance to learn about UH’s “Campus Town” plans this week

UH Mānoa is exploring redevelopment plans for its property on the ʻEwa side of University Avenue, currently home to University Lab School and other tenants. A community outreach workshop engaging stakeholders will take place from 6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. this Wednesday, May 14, at the Noelani Elementary School cafeteria, located at 2655 Woodlawn Dr.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 12, 2025

Shred Shave Ice finds its niche in the local dessert business

Shred Shave Ice finds its niche in the local dessert business

Punahou School students Cassidy Crowley and Genevieve Iida share their journey as young entrepreneurs, with their latest venture paying homage to Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha. The pair have turned a profit in less than two months, serving sweet treats at private events and a pop-up.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 07, 2025

The Future is Keiki Market comes to Kāhala Mall

The Future is Keiki Market comes to Kāhala Mall

More than a dozen young entrepreneurs have been getting a lesson in business and entrepreneurship through Vivistop Honolulu's Dream Incubator program, which culminates with The Future is Keiki Market this weekend.

Stephanie SalmonsApril 17, 2025

Tiki's Grill & Bar expands to Japan

Tiki's Grill & Bar expands to Japan

Tiki's Tokyo — a partnership between Tiki's Grill & Bar and Tiki's SHIBUYA Limited Liability Partnership — will open April 25. It's the restaurant's first location outside of the Islands.

Stephanie SalmonsApril 11, 2025

RevoluSun: Homeowners beware of ‘misleading’ sales tactics by Mainland solar companies

RevoluSun: Homeowners beware of ‘misleading’ sales tactics by Mainland solar companies

RevoluSun’s Eric Carlson shares tips for individuals who may be targeted by door-to-door scammers. “If it feels off, it probably is,” he said in an interview with Aloha State Daily.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 09, 2025

High school students from across Hawai‘i compete in Maritime Welding Competition

High school students from across Hawai‘i compete in Maritime Welding Competition

Organizers said the goal of the event was to raise awareness of local opportunities for "well-paying careers in in maritime manufacturing, such as welding, machining and logistics," and for local companies to share specific career opportunities available within the community.

Stephanie SalmonsApril 08, 2025

Brother-sister duo from O‘ahu bring L&L Hawaiian Barbecue to the Big Apple

Brother-sister duo from O‘ahu bring L&L Hawaiian Barbecue to the Big Apple

Franchisees Henry and Sephra Engel already have locations in Manhattan's Lower East Side and East Harlem but opened their third restaurant in Brooklyn on March 20.

Stephanie SalmonsApril 04, 2025

Community Voices: We can do more to help Hawai‘i businesses rebound

Community Voices: We can do more to help Hawai‘i businesses rebound

Hawai‘i’s anemic economic growth — the second slowest in the country — should be a sign that we haven’t done enough to help local business rebound since the Covid-19 lockdowns. If anything, it seems we’re doing the opposite. The major tax hikes that are still alive in the current legislative session all promise to be significant burdens on local businesses.

Keliʻi Akina & Ph.D.April 04, 2025

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