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
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
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
Aloha Ambassadors make measurable improvements in Waikīkī
Services are provided by the Waikīkī Business Improvement District's Aloha Ambassadors as part of Clean and Safe programs.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 23, 2025
What's with the cranes atop First Hawaiian Center?
Aloha State Daily was curious, so we asked officials with First Hawaiian Bank what's going on.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 22, 2025
Pickles at Forté continues to draw players, expands offerings
The first air conditioned, indoor pickleball and social club in Downtown Honolulu opened earlier this year in the space formerly occupied by Walmart.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 21, 2025
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
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
The new initiative from Hawai‘i Community Lending will offer zero-down mortgages to Native Hawaiians on Hawaiian Home Lands.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 19, 2025
The Maui Cookie Lady among Hawai‘i businesses nominated for USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
The awards rank the 10 best in several travel and lifestyle categories, including Best Cookie Shop.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 14, 2025
Dave & Buster’s liquidation sale from former Ward Village spot happening now
You have a week to browse and bid on the biz’s furniture, equipment and more.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 14, 2025
Here's how the Construction Industry of Maui is supporting students
CIM recently gave tens of thousands of dollars in grants to construction vocational programs in Maui County high schools and will soon award three $25,000 scholarships to Maui students as part of an annual scholarship program.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 14, 2025
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
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
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
Kawika McKeague assumes role of president at design firm G70
McKeague has a master's degree in planning and has also trained with Kumu Hula Victoria Holt Takamine as a hula practitioner and community advocate.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 07, 2025
TAT rate increase coming next year
Transient accommodation tax rate hike to fund climate change mitigation projects
Michael BrestovanskyMay 06, 2025
Makakilo-Kapolei-Honokai Neighborhood Board supports West O‘ahu redevelopment project
Cove Campbell Kobayashi LLC — a partnership comprised of the James Campbell Co., Kobayashi Group and BlackSand Capital — is working to redevelop the nearly 11-acre property as The Cove.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 06, 2025
Honolulu to launch its first small business incubator program
Applications will open this week for Idea2Biz, a 13-week cohort-style program that will initially target aspiring entrepreneurs from O‘ahu's Wai‘anae Coast.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 30, 2025
Hawai‘i entrepreneurs get lessons through ‘Āina to Mākeke program
The 12-week program aims to help participants scale up their food businesses.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 30, 2025
HPM Building Supply to host grand opening for O‘ahu Design Centers
Located in the Nā Lama Kukui Lifestyle & Design Center in Iwilei, a grand opening is planned for Sunday, May 4.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 26, 2025
These airlines are now neighbors in terminals at two major Mainland airports
Hawaiian Airlines has joined Alaska Airlines at terminals in Los Angeles International Airport and New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 25, 2025
What's next for the former Dave & Buster's spot in Ward Village?
Aloha State Daily reached out to representatives of Ward Village to find out more.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 19, 2025
John White talks about his new role with Hawai‘i Farm Project
White was named CEO of the organization in March. Hawai‘i Farm Project brands include Maui Gold Pineapple, Maui Pineapple Tour, Maui Pineapple Store, Maui Chocolate Tour, Lahaina Honey Company and Maui Farm Events.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 18, 2025
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