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.

Hawai‘i businesses participating in specialty food trade show

More than a dozen makers will represent at the 2026 Winter FancyFaire*, a trade show organized by the Specialty Food Association that will be held Jan. 11 to 13 in San Diego.

Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 10, 2026

HMSA, Hawai‘i Pacific Health announce partnership plan

The leaders of these organizations say the proposed affiliation aims to improve access to care and address health care affordability in Hawai‘i

Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 10, 2026

Parking lot improvements underway at Līhu‘e Airport

The state Department of Transportation says the work will help relieve some congestion in the airport’s public parking lot.

Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 07, 2026

Sentry gifts $1M to Maui nonprofits

Three local nonprofits benefited from The Sentry Insurance Foundation’s donation on Tuesday.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 07, 2026

Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow on her new role

Formerly the senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability at Alaska Airlines, Birkett Rakow was named CEO of Hawaiian in September and stepped into the position in late October. Aloha State Daily recently asked about her professional goals and the newly announced Kahu‘ewai investment plan.

Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 07, 2026

Hawaiian Airlines announces $600M investment plan

The Kahu‘ewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan includes investments over the next five years to modernize airport spaces, aircraft cabins and technology, expand loyalty benefits for Hawai‘i residents and continue "our deep investment in community and sustainability statewide," Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow said.

Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 06, 2026

Hawai‘i restaurants, Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana recognized on 10Best lists

USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for Best New Restaurants and Best New Attractions were announced Jan. 2.

Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 05, 2026

Small business owner with Hawaiʻi roots to open first store in Seattle

Born and raised on Oʻahu, Isaiah Corpus plans to launch Shop Kainalu, a Hawaiʻi inspired lifestyle and apparel brand, in Washington where he now lives. Corpus, a self-described ocean and beach enthusiast, discusses the details leading up to its spring debut, as well as his hope to open another retail store in his island home.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 03, 2026

Pipikaula Corner: Honolulu drinking, by the numbers

Honolulu Liquor Commission data details a billion-dollar business.

A. Kam NapierDecember 31, 2025

Items from Paradise Cove Lū‘au for sale at auction

Curtains close on the long-running attraction Dec. 31 — the closure making way for a planned redevelopment of the West O‘ahu property — but you can take a piece of the history home with you.

Stephanie SalmonsDecember 31, 2025

Where to go for Fukubukuro this year

Meaning “lucky bag,” Fukubukuro is Japanese New Year custom where shops and merchants offer mystery bags at discounted prices. Here are a few places to check out.

Stephanie SalmonsDecember 30, 2025

Wai‘anae entrepreneur kicks off Hawai‘i-inspired boot brand

Leather and Lei debuted in October with its Lehua collection, offering made-to-order boots “inspired by Hawai‘i’s natural beauty and the resilient spirit of paniolo and cowgirl heritage."

Stephanie SalmonsDecember 27, 2025

North Shore mom launches new brand

Heather Young, owner of Pūpūkea Lux, a candle and lifestyle brand infused with intention, shares her goals for the biz in 2026, which include supporting local causes and other small businesses, as her ʻohana prepares for the arrival of twins.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 26, 2025

Checking in on potential airport hotels in Hilo, Kona

State Sen. Lorraine Inouye said hotels are permitted at both airports under the approved legislation, but she believes Hilo should be prioritized.

Daniel FarrDecember 23, 2025

What's new at Ala Moana Center

The shopping center has welcomed a number of new tenants, with more coming soon.

Stephanie SalmonsDecember 23, 2025

Southwest to offer direct flights between Hilo, Las Vegas in 2026

The flights, which begin Aug. 6, 2026, are initially scheduled to operate on Mondays, Thursdays and Friday.

Stephanie SalmonsDecember 23, 2025

Retail Merchants of Hawai‘i names interim leader

Dave Erdman, a longtime marketing and communications executive, has been appointed interim president and CEO of the statewide trade organization.

Stephanie SalmonsDecember 19, 2025

Hawai‘i's minimum wage to increase on Jan. 1

This is the third step in a series of planned increases that will ultimately bring the minimum wage to $18 by 2028.

Stephanie SalmonsDecember 19, 2025

Community Voices: There’s a new kids’ market in town

The Children’s Entrepreneur Market aims to help keiki learn about entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership through hands-on experience.

Keliʻi Akina & Ph.D.December 18, 2025

Study finds that Hawai‘i is the best state for on-time flights

The study by Squaremouth, a travel insurance marketplace, analyzed flight delays and cancellations between July 2024 and June 2025 by airports, state and month.

Stephanie SalmonsDecember 18, 2025

Kaua‘i resort gifts $400K to community foundations

The Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa and its owner, Takenaka Corp., marked the resort’s 35th anniversary by honoring longtime employees and gifting $100,000 endowments to four local community foundations.

Stephanie SalmonsDecember 17, 2025

What's new at Queens' Marketplace

Several new retailers and restaurants have opened in the Waikoloa Beach Resort shopping center, and more are coming soon.