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
Paradise Cove Lū‘au to close
After 47 years in Ko Olina, the West O‘ahu attraction will close next month, allowing a planned redevelopment of the 10.9-acre oceanfront property to proceed next year. Aloha State Daily recently spoke with Liu Taufa, an entertainer who has worked at the lū‘au for 35 years about its closure and what working there has meant to her.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 25, 2025
New collab between Zippy's and NOHO HOME Hawai‘i available Nov. 28
The two local businesses will release a capsule collection of four items, “aimed to capture the deep-rooted tradition of pilina — connection,” Zippy's said Friday.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 22, 2025
New survey says more people are considering leaving Hawai‘i
Honolulu-based nonprofit Holomua Collective — which works to make Hawai‘i more affordable for working families — recently released the results of its second annual Hawai‘i Affordability Survey.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 21, 2025
Honolulu startup aims to make finding the right Realtor easier
A new platform called Tochigami helps pair homebuyers and real estate agents through dating app-style matching.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 20, 2025
Young Brothers' rates to increase by more than 25%
State Public Utilities Commission approves 25.75% rate increase amid freight company's financial woes.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 18, 2025
Zippy's to open two new locations in Las Vegas
The restaurant chain currently has 25 locations, including three Las Vegas — its only locations on the Mainland.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 15, 2025
Survey available for business owners
The Federal Reserve's 2025 Small Business Credit Survey is now open for Hawai‘i small businesses to weigh in on their borrowing preferences and financial outlook.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 14, 2025
Honolulu, Roberts Hawai‘i aim to improve access to Hanauma Bay
A new contract between the city and Roberts Hawai‘i packages transportation to and from the popular snorkel spot, entry and an educational video.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 12, 2025
Kamehameha Schools sells land under Royal Hawaiian for $510M
Japan-based Daisho Co. is now the fee-simple owner. The property, however, will continue to be held and operated under its current long-term ground lease to Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, KS says.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 11, 2025
Meet the new president of HBM
Born and raised in Hawai‘i, Ron Porter was recently named president of Hawaiian Building Maintenance. With a background in economics, finance and business operations, he shares immediate priorities for the more than 60-year-old commercial facility maintenance company.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 10, 2025
Hawai‘i entrepreneurs on display at annual Mana Up event
The Mana Up Showcase is an annual event that spotlights the Hawai‘i-based companies that have gone through the accelerator program.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 08, 2025
Darren Strand leading Maui Land & Pineapple's new agave venture
The longtime ag leader will oversee agricultural strategy and operations, implement sustainable growing practices and help guide the farm's continued growth, MLP says.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 07, 2025
Destination DoHo
Here's what's happening in Downtown Honolulu, as the city and nonprofits work to improve the area and draw more people.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 06, 2025
FAA warns of cuts to flights as shutdown continues
Flights to and from 40 unspecified "high-volume" markets coming this Friday, warns the FAA.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 06, 2025
Big Santa returns to Ala Moana
Big Santa’s arrival heralds the start of Ala Moana’s holiday season, and there’s plenty to do in the coming weeks.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 05, 2025
Honolulu-bound cargo plane crashes in Kentucky
Injuries reported after UPS plane crashes shortly after takeoff in Louisville, Kentucky.
ASD StaffNovember 05, 2025
More pickleball courts opening in Downtown Honolulu
The Pickle Party, a grand opening of eight new courts on the second floor of Pickles at Forté, is set for 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 14.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 01, 2025
Mana Up Showcase highlights Hawai‘i entrepreneurs
Tickets are on sale now for an in-person marketplace set for Nov. 6 at Bloomingdale’s in Ala Moana Center.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 31, 2025
Home Care Association of America launches Hawai‘i chapter
HCAOA is a nationwide a trade association for private-duty home care providers that recently established a new chapter in Hawai‘i. The organization supports nearly 4,500 home care agencies across the country.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 31, 2025
Alaska, Hawaiian airlines reach merger milestone
Alaska Airlines on Wednesday received a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration, allowing it to operate alongside Hawaiian Airlines as two separate brands.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 30, 2025
How Neighbor Island students can visit Pearl Harbor
Applications are being accepted for the 2026 spring semester of the Pearl Harbor Explorer Program, which aims to give students a “comprehensive learning experience by visiting multiple historic sites in Pearl Harbor." Neighbor Island students can take advantage of this program through a partnership with Southwest Airlines.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 28, 2025
Bishop Museum welcomes endangered land snails
The diminutive detritivore Endodonta christenseni is a land snail found only on Nihoa, a tiny Northwestern Hawaiian Island that spans less than 180 acres. You can see the snails at Bishop Museum's fourth annual Kāhuli Festival on Saturday, Oct. 25.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 25, 2025
Kaua‘i resort to host Halloween 'Canine Costume Contest'
The Oct. 30 event, done in partnership with the Kaua‘i Humane Society, will also serve as a pet food drive and adoption event.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 24, 2025
Prowling around with Lāna‘i Cat Sanctuary
Aloha State Daily recently spoke with the nonprofit's Executive Director Keoni Vaughn about the organization and its efforts to save cats and protect birds. The organization has seen both growth and challenges over the years on its way to becoming a bona fide visitor destination.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 23, 2025