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
Elotes business Corn Onoz Hawaiʻi opens its first store
The business, which specializes in creative dishes centered around corn, pops up at night markets and events across Oʻahu. It just celebrated the grand opening of its new storefront in Pearl City.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMarch 13, 2026
UPDATED: Hawaiian Electric's long night
The utility went into the evening working to restore power to about 26,000 customers on three islands.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 12, 2026
Kīlauea erupts again, bringing more tephra, ash fall to Hawai‘i Island
Tephra and ash fall from the latest eruptive episode of Kīlauea volcano, which began and ended on Tuesday, March 10, has led to the temporary closure of its summit in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and parts of Highway 11.
Stephanie SalmonsMarch 11, 2026
Honolulu Festival returns with parade, fireworks
Live stage performances, the Sake & Food Fest, Bon Dances, and a craft fair are just some of the events on the agenda for the upcoming Honolulu Festival, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. There will also be a number of free events, including the Japanese Film Festival, the Nagaoka Fireworks show, and the Grand Parade.
Katie HellandMarch 10, 2026
Neiman Marcus to close at Ala Moana Center
Last month, parent company Saks Global Enterprises said it is “refining the Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus store footprint to focus on profitable locations with the highest growth potential.”
Stephanie SalmonsMarch 10, 2026
Bad Ass Coffee opens in Kaimukī March 13
You'll find the newest location at 3502-C Wai‘alae Ave.
Stephanie SalmonsMarch 07, 2026
Hanalei nominated for two best-of lists
Located on Kaua‘i's North Shore, Hanalei is one of 20 communities nominated by a panel of experts that are vying to make the list for Best Small Towns in the West and Best Small Town Food Scene.
Stephanie SalmonsMarch 04, 2026
Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi to host Bum Run for Colon Cancer Awareness Month
When Diann Hartman of Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Resort & Spa was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer nine years ago, her colleagues offered support by spearheading a community event to raise funds and awareness for cancer research, screening and treatment. This year’s Bum Run, organized by the resort to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Kauaʻi, is slated for Saturday, March 7, at Poʻipū Bay Golf Course.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 04, 2026
Hawai‘i man dies after 'incident' in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
National Park Service personnel responded to an"incident" in a closed area on the east side of Kīlauea caldera on Feb. 26.
Stephanie SalmonsMarch 04, 2026
Made in Hawai‘i Festival to return in August
The popular event will be held Aug. 20 to 23 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. Read on to learn more about some of the changes to this year's festival.
Stephanie SalmonsMarch 03, 2026
The scoop on Kenny Boy Ice Cream
Entrepreneur — and Pearl City High School senior — Kenny Tsuru began making ice cream after going through a challenging period with his health. He is a member of the newest cohort for ‘Āina to Mākeke, a food business program from Leeward Community College's Office of Workforce Development in partnership with the Hawai‘i Ag and Culinary Alliance, and at 18, he's the youngest participant in the program’s history.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 28, 2026
Four Hawaiʻi beaches make Tripadvisor’s best U.S. beaches list for 2026
Tripadvisor’s list of best beaches in the nation includes one location on Kauaʻi, another on Hawaiʻi Island and two on Oʻahu. Make your guesses for which beaches made the list ...
Katie HellandFebruary 27, 2026
Roberts Hawaiʻi to open new entertainment venue
The space is a $15 million investment, designed for weddings, corporate events, fashion shows, pau hana, nightclub entertainment, and more. Roberts Hawaiʻi plans to use the space — formerly known as Hawaiian Hut — to offer events that appeal to kamaʻāina.
Katie HellandFebruary 26, 2026
CU Hawaiʻi opens in Kāhala
The Korean convenience store just opened its second location in Kāhala Korner, the same plaza as Kapa Hale and Olive Tree Café. The store opened in the former Subway space, and while not as big as the brand’s Downtown Honolulu location, it includes some of its most popular features.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 25, 2026
Kaula Lūʻau launches in Ko Olina this week
A new immersive cultural performance that is a partnership between Hawaiian Council and Ko Olina Resort will debut on Friday, Feb. 27, in West Oʻahu. Kūhiō Lewis, president and CEO of Hawaiian Council, shares how the idea for the production started with a lunch meeting.
Katie HellandFebruary 24, 2026
Executive Vineyards 2026 is coming this March
The annual fundraising event for the Shidler College of Business Alumni Association will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort. Here’s a sneak peek of the restaurant line-up.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 21, 2026
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel debuts $180M renovation
The hotel says this is the “most extensive transformation in the property’s 60-year history.”
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 20, 2026
Architect Francis Oda, founder of G70, dies at 84
Hawai‘i has lost "one of its most influential voices," Lance Hirai, the 2026 president of AIA Honolulu and an associate principal at G70, says.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 19, 2026
Chance and the pandemic led West Maui resident to interior design career
Melissa Dyckman is the founder and principal designer at her namesake interior design studio, Melissa Dyckman Interiors.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 18, 2026
You can get $1 shave ice this Saturday
Matsumoto Shave Ice is celebrating its 75th anniversary this Saturday, Feb. 21. The community is invited to enjoy a variety of specials, including $1 small shave ice (no toppings included), discounted anniversary T-shirts and more.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 18, 2026
'Secret Treehouse' in Volcano was one of Airbnb's most loved listings in 2025
The company last month shared its list of Airbnbs "topping Instagram and TikTok feeds" in 2025.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 16, 2026
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue continues nationwide growth
The chain opened 14 new locations 2025 and was recently ranked on Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 12, 2026
Glenn Mason to receive Medal of Honor for work in architecture
Mason, who is known for his historic preservation work, is just the 12th person to receive this award.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 11, 2026
Pacific Whale Foundation on its work, humpback whale season, more
Founded by Greg Kaufman in 1980 “to protect a declining humpback whale population from global threats,” the nonprofit owns PacWhale Eco-Adventures, whose profits support the Pacific Whale Foundation’s work.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 10, 2026