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
250+ Kaiser employees to strike next week
Unions to picket Kaiser over stagnant wages, cut benefits, and more across multiple states.
Michael BrestovanskyOctober 11, 2025
Insurance provider DTRIC to wind down in Hawai‘i
Company will neither issue nor renew policies as it withdraws from Hawai‘i market
Michael BrestovanskyOctober 11, 2025
Here's what's new at Royal Hawaiian Center
Learn more about the four new tenants that will soon open at the Waikīkī shopping center and the one merchant who just did.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 11, 2025
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
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 — which founder Dana Roberts says, means calm, serene, tranquil — was founded on Kaua‘i in 2004.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 03, 2025
55 years of Kāhala Mall
The first enclosed, air-conditioned shopping center in the Islands celebrates its 55th anniversary in October.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 01, 2025
"Bleak" economic report predicts recession
UHERO forecast warns about rising costs, stagnant jobs as tariffs and federal government job cuts continue.
Michael BrestovanskySeptember 26, 2025
Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i set to celebrate 175th anniversary
Founded in 1850, the chamber — the second oldest chamber organization west of the Rockies — will mark its 175th anniversary in October. To celebrate the milestone, the chamber will host "An Evening of Legacy" gala on Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 25, 2025
Maui landowner countersues in water battle
Maui Land & Pineapple hits back against golf courses and other water users, accusing them of ignoring water restrictions.
Michael BrestovanskySeptember 24, 2025
These Hawai‘i hotels recognized as some of the best in the U.S.
USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards aim to rank the 10 best in several areas of travel, lifestyle and other categories.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 23, 2025
AIA Honolulu builds community with Architecture Month
The organization has events lined up on O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island throughout October to celebrate.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 19, 2025
Shake Shack is opening its first Hawaiʻi location
Shake Shack is partnering with Hawaiʻi-based company Union MAK corporation to bring the first Shack to Oʻahu in 2027.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 19, 2025
DBEDT invites product manufacturers to exhibit at San Diego trade show
The Winter FancyFaire, which is organized by the Specialty Food Association, is set to take place Jan. 11 to 13, 2026, at the San Diego Convention Center.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 18, 2025
Hawai‘i Pacific University to offer three-year bachelor degree
Applications for the new bachelor of science in global business program are open now, and the first cohort of Global Business Scholars are expected to start in the fall of 2026, the university says.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 17, 2025
Drought cancels Maui PGA tournament
Drought conditions in West Maui lead PGA to cancel Sentry PGA Tour Tournament for the first time since 1999
Michael Brestovansky & Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 17, 2025
Meet the board chair for the state Agribusiness Development Corp.
Jayson Watts shares about his kuleana and ADC's mission, priorities and long-term vision, while also highlighting the challenges and opportunities ahead for Hawaiʻi’s agricultural community.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 17, 2025
Explore the 'Future of Work' in Hawai‘i at upcoming conference
A partnership between the Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council, Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i and AE Consulting, Future of Work 2026: County Voices, Statewide Vision is planned for Sept. 24.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 16, 2025
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
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
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
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
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
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