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
Community Voices: The luxury tourism myth
Many voices call for Hawai‘i's tourism industry to attract fewer, wealthier customers. Hospitality industry veteran Dan Wacksman explains why Hawaiʻi can't simply replace millions of visitors with millionaires
Dan WacksmanJuly 10, 2026
What are the economic impacts of 'Moana' for Hawaiʻi?
When a Disney movie has nine days of filming on Oʻahu and 280 more days of pre-production, there are economic impacts for the state. Georja Skinner, chief officer of the Creative Industries Division for the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, shared some numbers.
Katie HellandJuly 10, 2026
HoMA announces new director and CEO
The Honolulu Museum of Art has announced its next director and CEO, who will assume the role on Sept. 1. Learn more about the executive, who grew up in Kailua.
Katie HellandJuly 09, 2026
Anna O’Brien’s under new management
Learn what will and won't change as this Irish pub — not far from the campus of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa — soft opens under new management on Friday, July 10.
Katie HellandJuly 09, 2026
North Shore farm aims to expand opportunities for immigrant farmers, strengthen local food systems
Nonprofit Pacific Gateway Center has launched PGC Farms Hale‘iwa, a new 80-acre agricultural hub on land owned by Kamehameha Schools.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 08, 2026
Tickets for Made in Hawai‘i Festival go on sale Aug. 1
The annual event will be held Aug. 20 to 23 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 07, 2026
Liliha Bakery to open new spot in Waikīkī
This will be the brand's sixth location on O‘ahu.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 06, 2026
Ala Moana Center makes list of best shopping centers
USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards aim to rank the 10 best in several areas of travel and lifestyle. Here's where Ala Moana — and other Hawai‘i businesses — landed on several lists.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 03, 2026
Center for Family Business & Entrepreneurs helps businesses plan for growth, transition
The new center was launched earlier this year by Bank of Hawai‘i, created for family-owned and closely-held businesses. CFBE Director Agatha Viernes-LeGros told Aloha State Daily that the center aims to provide education, advice and hands-on execution of planning services to clients in a confidential manner.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 03, 2026
Zippy's Kāhala location to reopen
The restaurant will reopen next week, following four months of renovations.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 01, 2026
Pilot program aims to support North Shore businesses affected by Kona Low storms
Hawaiian Council, in partnership with the Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau, E Noa Tours and Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, this week launched North Shore Huaka‘i, connecting visitors and kama‘āina to businesses in Hale‘iwa and Waialua.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 01, 2026
Hawaiian Airlines’ new main cabin menu launches July 1
For in-flight meals on domestic flights between Hawaiʻi and the Mainland, guests can pre-order from a menu curated by Maui-based chef Sheldon Simeon. The menu features elevated takes on local favorites and comfort foods, and features dishes like corned beef hash and eggs, banana pancakes, teriyaki cheeseburgers, crispy mochiko chicken and garlic noodles, and more.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 30, 2026
Kaua‘i Coffee Co. secures 15-year lease
The brand's parent company, Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA, negotiated a new 15-year lease for the 3,100-acre farm on which it has been operating with property owner Brue Baukol Capital Partners. Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami shares what this means for the Garden Isle community.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 26, 2026
What's new at Ala Moana Center
The shopping center has welcomed a number of new tenants with more coming soon.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 25, 2026
And the Wailuku Film Festival winners are...
It’s a wrap for the inaugural Wailuku Film Festival. Brian Kohne, the festival's director and the Maui film commissioner, reflected on the event and how it impacted local businesses. Read more to learn the festival’s winners.
Katie HellandJune 25, 2026
UBAE opens second location in Pearlridge Center
The business — which stands for “ube before anything else” — just opened in ‘Aiea. Its Pearlridge Center store has several exclusive treats, including ube slushies and ubaegato, or soft serve topped with a shot of hot espresso.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 25, 2026
New from Maui Gold Pineapple Co.: Maui Pineapple Farm
The new brand launched this week, offering value-added products made from Maui Gold pineapples.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 24, 2026
Ocean House by Roy Yamaguchi is now open on Kauaʻi
The new eatery, which celebrated its grand opening on June 22, is located at Outrigger Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa in Līhu‘e. The restaurant is currently open for breakfast and dinner and features a locally sourced menu that highlights Kauaʻi’s farms and fishing communities.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 24, 2026
Maui-based clothing shop now open at Kāhala Mall
Waiwaolani, a Native Hawaiian-owned alohawear business featuring prints of Hawaiʻi’s native species, has expanded to Oʻahu with the opening of its first retail store on the island.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 23, 2026
Red Lobster closes Waikīkī location
The restaurant permanently closed on June 21, a company spokesperson confirmed.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 23, 2026
A hui hou, Kalihi's Kam Bowl Restaurant
The Kalihi-based restaurant is closing this Sunday, June 28, at 3 p.m. It’s reopening on July 1 at 10:30 a.m. under new management and a new name — Aliʻi Diner. Kam Bowl Pearl City is set to open in mid-July at Times Square Shopping Center.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 22, 2026
Rainbow Tower renovations complete at Hilton Hawaiian Village
The resort says the iconic tower has been "reimagined with refreshed guest rooms, locally inspired design and curated artwork that celebrates the Islands' rich culture."
Stephanie SalmonsJune 18, 2026
Vote for Hawai‘i's best resort, lū‘au and more
Hawai‘i is the focus of these best-of lists in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 17, 2026
Mercado de la Raza opens second location in Waipahu
This Latin American market is celebrating the grand opening of its second store this Saturday, June 20, in Waipio’s Koa Ridge. The block party will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This second location is bigger than the business’s original store on South Beretania Street.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 17, 2026