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
UHERO warns higher prices to come as Iran war continues
UHERO's second quarterly forecast significantly less rosy than the first after Strait of Hormuz closure.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 15, 2026
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue aims for record year
April was a record month for the Hawai‘i-based chain which has opened 13 new locations this year, including six in April alone. CEO Elisia Flores says the chain expects to open even more before 2026 ends.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 15, 2026
'Play with a purpose' at this kids gym in Honolulu
Owner of We Rock the Spectrum Honolulu John Ross shares the intention behind his first venture inspired by his son with autism and the families who are navigating a similar path. He describes it as "a place where every child, neurotypical or not, is genuinely celebrated."
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 15, 2026
Zippy's, Hawaiian Island Creations collab launches this month
The new collection that celebrates the Surf Pac, surfing and the "long-standing relationship between the two." It includes a T-shirt, towel and decals.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 12, 2026
Molokaʻi-based nail art business owner's tips for design
Līhau Willing, founder of Hawaiʻi-born brand Iwi Nails, talks about the evolution of her business since 2021.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 11, 2026
Zippy's to open newest Las Vegas location
Zippy's Camino Al Norte will open on Tuesday, May 19.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 09, 2026
Hanalei's 'Tiki Home' one of Vrbo's top vacation rentals
The 4,500-square-foot home, just 700 feet from Hanalei Bay, was one of 15 recently recognized as Vrbo's 2026 Vacation Rentals of the Year.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 07, 2026
Stix Asia expanding to Las Vegas
The food hall, whose first location opened in Waikīkī in 2023, will open at UnCommons in southwest Las Vegas this fall.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 06, 2026
Ala Moana Center nominated for 10Best list
Several other Hawai‘i businesses are also up for spots on various other 10Best lists.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 05, 2026
Chef Roy Yamaguchi to launch new oceanfront restaurant on Kaua‘i
Ocean House by Roy Yamaguchi is set to open next month at Outrigger Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa in Līhu‘e.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 04, 2026
Outrigger Hospitality Group starts $100M 'transformation' of Waikīkī Beach Resort
The company says the resort is being "reimagined as a design-led, barefoot luxury destination more deeply connected to the ocean, surf culture and sense of place that defines Waikīkī."
Stephanie SalmonsApril 29, 2026
SPAM JAM draws thousands to Waikīkī
This year's event featured 25 restaurants and 45 total vendors, as well as Spam-themed drone show and more.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 28, 2026
Hawai‘i home care agency recognized
Ho‘okele Home Care is among Hawai‘i home care agencies recently recognized in Activated Insights' Best of Home Care Awards.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 25, 2026
Live demolition work continues at Aloha Stadium
The northwest bowl of Aloha Stadium was demolished on early Thursday afternoon.
Christian ShimabukuApril 24, 2026
Hawaiian, Alaska airlines transition to one passenger service system
A spokesperson for the airline says that the move is the "biggest and most complex integration project" in the combination of the two airlines.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 24, 2026
Neale Asato talks James Beard nomination, inspiration for Asato Family Shop
Asato was recently named a nominee for the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards in the outstanding pastry chef or baker category.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 18, 2026
New updates unveiled at Pagoda Hotel
Originally built for and still aiming to cater to kama‘āina guests, the hotel has recently unveiled a new, property-wide refresh.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 17, 2026
“Meet the Drapers” episode films in Kāneʻohe
Venture capitalist Tim Draper joined Marc Benioff, CEO and co-founder of Salesforce, and Chenoa Farnsworth, managing partner of Blue Startups, to hear pitches from companies with ties to the Islands last week. The episode will be part of Season 10 of “Meet the Drapers.”
Katie HellandApril 16, 2026
Everything you’ll find at the 22nd annual Waikīkī SPAM JAM Festival
The 2026 festival features more than 40 food and retail booths, a line-up of creative Spam dishes, limited-edition Spam slippers for sale from OluKai, and a Spam-themed drone show.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaApril 16, 2026
Zippy's, Diamond Bakery create limited soda cracker box
The collaboration commemorates Zippy's 60th and Diamond Bakery's 105th anniversaries.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 16, 2026
Lāna‘i resort tops list of 10 best golf resorts in the U.S.
The course "offers some hard-to-beat features, including a Jack Nicklaus-signature course built on lava outcroppings,” the list reads.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 15, 2026
What's new at Ala Moana Center
The shopping center has welcomed a number of new tenants with more coming soon.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 15, 2026
Public input sought for Kauleolī plan in South Kona
Now through May 15, The National Park Service is seeking public feedback to help shape the long-term vision of the Kauleolī Unit of Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail on Hawaiʻi Island. A community meeting will be held on April 18 at the Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Captain Cook, where trail managers will share preliminary concepts, gather ideas and answer questions.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 14, 2026
Waikīkī hotel unveils multi-million dollar renovation
Courtyard by Marriott Waikīkī Beach has revamped its 405-room property.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 13, 2026