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.

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

State issues preliminary cease-and-desist against Teapresso Bar

The state alleges violations of Hawai‘i franchise laws. Existing stores, however, will continue to operate as normal.

Stephanie SalmonsOctober 21, 2025

Changes coming to airport ground transport operations as Skyline expands

The relocation of the airport's rideshare pick-up spots are among the changes coming with the launch of the new rail segment this week.

Stephanie SalmonsOctober 16, 2025

What's new at Ala Moana Center

The shopping center has welcomed a number of new tenants, with more coming soon.

Stephanie SalmonsOctober 15, 2025

Latest cohort graduates from HITOP

The Hawai‘i Talent Onboarding Program, or HITOP, is a six-week acculturation program that introduces business leaders and executives who have recently relocated or returned to the Islands to Hawai‘i's culture, history and community.

Stephanie SalmonsOctober 15, 2025

Kaiser responds to strike

Kaiser Permanente assures emergency services will remain available during week-long strike

Michael BrestovanskyOctober 14, 2025

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.