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
Parking lot improvements underway at Līhu‘e Airport
The state Department of Transportation says the work will help relieve some congestion in the airport’s public parking lot.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 07, 2026
Sentry gifts $1M to Maui nonprofits
Three local nonprofits benefited from The Sentry Insurance Foundation’s donation on Tuesday.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 07, 2026
Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow on her new role
Formerly the senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability at Alaska Airlines, Birkett Rakow was named CEO of Hawaiian in September and stepped into the position in late October. Aloha State Daily recently asked about her professional goals and the newly announced Kahu‘ewai investment plan.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 07, 2026
Hawaiian Airlines announces $600M investment plan
The Kahu‘ewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan includes investments over the next five years to modernize airport spaces, aircraft cabins and technology, expand loyalty benefits for Hawai‘i residents and continue "our deep investment in community and sustainability statewide," Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow said.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 06, 2026
Hawai‘i restaurants, Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana recognized on 10Best lists
USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for Best New Restaurants and Best New Attractions were announced Jan. 2.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 05, 2026
Small business owner with Hawaiʻi roots to open first store in Seattle
Born and raised on Oʻahu, Isaiah Corpus plans to launch Shop Kainalu, a Hawaiʻi inspired lifestyle and apparel brand, in Washington where he now lives. Corpus, a self-described ocean and beach enthusiast, discusses the details leading up to its spring debut, as well as his hope to open another retail store in his island home.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 03, 2026
Pipikaula Corner: Honolulu drinking, by the numbers
Honolulu Liquor Commission data details a billion-dollar business.
A. Kam NapierDecember 31, 2025
Items from Paradise Cove Lū‘au for sale at auction
Curtains close on the long-running attraction Dec. 31 — the closure making way for a planned redevelopment of the West O‘ahu property — but you can take a piece of the history home with you.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 31, 2025
Where to go for Fukubukuro this year
Meaning “lucky bag,” Fukubukuro is Japanese New Year custom where shops and merchants offer mystery bags at discounted prices. Here are a few places to check out.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 30, 2025
Wai‘anae entrepreneur kicks off Hawai‘i-inspired boot brand
Leather and Lei debuted in October with its Lehua collection, offering made-to-order boots “inspired by Hawai‘i’s natural beauty and the resilient spirit of paniolo and cowgirl heritage."
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 27, 2025
North Shore mom launches new brand
Heather Young, owner of Pūpūkea Lux, a candle and lifestyle brand infused with intention, shares her goals for the biz in 2026, which include supporting local causes and other small businesses, as her ʻohana prepares for the arrival of twins.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 26, 2025
Checking in on potential airport hotels in Hilo, Kona
State Sen. Lorraine Inouye said hotels are permitted at both airports under the approved legislation, but she believes Hilo should be prioritized.
Daniel FarrDecember 23, 2025
What's new at Ala Moana Center
The shopping center has welcomed a number of new tenants, with more coming soon.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 23, 2025
Southwest to offer direct flights between Hilo, Las Vegas in 2026
The flights, which begin Aug. 6, 2026, are initially scheduled to operate on Mondays, Thursdays and Friday.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 23, 2025
Retail Merchants of Hawai‘i names interim leader
Dave Erdman, a longtime marketing and communications executive, has been appointed interim president and CEO of the statewide trade organization.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 19, 2025
Hawai‘i's minimum wage to increase on Jan. 1
This is the third step in a series of planned increases that will ultimately bring the minimum wage to $18 by 2028.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 19, 2025
Community Voices: There’s a new kids’ market in town
The Children’s Entrepreneur Market aims to help keiki learn about entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership through hands-on experience.
Keliʻi Akina & Ph.D.December 18, 2025
Study finds that Hawai‘i is the best state for on-time flights
The study by Squaremouth, a travel insurance marketplace, analyzed flight delays and cancellations between July 2024 and June 2025 by airports, state and month.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 18, 2025
Kaua‘i resort gifts $400K to community foundations
The Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa and its owner, Takenaka Corp., marked the resort’s 35th anniversary by honoring longtime employees and gifting $100,000 endowments to four local community foundations.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 17, 2025
What's new at Queens' Marketplace
Several new retailers and restaurants have opened in the Waikoloa Beach Resort shopping center, and more are coming soon.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 17, 2025
Maui bakery featured on Good Morning America
The Maui Cookie Lady was included in a Dec. 13 GMA segment highlighting cookie delivery companies from across the country.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 16, 2025
Three Hawai‘i eateries among those nominated for Best New Restaurant
You can vote for your favorite in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards until Dec. 22.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 15, 2025
Local maker loves to malama the ocean
Shera Mercer, owner of ‘Alohi Kai, a Hawaiʻi-based jewelry business inspired by her own underwater encounters, talks about her slow fashion approach making hand carved pieces — in shapes like sharks, turtles, Hawaiian monk seals and more — each with a story to tell. Her overall goal is to raise awareness about ocean sustainability and conservation.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 15, 2025
Lahaina shop to support two nonprofits
Hana Hou by Hale Zen’s Sip and Shop, a community event featuring sparkling beverages and festive items for sale, will benefit two nonprofits — Maui Food Bank and Maui Humane Society — on Dec. 12 and 13, respectively. Owner Lisa Payne shares what to expect and why to give.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 11, 2025
5 places to carb load for the Honolulu Marathon on a budget
Looking to load up on carbs a few days before running the marathon? Aloha State Daily put together a list of places you can find noodles leading up to the race.
Katie HellandDecember 11, 2025
Applications open for the Akamai Internship Program
Interns will be placed at Hawai‘i observatories and other STEM industries in the Islands during the course of the summer program.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 10, 2025
Ace Handyman Services opens first franchise in Hawai‘i
O‘ahu Ace Handyman Services is owned by local entrepreneur Jonathan Wong.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 06, 2025
New wellness concept coming to Honolulu
All too familiar with injury, former UH athlete Steele Dubar aims to help bring healing to everyday people and life through new dual venture.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 05, 2025
Hamada: Why I'm done with shopping in stores
’Tis the season to hit the malls ... or not!
Rick HamadaDecember 02, 2025
Maui nonprofit focuses on statewide workforce training
Nick Winfrey, executive director of Imua Onipāʻa, discusses what drew him to the organization, what heʻs working toward and more.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 02, 2025
Innovation Grants will help address community challenges on Kaua‘i
Kaua‘i County's Office of Economic Development recently announced the 12 grant recipients. The selected proposals received a total of $368,362.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 28, 2025
Community Voices: State-funded marketing is not the answer to low tourist turnout
Tourism is a competitive, global business. Someone needs to pay for advertising to keep Hawai‘i top of mind, but it shouldn't be local taxpayers.
Keliʻi Akina & Ph.D.November 27, 2025
'Keep it Kaimukī' on Nov. 29
Keep it Kaimukī Saturday returns this weekend, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 29, with more than 30 of the community’s small businesses and restaurants participating. The event coincides with Small Business Saturday.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 27, 2025
Items surrendered at TSA available at auction
The state Surplus Property Office collects boxes of surrendered items from the Daniel K. Inouye Airport in Honolulu every month, and from Neighbor Island airports each quarter, which are then sold at public auction.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 26, 2025
Paradise Cove Lū‘au to close
After 47 years in Ko Olina, the West O‘ahu attraction will close next month, allowing a planned redevelopment of the 10.9-acre oceanfront property to proceed next year. Aloha State Daily recently spoke with Liu Taufa, an entertainer who has worked at the lū‘au for 35 years about its closure and what working there has meant to her.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 25, 2025
New collab between Zippy's and NOHO HOME Hawai‘i available Nov. 28
The two local businesses will release a capsule collection of four items, “aimed to capture the deep-rooted tradition of pilina — connection,” Zippy's said Friday.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 22, 2025
New survey says more people are considering leaving Hawai‘i
Honolulu-based nonprofit Holomua Collective — which works to make Hawai‘i more affordable for working families — recently released the results of its second annual Hawai‘i Affordability Survey.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 21, 2025
Honolulu startup aims to make finding the right Realtor easier
A new platform called Tochigami helps pair homebuyers and real estate agents through dating app-style matching.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 20, 2025
Young Brothers' rates to increase by more than 25%
State Public Utilities Commission approves 25.75% rate increase amid freight company's financial woes.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 18, 2025
Zippy's to open two new locations in Las Vegas
The restaurant chain currently has 25 locations, including three Las Vegas — its only locations on the Mainland.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 15, 2025
Survey available for business owners
The Federal Reserve's 2025 Small Business Credit Survey is now open for Hawai‘i small businesses to weigh in on their borrowing preferences and financial outlook.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 14, 2025
Honolulu, Roberts Hawai‘i aim to improve access to Hanauma Bay
A new contract between the city and Roberts Hawai‘i packages transportation to and from the popular snorkel spot, entry and an educational video.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 12, 2025
Kamehameha Schools sells land under Royal Hawaiian for $510M
Japan-based Daisho Co. is now the fee-simple owner. The property, however, will continue to be held and operated under its current long-term ground lease to Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, KS says.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 11, 2025
Meet the new president of HBM
Born and raised in Hawai‘i, Ron Porter was recently named president of Hawaiian Building Maintenance. With a background in economics, finance and business operations, he shares immediate priorities for the more than 60-year-old commercial facility maintenance company.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 10, 2025
Hawai‘i entrepreneurs on display at annual Mana Up event
The Mana Up Showcase is an annual event that spotlights the Hawai‘i-based companies that have gone through the accelerator program.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 08, 2025
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