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
Elotes business Corn Onoz Hawaiʻi opens its first store
The business, which specializes in creative dishes centered around corn, pops up at night markets and events across Oʻahu. It just celebrated the grand opening of its new storefront in Pearl City.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMarch 13, 2026
UPDATED: Hawaiian Electric's long night
The utility went into the evening working to restore power to about 26,000 customers on three islands.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 12, 2026
Kīlauea erupts again, bringing more tephra, ash fall to Hawai‘i Island
Tephra and ash fall from the latest eruptive episode of Kīlauea volcano, which began and ended on Tuesday, March 10, has led to the temporary closure of its summit in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and parts of Highway 11.
Stephanie SalmonsMarch 11, 2026
Honolulu Festival returns with parade, fireworks
Live stage performances, the Sake & Food Fest, Bon Dances, and a craft fair are just some of the events on the agenda for the upcoming Honolulu Festival, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. There will also be a number of free events, including the Japanese Film Festival, the Nagaoka Fireworks show, and the Grand Parade.
Katie HellandMarch 10, 2026
Neiman Marcus to close at Ala Moana Center
Last month, parent company Saks Global Enterprises said it is “refining the Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus store footprint to focus on profitable locations with the highest growth potential.”
Stephanie SalmonsMarch 10, 2026
Bad Ass Coffee opens in Kaimukī March 13
You'll find the newest location at 3502-C Wai‘alae Ave.
Stephanie SalmonsMarch 07, 2026
Hanalei nominated for two best-of lists
Located on Kaua‘i's North Shore, Hanalei is one of 20 communities nominated by a panel of experts that are vying to make the list for Best Small Towns in the West and Best Small Town Food Scene.
Stephanie SalmonsMarch 04, 2026
Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi to host Bum Run for Colon Cancer Awareness Month
When Diann Hartman of Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Resort & Spa was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer nine years ago, her colleagues offered support by spearheading a community event to raise funds and awareness for cancer research, screening and treatment. This year’s Bum Run, organized by the resort to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Kauaʻi, is slated for Saturday, March 7, at Poʻipū Bay Golf Course.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 04, 2026
Hawai‘i man dies after 'incident' in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
National Park Service personnel responded to an"incident" in a closed area on the east side of Kīlauea caldera on Feb. 26.
Stephanie SalmonsMarch 04, 2026
Made in Hawai‘i Festival to return in August
The popular event will be held Aug. 20 to 23 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. Read on to learn more about some of the changes to this year's festival.
Stephanie SalmonsMarch 03, 2026
The scoop on Kenny Boy Ice Cream
Entrepreneur — and Pearl City High School senior — Kenny Tsuru began making ice cream after going through a challenging period with his health. He is a member of the newest cohort for ‘Āina to Mākeke, a food business program from Leeward Community College's Office of Workforce Development in partnership with the Hawai‘i Ag and Culinary Alliance, and at 18, he's the youngest participant in the program’s history.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 28, 2026
Four Hawaiʻi beaches make Tripadvisor’s best U.S. beaches list for 2026
Tripadvisor’s list of best beaches in the nation includes one location on Kauaʻi, another on Hawaiʻi Island and two on Oʻahu. Make your guesses for which beaches made the list ...
Katie HellandFebruary 27, 2026
Roberts Hawaiʻi to open new entertainment venue
The space is a $15 million investment, designed for weddings, corporate events, fashion shows, pau hana, nightclub entertainment, and more. Roberts Hawaiʻi plans to use the space — formerly known as Hawaiian Hut — to offer events that appeal to kamaʻāina.
Katie HellandFebruary 26, 2026
CU Hawaiʻi opens in Kāhala
The Korean convenience store just opened its second location in Kāhala Korner, the same plaza as Kapa Hale and Olive Tree Café. The store opened in the former Subway space, and while not as big as the brand’s Downtown Honolulu location, it includes some of its most popular features.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 25, 2026
Kaula Lūʻau launches in Ko Olina this week
A new immersive cultural performance that is a partnership between Hawaiian Council and Ko Olina Resort will debut on Friday, Feb. 27, in West Oʻahu. Kūhiō Lewis, president and CEO of Hawaiian Council, shares how the idea for the production started with a lunch meeting.
Katie HellandFebruary 24, 2026
Executive Vineyards 2026 is coming this March
The annual fundraising event for the Shidler College of Business Alumni Association will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort. Here’s a sneak peek of the restaurant line-up.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 21, 2026
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel debuts $180M renovation
The hotel says this is the “most extensive transformation in the property’s 60-year history.”
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 20, 2026
Architect Francis Oda, founder of G70, dies at 84
Hawai‘i has lost "one of its most influential voices," Lance Hirai, the 2026 president of AIA Honolulu and an associate principal at G70, says.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 19, 2026
Chance and the pandemic led West Maui resident to interior design career
Melissa Dyckman is the founder and principal designer at her namesake interior design studio, Melissa Dyckman Interiors.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 18, 2026
You can get $1 shave ice this Saturday
Matsumoto Shave Ice is celebrating its 75th anniversary this Saturday, Feb. 21. The community is invited to enjoy a variety of specials, including $1 small shave ice (no toppings included), discounted anniversary T-shirts and more.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 18, 2026
'Secret Treehouse' in Volcano was one of Airbnb's most loved listings in 2025
The company last month shared its list of Airbnbs "topping Instagram and TikTok feeds" in 2025.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 16, 2026
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue continues nationwide growth
The chain opened 14 new locations 2025 and was recently ranked on Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 12, 2026
Glenn Mason to receive Medal of Honor for work in architecture
Mason, who is known for his historic preservation work, is just the 12th person to receive this award.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 11, 2026
Pacific Whale Foundation on its work, humpback whale season, more
Founded by Greg Kaufman in 1980 “to protect a declining humpback whale population from global threats,” the nonprofit owns PacWhale Eco-Adventures, whose profits support the Pacific Whale Foundation’s work.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 10, 2026
These Hawai‘i businesses and organizations have been nominated for best-of lists
Several Hawai‘i businesses, eateries, museums, festivals — and even Honolulu itself — are among those vying to be among the best in a handful of USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards categories.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 07, 2026
Kaimukī sandwich shop named best in Hawai‘i on new 50 Best list
The newest 50 Best list from Only in Your State — devoted to the 50 Best Sandwich Shops Across the U.S. — has declared its winner.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 07, 2026
Local floral designer presents the ‘Spirit of Aloha’ on global stage
Sue Tabbal-Yamaguchi, who owns Kakaʻako-based business SU‑V Expressions, set out to share "the aloha spirit through flowers" at IPM Essen 2026, the world’s largest trade fair for horticulture in Germany.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 06, 2026
HIE Heirlooms of Hawai‘i perpetuates tradition
Founded in 2023 by lifelong friends Meleana Estes and Noel Shaw, the brand offers a modern fine jewelry collection that aims to continue the tradition of Hawaiian heirloom jewelry — in particular, the inscribed gold Hawaiian bangle bracelet.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 04, 2026
UHERO report: Hawai‘i's economy one of nation's weakest
UHERO study of the state's economy highlights high cost of living, low income growth
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 03, 2026
Hawai‘i architects meet with lawmakers
AIA Hawai‘i State Council hosted its Architecture Advocacy Day at the state Capitol on Thursday, Jan. 29.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 31, 2026
This is how much lava erupted during Kīlauea volcano's most recent fountaining episode
An estimated 14 million cubic yards, or 10.6 million cubic meters, of lava erupted during Kīlauea volcano’s most recent fountaining episode — but just how much is it? Aloha State Daily spoke with a geologist at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to find out. We also have some updates from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and tips for your next trip to the Big Island hot spot.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 29, 2026
Mentorship is priority for Lance Hirai, 2026 AIA Honolulu president
In an interview with Aloha State Daily, Hirai said that he’s lucky “to be a part of such a momentous time” for the organization, which marks it 100th anniversary this year.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 29, 2026
Actress Frankie Adams reflects on new movies
She plays Nani, the "sassy and smart" cousin of Jonny Hale (Jason Momoa) and James Hale (Dave Bautista) in "The Wrecking Crew." In this exclusive interview with Aloha State Daily, the actress shares her favorite places to decompress after shooting scenes in Hawai’i. Catch her also in Disney’s live action “Moana.”
Katie HellandJanuary 28, 2026
Where to find cow cuddling, bull safaris on the Big Island
James Narayan Higgins of Krishna Cow Sanctuary in Hilo took a leap of faith to save cows from slaughter in 2019. Now responsible for more than 250 bovines, he shares how he incorporates his Hindu beliefs into daily operations, which include popular and new experiences for visitors and kamaʻāina alike.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 28, 2026
Southwest Airlines launches assigned seating on flights
The last flight with the airline’s open seating model, where passengers could choose any available seat once aboard, was a red-eye flight that departed Honolulu for Los Angeles on Monday night.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 27, 2026
Kīlauea's latest eruptive episode covers park, communities with tephra and ash
The volcano's latest hours-long eruptive episode — episode 41 — started and ended on Saturday, Jan. 24.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 27, 2026
Maui-based brand aims to give back to native ecosystems
Roselani Aiwohi, owner of Waiwaolani, a local clothing business featuring prints of Hawaiian plants, shares how the venture got started and what community initiatives its spearheading today.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 23, 2026
Hawaiʻi restaurateur, chefs among James Beard semifinalists
There are nine semifinalists for the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards who hail from the Islands, including Neale Asato of Asato Family Shop, Peter Merriman of Merriman’s, and more.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 23, 2026
Zippy's newest Las Vegas location opens Jan. 27
Zippy's at Summerlin is the restaurant's fourth location in Southern Nevada.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 22, 2026
Tetairoa McMillan, other pro athletes invest in Hilo-based beverage company
The Waimānalo-raised NFL rookie, a wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers, Devin Williams, a pitcher for the New York Mets; and Jerami Grant, a veteran NBA forward for the Portland Trail Blazers, has joined Hilo-based Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages as athlete investors and impact partners.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 19, 2026
Kauaʻi Coffee employees face uncertainty as lease talks continue
Negotiations over historic West Side farmland could affect nearly 150 jobs and one of the nation’s largest coffee operations.
Daniel FarrJanuary 17, 2026
Two Hawai‘i museums nominated for best-of lists
Voting is underway now for Best Science Museum and Best Small Town Museum in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 16, 2026
Lawmakers learn more about proposed HMSA, Hawai‘i Pacific Health partnership
The state House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce and Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection on Tuesday held a joint informational briefing to discuss the proposal.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 16, 2026
Aulani Scholarship recipient first to land job at resort
Born and raised in Nānākuli, Nawahine Nascimento recently graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in both hospitality and Hawaiian Studies. She received aid from the Aulani Scholarship and went on to pursue full-time work at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, in Ko Olina – the first recipient to do so. Learn more about Nascimento’s career path and how to apply for the scholarship.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 15, 2026
Applications now open for Mana Up's next cohort
Mana Up helps Hawai‘i companies expand within the state and globally through its business accelerator and alumni program.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 15, 2026
Hawai‘i businesses participating in specialty food trade show
More than a dozen makers will represent at the 2026 Winter FancyFaire*, a trade show organized by the Specialty Food Association that will be held Jan. 11 to 13 in San Diego.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 10, 2026
HMSA, Hawai‘i Pacific Health announce partnership plan
The leaders of these organizations say the proposed affiliation aims to improve access to care and address health care affordability in Hawai‘i
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 10, 2026
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