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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

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue continues Mainland expansion

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue continues Mainland expansion

The Hawai‘i-based restaurant chain has recently opened new locations in Washington and California.

Stephanie SalmonsMay 25, 2026

Honolulu launches AI training program for O‘ahu businesses, nonprofits

Honolulu launches AI training program for O‘ahu businesses, nonprofits

The city's Office of Economic Revitalization, in partnership with Māpunawai and Skilled Tomorrow, is set to launch "AI for Everyone at Work: Training Trainers to Teach Across Generations." The program aims to help organizations on the island introduce artificial intelligence "in practical, responsible and accessible ways for a multigenerational workforce."

Stephanie SalmonsMay 23, 2026

Maui eatery included on 'legendary' best-of list

Maui eatery included on 'legendary' best-of list

Only in Your State’s newest 50 Best list looks at 'Legendary Local Restaurants Across the U.S.' A popular Pā‘ia restaurant is included.

Stephanie SalmonsMay 21, 2026

Maui County looks to acquire water assets from Maui Land & Pineapple

Maui County looks to acquire water assets from Maui Land & Pineapple

The county says this move marks the first phase of a broader effort that aims to also secure other private water systems in Olowalu and Launiupoko.

Stephanie SalmonsMay 21, 2026

Jarod Hester now oversees Oʻahu’s Polynesian Cultural Center

Jarod Hester now oversees Oʻahu’s Polynesian Cultural Center

Earlier this month, Hester succeeded P. Alfred Grace as president and CEO of the cultural attraction in Lāʻie and in his role plans to prioritize people — workforce, guests and community members. Hester, who previously served as PCC's chief operating officer and chief financial officer, is originally from New Zealand and shares what initially drew his family to Hawaiʻi nearly 13 years ago, pleasant surprises in the role so far, and his vision to continue to enhance experiences at PCC.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 18, 2026

UHERO warns higher prices to come as Iran war continues

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

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

'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

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

New updates unveiled at Pagoda Hotel

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

“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

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

Public input sought for Kauleolī plan in South Kona

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

Waikīkī hotel unveils multi-million dollar renovation

Courtyard by Marriott Waikīkī Beach has revamped its 405-room property.

Stephanie SalmonsApril 13, 2026

How world events are influencing travel decisions

How world events are influencing travel decisions

Hawaii.com surveyed more than 300 people in March to gauge traveler sentiment. Here’s what they found.

Stephanie SalmonsApril 11, 2026

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park readies for next eruptive episode

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park readies for next eruptive episode

The U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcanic Observatory expects episode 44 to begin between April 6 and 14. The park says visitors should be prepared for tephra, volcanic gas and potential temporary closures.

Stephanie SalmonsApril 04, 2026

Hawaiian Electric bills expected to rise in the coming months

Hawaiian Electric bills expected to rise in the coming months

The utility has warned customers that bills are expected to increase by 20% to 30%, driven by rising global oil prices.

Stephanie SalmonsApril 04, 2026

Hawai‘i architects 'ready to assist' after storms

Hawai‘i architects 'ready to assist' after storms

AIA Hawai‘i says architects can help property owners "understand the extent of damage, determine whether repairs are feasible, and ensure that any reconstruction meets current building codes and incorporates strategies to better withstand future climate-related events."

Stephanie SalmonsApril 03, 2026

CIM funds scholarships for construction students at UH Maui College

CIM funds scholarships for construction students at UH Maui College

The Construction Industry of Maui has donated $44,000 to the school, which will provide 12 scholarships for students enrolled in its construction vocational program. Meanwhile, the deadline is approaching for another scholarship opportunity.

Stephanie SalmonsApril 02, 2026

Kona low storms slow business on North Shore

Kona low storms slow business on North Shore

Poke for the People has been giving away meals to community members impacted by the floods as well as the volunteers helping them rebuild. But this week, the eatery cut its hours in half due to a decrease in sales. In Haleʻiwa, spring break for Mainland schools doesn’t look quite the same as it has in prior years, according to the shop's owner.

Katie HellandApril 02, 2026

Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines approaching the next milestone in their combination

Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines approaching the next milestone in their combination

Changes leading up to the launch of a shared passenger service system include the launch of a single app for both airlines.

Stephanie SalmonsMarch 31, 2026

ʻThe Book of Mormonʻ and more headed for Honolulu

ʻThe Book of Mormonʻ and more headed for Honolulu

The Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall will be alive with music from Broadway in Hawaiʻi in 2026 and 2027. The group has announced its next season, and tickets are now available.

Katie HellandMarch 30, 2026

Zippy's Restaurants celebrates 60th anniversary in 2026

Zippy's Restaurants celebrates 60th anniversary in 2026

Brothers Francis and Charles Higa opened the first Zippy's Restaurant in Honolulu's McCully neighborhood on Oct. 17, 1966. Aloha State Daily recently caught up with Jason Higa, CEO of Zippy's parent company, FCH Enterprises, to learn about the restaurant's origins, its legacy and more.

Stephanie SalmonsMarch 27, 2026

Hawaiian Electric continues inspections, repairs in flooded areas of O‘ahu

Hawaiian Electric continues inspections, repairs in flooded areas of O‘ahu

But continued stormy weather and new outages are still impacting customers.

Stephanie SalmonsMarch 24, 2026

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