Business & Tourism
News
Here's the 'Best in Hawai’i Architecture' in 2026
AIA Honolulu's 68th annual Design Awards, which took place July 24, recognize excellence in architectural design.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 28, 2026
Here's the best of Hawai‘i, according to the people
The best family attraction, cruise, lū‘au, resort, restaurant and tour company in Hawai‘i have been decided by voters in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. Read on to see who made the lists.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 25, 2026
Ala Moana Center to launch luxury shopping event
For two weeks in August, the popular shopping destination will offer shoppers exclusive experiences at 14 luxury boutiques.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 25, 2026
Updated: Bayer to make changes to Hawai‘i operations
These changes include consolidating some of the company's farm activities on O‘ahu and Maui over time, which will affect more than 70 employees.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 24, 2026
Matsumoto’s Okazuya by JV Kitchen is giving out free chow fun
The Kalihi okazuya is giving out complimentary chow fun with every purchase on Aug. 1 to celebrate its first anniversary under new ownership. Business owners Vanessa Pascua and Jay Palma also recently updated the business’s menu and renovated the okazuya interior.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 22, 2026
Here's what's new at the 32nd annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival
Hawaiian Airlines presents the 32nd Annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival returns to Honolulu in August and organizers say it'll be the biggest festival yet, with more than 800 vendor booths spanning nearly 300,000 square feet across two nights and two full days.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 21, 2026
This Pacific Northwest-inspired coffee shop is open on Oʻahu
Hawaiʻi locals Caameron and Monica Nakasone moved back to Oʻahu from Oregon about two years ago. Their new café, Third Space Coffee, features some of their favorite flavors from the Pacific Northwest; the shop is in a shared space with Cake M in the 808 Center.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 20, 2026
Kimo's Restaurant set to return to Lahaina's Front Street
The restaurant was among the businesses lost in the deadly August 2023 wildfire that destroyed much of West Maui community.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 18, 2026
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikīkī Beach to partner with Ladurée
The exclusive partnership will bring the French pâtisserie, known for its macarons, to Hawai‘i for the first time.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 17, 2026
Where to find Tennessee-style barbecue in Honolulu
Bozie Jones Barbecue — with its signature red trailer on South King Street — has been serving Tennessee-style barbecue for about nearly 10 years. Owner Sean Paul Jones learned how to cook barbecue from his grandfather in Tennessee, and now serves up brisket, barbecue ribs and rib tips.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 15, 2026
First look at Liliha Bakery's new Waikīkī restaurant
The business is opening its sixth location on Oʻahu this Friday, July 17. The Waikīkī Beach Walk restaurant will be open daily and features signature dishes like fried chicken, loco moco, Coco Puffs and poi doughnuts.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 15, 2026
Maui-based apparel brand to debut at Made in Hawaiʻi Festival
Jared Nagura, owner of Aloha Ke Akua Clothing Co., “fell into business” during college and credits God to its success over the past decade. The faith-based company, known for designs that blend Hawaiian language and culture with biblical messages, will for the first time be at Hawaiʻi's annual celebration of locally made products come August.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 11, 2026
Community Voices: The luxury tourism myth
Many voices call for Hawai‘i's tourism industry to attract fewer, wealthier customers. Hospitality industry veteran Dan Wacksman explains why Hawaiʻi can't simply replace millions of visitors with millionaires
Dan WacksmanJuly 10, 2026
What are the economic impacts of 'Moana' for Hawaiʻi?
When a Disney movie has nine days of filming on Oʻahu and 280 more days of pre-production, there are economic impacts for the state. Georja Skinner, chief officer of the Creative Industries Division for the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, shared some numbers.
Katie HellandJuly 10, 2026
HoMA announces new director and CEO
The Honolulu Museum of Art has announced its next director and CEO, who will assume the role on Sept. 1. Learn more about the executive, who grew up in Kailua.
Katie HellandJuly 09, 2026
Anna O’Brien’s under new management
Learn what will and won't change as this Irish pub — not far from the campus of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa — soft opens under new management on Friday, July 10.
Katie HellandJuly 09, 2026
North Shore farm aims to expand opportunities for immigrant farmers, strengthen local food systems
Nonprofit Pacific Gateway Center has launched PGC Farms Hale‘iwa, a new 80-acre agricultural hub on land owned by Kamehameha Schools.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 08, 2026
Tickets for Made in Hawai‘i Festival go on sale Aug. 1
The annual event will be held Aug. 20 to 23 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 07, 2026
Liliha Bakery to open new spot in Waikīkī
This will be the brand's sixth location on O‘ahu.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 06, 2026
Ala Moana Center makes list of best shopping centers
USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards aim to rank the 10 best in several areas of travel and lifestyle. Here's where Ala Moana — and other Hawai‘i businesses — landed on several lists.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 03, 2026
Center for Family Business & Entrepreneurs helps businesses plan for growth, transition
The new center was launched earlier this year by Bank of Hawai‘i, created for family-owned and closely-held businesses. CFBE Director Agatha Viernes-LeGros told Aloha State Daily that the center aims to provide education, advice and hands-on execution of planning services to clients in a confidential manner.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 03, 2026
Zippy's Kāhala location to reopen
The restaurant will reopen next week, following four months of renovations.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 01, 2026
Pilot program aims to support North Shore businesses affected by Kona Low storms
Hawaiian Council, in partnership with the Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau, E Noa Tours and Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, this week launched North Shore Huaka‘i, connecting visitors and kama‘āina to businesses in Hale‘iwa and Waialua.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 01, 2026
Hawaiian Airlines’ new main cabin menu launches July 1
For in-flight meals on domestic flights between Hawaiʻi and the Mainland, guests can pre-order from a menu curated by Maui-based chef Sheldon Simeon. The menu features elevated takes on local favorites and comfort foods, and features dishes like corned beef hash and eggs, banana pancakes, teriyaki cheeseburgers, crispy mochiko chicken and garlic noodles, and more.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 30, 2026