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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

Maui-based apparel brand to debut at Made in Hawaiʻi Festival

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

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?

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

Center for Family Business & Entrepreneurs helps businesses plan for growth, transition

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

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

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

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

Kaua‘i Coffee Co. secures 15-year lease

Kaua‘i Coffee Co. secures 15-year lease

The brand's parent company, Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA, negotiated a new 15-year lease for the 3,100-acre farm on which it has been operating with property owner Brue Baukol Capital Partners. Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami shares what this means for the Garden Isle community.

Stephanie SalmonsJune 26, 2026

What's new at Ala Moana Center

What's new at Ala Moana Center

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

Stephanie SalmonsJune 25, 2026

Mercado de la Raza opens second location in Waipahu

Mercado de la Raza opens second location in Waipahu

This Latin American market is celebrating the grand opening of its second store this Saturday, June 20, in Waipio’s Koa Ridge. The block party will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This second location is bigger than the business’s original store on South Beretania Street.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 17, 2026

Mana Up saw record applicants for Cohort 11

Mana Up saw record applicants for Cohort 11

There were 258 applicants for the business accelerator's newest cohort — 11 were selected from across the Islands. Aloha State Daily caught up with Mana Up co-founder Meli James to learn more about Mana Up's work, impact and entrepreneurship in Hawai‘i.

Stephanie SalmonsJune 16, 2026

Waimānalo entrepreneur organizes curated monthly pop-up markets

Waimānalo entrepreneur organizes curated monthly pop-up markets

This month’s Puʻuhonua Mākeke — which is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, at Puʻuhonua O Waimānalo — will feature 24 local vendors, raffles and prizes, lei and pāpale making workshops, and its signature free eggs and bread for the first 100 ʻohana. Organizer Lehua Kanahele-Santos, who owns Kanahele Roots and Pohinahina Kinis, talks about the heart behind the mākeke and her businesses, and what’s in store next.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 16, 2026

Hawaiian Airlines moving to pre-paid meals in main cabin for most Mainland flights

Hawaiian Airlines moving to pre-paid meals in main cabin for most Mainland flights

Travelers will be able to pre-order from a menu curated by Maui-based chef Sheldon Simeon starting July 1.

Stephanie SalmonsMay 29, 2026

Kimberly Agas promoted to new leadership role at Aulani

Kimberly Agas promoted to new leadership role at Aulani

Agas, who has been general manager of the Disney resort in Ko Olina for the past decade, is now executive director, a newly created position.

Stephanie SalmonsMay 28, 2026

Hilton Grand Vacations, Honolulu Habitat work to finish Waimānalo home

Hilton Grand Vacations, Honolulu Habitat work to finish Waimānalo home

Mitch Yokoyama, general manager of Hokulani Waikīkī, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club, reflects on the rewards of volunteering with HGV Serves, a corporate social responsibility program with several community partners, including Habitat for Humanity International. Yokoyama and colleagues recently joined Honolulu Habitat on a home build project in Waimānalo. Aloha State Daily also checked in with two Honolulu Habitat employees — Shana and Feta Petelo, the mother-daughter team that works directly with local families and volunteers.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 28, 2026

West O‘ahu redevelopment breaks ground

West O‘ahu redevelopment breaks ground

A blessing ceremony was held Thursday for the redevelopment of the former Paradise Cove Lū‘au site near Ko Olina.

Stephanie SalmonsMay 27, 2026

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

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