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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

What Pennsylvania and Florida know about sports tourism that Hawai‘i doesn't

What Pennsylvania and Florida know about sports tourism that Hawai‘i doesn't

Hawai‘i has plenty of sporting events that are, individually, successful and well known: Paddling, surfing, golf, triathlons and more. Here's how to take that collection to the next level and really elevate the Islands' sports stature.

Ray TsuchiyamaAugust 21, 2026

AM to PM Coffee is Oʻahu’s first kei cafe on wheels

AM to PM Coffee is Oʻahu’s first kei cafe on wheels

The coffee café is usually at Hoalauna Park in ‘Ewa Beach. The business, run by husband-and-wife team Emil and Paula Corpuz, came from a vision to offer a friendly, welcoming place where people can enjoy a quality cup of coffee at any time of the day.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 20, 2026

Tali’s Bagels & Schmear is reopening in Honolulu

Tali’s Bagels & Schmear is reopening in Honolulu

The bagel shop, which used to be located in Ward Centre, is soft opening in its new location on Waimanu Street on Friday, Aug. 21. The business features bestselling dishes like the OG NYC bagel, along with new deli-style creations like the hot pastrami.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 20, 2026

Almond Tree is ‘meant to be shared’

Almond Tree is ‘meant to be shared’

The first-time Made in Hawaiʻi Festival vendor hopes to share its values of family, gratitude and aloha through its toffee, according to business founder Joanne Young. Almond Tree will also be debuting a new exclusive product — graham cracker matcha toffee — at this year’s festival.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 17, 2026

Made in Hawaiʻi Festival to feature Mākia Market for the first time

Made in Hawaiʻi Festival to feature Mākia Market for the first time

Founder Taylor Yuen is a college senior and local entrepreneur who remembers helping at her dad’s booth at MIHF at a young age. This month, her business will participate in the festival, showcasing Hawaiʻi-based student makers — what she describes as a “full circle moment.”

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 15, 2026

Play pickleball in Downtown Honolulu to rally for a good cause

Play pickleball in Downtown Honolulu to rally for a good cause

Stay out of the kitchen and paddle on at Northwestern Mutual Hawaiʻi’s charity pickleball tournament scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26. All proceeds will benefit Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children’s new Martha B. Smith Cancer & Infusion Center, slated to open next year. Individual tickets start at $100 per person, and include round-robin play, lunch and more.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 14, 2026

Hawaiʻi’s next billion-dollar industry is not tourism — it is capital stewardship

Hawaiʻi’s next billion-dollar industry is not tourism — it is capital stewardship

Everyday people in Hawai‘i are, collectively, sitting on a vast source of wealth, mainly real estate. As Guild Consulting's real estate and finance expert Ray Tsuchiyama explains, the Islands' next big challenge — and opportunity — could be putting this wealth to work at the neighborhood level for positive change.

Ray TsuchiyamaAugust 14, 2026

Zippy's newest collaboration creates collection for humans and pets

Zippy's newest collaboration creates collection for humans and pets

The collab between the restaurant chain and local brand Coopmonsters includes hair claw clips and pet gear that commemorate Zippy's 60th and Coopmonster's 10th anniversaries.

Stephanie SalmonsAugust 14, 2026

AIA Honolulu celebrates 21 years of CANstruction

AIA Honolulu celebrates 21 years of CANstruction

The annual event will move to a new home in Downtown Honolulu this year.

Stephanie SalmonsAugust 13, 2026

Green Times Matcha is bringing mango matcha to Made in Hawaiʻi Festival

Green Times Matcha is bringing mango matcha to Made in Hawaiʻi Festival

The business, owned by Jinie Ho, recently celebrated its first anniversary. Green Times Matcha is a first-time vendor at this year’s Made in Hawaiʻi Festival. It will have two booths at the festival — a regular vendor booth, and the biz will also be at the Kilo Summit on the third floor.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 13, 2026

Hawaiian Council acquires Sea Life Park near Waimānalo

Hawaiian Council acquires Sea Life Park near Waimānalo

"Sometimes you go looking for opportunities, and sometimes the kuleana finds you," Hawaiian Council CEO Kūhiō Lewis told Aloha State Daily of the acquisition. "This was one of those opportunities."

Stephanie SalmonsAugust 13, 2026

Save the date for The Best of Hawaiʻi’s Best Kitchens event

Save the date for The Best of Hawaiʻi’s Best Kitchens event

The 11th annual event is coming up Saturday, Aug. 29, at Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Beach Resort & Spa. Attendees can look forward to specialty dishes from restaurants like Adez Steakhouse & Lounge, Arancino Ristorante Italiano, The Buffet at Hyatt, Solera Waikīkī and more.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 12, 2026

What's new at, and coming to, Ala Moana Center

What's new at, and coming to, Ala Moana Center

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

Stephanie SalmonsAugust 12, 2026

Līhu‘e-based Melrose is reopen for business

Līhu‘e-based Melrose is reopen for business

The business is known for its signature beverages, fresh-baked pastries and aesthetic ambiance. Following the Kona Low storms this spring, the café’s ceiling caved in, forcing the business to close for almost two months. Melrose reopened to the public this summer with its signature offerings, along with new products.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 12, 2026

Maui interior designer aims to support Lahaina homeowners rebuilding after wildfires

Maui interior designer aims to support Lahaina homeowners rebuilding after wildfires

A new one-on-one advisory service, Lahaina Rebuild Design Guidance, was created as an alternative to full-service interior design and offers "focused professional support during key phases of rebuilding."

Stephanie SalmonsAugust 12, 2026

Takagi Coffee is a new Japanese-style cafe pop-up in Honolulu

Takagi Coffee is a new Japanese-style cafe pop-up in Honolulu

The pop-up is opening to the public on Thursday, Aug. 13, at 10 a.m. It’s within Royal Hawaiian Center’s TsuruTonTan, and for the first few days, the pop-up will be limited to the first 60 customers. Takagi Coffee is serving up sweet and savory Japanese souffle pancakes, omurice, wagyu hamburger steak and layered parfaits.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 11, 2026

Aloha Stadium prepares for next round of milestones

Aloha Stadium prepares for next round of milestones

New renderings for the 31,000-seat stadium are expected soon, while groundbreaking is targeted to begin towards the end of the year.

Christian ShimabukuAugust 11, 2026

Now streaming: 'ʻAuana' soundtrack

Now streaming: 'ʻAuana' soundtrack

John Signor, band leader of "ʻAuana," Cirque du Soleil's first resident production in Hawaiʻi, shares his favorite song in the show and how lyrics in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi add levels of meaning to the storytelling.

Katie HellandAugust 11, 2026

Oʻahu-based family business is 'on a roll'

Oʻahu-based family business is 'on a roll'

Hele Rolls, known for its homemade cinnamon rolls, started its business last June. The biz regularly pops up at events across Oʻahu and accepts pre-orders. Hele Rolls is also competing on the new season of Food Network’s "The Great Food Truck Race," which premiered on July 26.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 10, 2026

Button Up Cafe is now open in a bigger space

Button Up Cafe is now open in a bigger space

The Pearl City brunch spot — known for dishes like strawberry cheesecake stuffed French toast, corned beef hash loco moco and Korean braised short rib eggs Benedict — has been open in Pearl City Plaza since 2016. The biz just relocated to a larger space within the same plaza, and reopened today.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 09, 2026

We Heart Cake Co. has a new Honolulu store

We Heart Cake Co. has a new Honolulu store

The dessert shop — which used to be in Kaimukī — is now open in McCully. The biz is celebrating its grand opening on Saturday, Aug. 8, with free cake pops for the first 102 customers from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 07, 2026

Naks Cafe offers gourmet takeout meals in Pearl City

Naks Cafe offers gourmet takeout meals in Pearl City

The business, which is located next to the Don Quijote Pearl City Food Court, has been open for one year. Business owner Nathan Wu strives to provide the community with affordable, high-quality meals for takeout.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 06, 2026

A staple in the Lahaina community: Pizza Paradiso and Pineapple Robot

A staple in the Lahaina community: Pizza Paradiso and Pineapple Robot

Pizza Paradiso, which has been open since 1995, was taken over by Hana Hou Hospitality Group three years ago. The restaurant became a community hub following the Lahaina fires. In October 2024, as a way to revitalize Lahaina's nightlife, Hana Hou Hospitality Group expanded the restaurant to include a karaoke bar called Pineapple Robot.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 05, 2026

Tickets on sale for 32nd annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival

Tickets on sale for 32nd annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival

The largest-ever MIHF is set for Aug. 20-23. We've got more details about what you can expect during the event.

Stephanie SalmonsAugust 05, 2026

Toyota recalls certain airbag parts used as replacements in some Tundra, Tacoma models

Toyota recalls certain airbag parts used as replacements in some Tundra, Tacoma models

About 4,100 service parts are involved in the U.S. recall, the company said.

Stephanie SalmonsAugust 03, 2026

The Kiwi Korner offers authentic meat pies

The Kiwi Korner offers authentic meat pies

Mac and Angie Schwenke — who are from New Zealand — starting selling meat pies for extra income during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. Now, five years later, their Kiwi Koner business has two locations and features meat pies in flavors like pepper steak, steak and cheese, chicken curry and more.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 03, 2026

UPDATED: Spectrum, Charter Communications lay off several local employees

UPDATED: Spectrum, Charter Communications lay off several local employees

Spectrum’s local news division has recently laid off all of its journalists, per an employee, in addition to fewer than 10 employees at the Spectrum Store near Mililani Tech Park and neighboring corporate call center facility, officials with the company recently told Aloha State Daily.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 31, 2026

Kamitoku Ramen moves from Ward Centre to South Shore Market

Kamitoku Ramen moves from Ward Centre to South Shore Market

The business — known for its beef bone broth ramen — just soft opened in the former space of Scratch Kitchen & Meatery. In addition to its popular ramen bowls, the biz also added new dishes — like wild oxtail soup and wagyu rib-eye katsu bowls — to its menu.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 29, 2026

Here's the 'Best in Hawai’i Architecture' in 2026

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

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

Here's what's new at the 32nd annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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