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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

Honolulu Festival returns with parade, fireworks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These Hawai‘i businesses and organizations have been nominated for best-of lists

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

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

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

This is how much lava erupted during Kīlauea volcano's most recent fountaining episode

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tetairoa McMillan, other pro athletes invest in Hilo-based beverage company

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sentry gifts $1M to Maui nonprofits

Sentry gifts $1M to Maui nonprofits

Three local nonprofits benefited from The Sentry Insurance Foundation’s donation on Tuesday.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 07, 2026

Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow on her new role

Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow on her new role

Formerly the senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability at Alaska Airlines, Birkett Rakow was named CEO of Hawaiian in September and stepped into the position in late October. Aloha State Daily recently asked about her professional goals and the newly announced Kahu‘ewai investment plan.

Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 07, 2026

Hawaiian Airlines announces $600M investment plan

Hawaiian Airlines announces $600M investment plan

The Kahu‘ewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan includes investments over the next five years to modernize airport spaces, aircraft cabins and technology, expand loyalty benefits for Hawai‘i residents and continue "our deep investment in community and sustainability statewide," Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow said.

Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 06, 2026

Hawai‘i restaurants, Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana recognized on 10Best lists

Hawai‘i restaurants, Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana recognized on 10Best lists

USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for Best New Restaurants and Best New Attractions were announced Jan. 2.

Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 05, 2026

Small business owner with Hawaiʻi roots to open first store in Seattle

Small business owner with Hawaiʻi roots to open first store in Seattle

Born and raised on Oʻahu, Isaiah Corpus plans to launch Shop Kainalu, a Hawaiʻi inspired lifestyle and apparel brand, in Washington where he now lives. Corpus, a self-described ocean and beach enthusiast, discusses the details leading up to its spring debut, as well as his hope to open another retail store in his island home.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 03, 2026

Pipikaula Corner: Honolulu drinking, by the numbers

Pipikaula Corner: Honolulu drinking, by the numbers

Honolulu Liquor Commission data details a billion-dollar business.

A. Kam NapierDecember 31, 2025

Items from Paradise Cove Lū‘au for sale at auction

Items from Paradise Cove Lū‘au for sale at auction

Curtains close on the long-running attraction Dec. 31 — the closure making way for a planned redevelopment of the West O‘ahu property — but you can take a piece of the history home with you.

Stephanie SalmonsDecember 31, 2025

Where to go for Fukubukuro this year

Where to go for Fukubukuro this year

Meaning “lucky bag,” Fukubukuro is Japanese New Year custom where shops and merchants offer mystery bags at discounted prices. Here are a few places to check out.

Stephanie SalmonsDecember 30, 2025

Wai‘anae entrepreneur kicks off Hawai‘i-inspired boot brand

Wai‘anae entrepreneur kicks off Hawai‘i-inspired boot brand

Leather and Lei debuted in October with its Lehua collection, offering made-to-order boots “inspired by Hawai‘i’s natural beauty and the resilient spirit of paniolo and cowgirl heritage."

Stephanie SalmonsDecember 27, 2025

Local maker loves to malama the ocean  

Local maker loves to malama the ocean  

Shera Mercer, owner of ‘Alohi Kai, a Hawaiʻi-based jewelry business inspired by her own underwater encounters, talks about her slow fashion approach making hand carved pieces — in shapes like sharks, turtles, Hawaiian monk seals and more — each with a story to tell. Her overall goal is to raise awareness about ocean sustainability and conservation.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 15, 2025

Lahaina shop to support two nonprofits

Lahaina shop to support two nonprofits

Hana Hou by Hale Zen’s Sip and Shop, a community event featuring sparkling beverages and festive items for sale, will benefit two nonprofits — Maui Food Bank and Maui Humane Society — on Dec. 12 and 13, respectively. Owner Lisa Payne shares what to expect and why to give.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 11, 2025

5 places to carb load for the Honolulu Marathon on a budget

5 places to carb load for the Honolulu Marathon on a budget

Looking to load up on carbs a few days before running the marathon? Aloha State Daily put together a list of places you can find noodles leading up to the race.

Katie HellandDecember 11, 2025

Community Voices: State-funded marketing is not the answer to low tourist turnout

Community Voices: State-funded marketing is not the answer to low tourist turnout

Tourism is a competitive, global business. Someone needs to pay for advertising to keep Hawai‘i top of mind, but it shouldn't be local taxpayers.

Keliʻi AkinaNovember 27, 2025

'Keep it Kaimukī' on Nov. 29

'Keep it Kaimukī' on Nov. 29

Keep it Kaimukī Saturday returns this weekend, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 29, with more than 30 of the community’s small businesses and restaurants participating. The event coincides with Small Business Saturday.

Stephanie SalmonsNovember 27, 2025

Items surrendered at TSA available at auction

Items surrendered at TSA available at auction

The state Surplus Property Office collects boxes of surrendered items from the Daniel K. Inouye Airport in Honolulu every month, and from Neighbor Island airports each quarter, which are then sold at public auction.

Stephanie SalmonsNovember 26, 2025

Paradise Cove Lū‘au to close

Paradise Cove Lū‘au to close

After 47 years in Ko Olina, the West O‘ahu attraction will close next month, allowing a planned redevelopment of the 10.9-acre oceanfront property to proceed next year. Aloha State Daily recently spoke with Liu Taufa, an entertainer who has worked at the lū‘au for 35 years about its closure and what working there has meant to her.

Stephanie SalmonsNovember 25, 2025

New collab between Zippy's and NOHO HOME Hawai‘i available Nov. 28

New collab between Zippy's and NOHO HOME Hawai‘i available Nov. 28

The two local businesses will release a capsule collection of four items, “aimed to capture the deep-rooted tradition of pilina — connection,” Zippy's said Friday.

Stephanie SalmonsNovember 22, 2025

New survey says more people are considering leaving Hawai‘i

New survey says more people are considering leaving Hawai‘i

Honolulu-based nonprofit Holomua Collective — which works to make Hawai‘i more affordable for working families — recently released the results of its second annual Hawai‘i Affordability Survey.

Stephanie SalmonsNovember 21, 2025

Meet the new president of HBM

Meet the new president of HBM

Born and raised in Hawai‘i, Ron Porter was recently named president of Hawaiian Building Maintenance. With a background in economics, finance and business operations, he shares immediate priorities for the more than 60-year-old commercial facility maintenance company.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 10, 2025

Hawai‘i entrepreneurs on display at annual Mana Up event

Hawai‘i entrepreneurs on display at annual Mana Up event

The Mana Up Showcase is an annual event that spotlights the Hawai‘i-based companies that have gone through the accelerator program.

Stephanie SalmonsNovember 08, 2025

Darren Strand leading Maui Land & Pineapple's new agave venture

Darren Strand leading Maui Land & Pineapple's new agave venture

The longtime ag leader will oversee agricultural strategy and operations, implement sustainable growing practices and help guide the farm's continued growth, MLP says.

Stephanie SalmonsNovember 07, 2025

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