Business & Tourism
Hawaiâiâs economy, in all its complexities.
What do we talk about when we talk about âthe economyâ in the Islands? We talk about the cost of living, the cost of doing business, what it takes to make Hawaiâi 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 Hawaiâiâs 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

MÄlie Organics opens new shop at International Market Place
MÄlie â which founder Dana Roberts says, means calm, serene, tranquil â was founded on Kauaâi in 2004.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 03, 2025

55 years of KÄhala Mall
The first enclosed, air-conditioned shopping center in the Islands celebrates its 55th anniversary in October.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 01, 2025

"Bleak" economic report predicts recession
UHERO forecast warns about rising costs, stagnant jobs as tariffs and federal government job cuts continue.
Michael BrestovanskySeptember 26, 2025

Chamber of Commerce Hawaiâi set to celebrate 175th anniversary
Founded in 1850, the chamber â the second oldest chamber organization west of the Rockies â will mark its 175th anniversary in October. To celebrate the milestone, the chamber will host "An Evening of Legacy" gala on Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 25, 2025

Maui landowner countersues in water battle
Maui Land & Pineapple hits back against golf courses and other water users, accusing them of ignoring water restrictions.
Michael BrestovanskySeptember 24, 2025

These Hawaiâi hotels recognized as some of the best in the U.S.
USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards aim to rank the 10 best in several areas of travel, lifestyle and other categories.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 23, 2025

AIA Honolulu builds community with Architecture Month
The organization has events lined up on Oâahu and Hawaiâi Island throughout October to celebrate.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 19, 2025

Shake Shack is opening its first Hawaiʻi location
Shake Shack is partnering with Hawaiʻi-based company Union MAK corporation to bring the first Shack to Oʻahu in 2027.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 19, 2025

DBEDT invites product manufacturers to exhibit at San Diego trade show
The Winter FancyFaire, which is organized by the Specialty Food Association, is set to take place Jan. 11 to 13, 2026, at the San Diego Convention Center.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 18, 2025

Hawaiâi Pacific University to offer three-year bachelor degree
Applications for the new bachelor of science in global business program are open now, and the first cohort of Global Business Scholars are expected to start in the fall of 2026, the university says.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 17, 2025

Drought cancels Maui PGA tournament
Drought conditions in West Maui lead PGA to cancel Sentry PGA Tour Tournament for the first time since 1999
Michael Brestovansky & Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 17, 2025

Meet the board chair for the state Agribusiness Development Corp.
Jayson Watts shares about his kuleana and ADC's mission, priorities and long-term vision, while also highlighting the challenges and opportunities ahead for HawaiÊ»iâs agricultural community.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 17, 2025