We translate Hawaii business news into decisions. Every article tells you what changed, who's affected, and what to do about it. Built for Hawaii's PROFESSIONALS.||
Latest briefing
Tourism operators and entrepreneurs on Maui should register for the July 8th Maui Tech ʻOhana session to learn about AI in hospitality and prepare specific business challenges to ask speakers. Engage with attendees to gain immediate competitive insights. Additionally, businesses, especially entrepreneurs and small operators, must audit and enhance their online presence by July 31, 2026, focusing on content authority and local expertise to prevent significant declines in digital visibility amid AI search shifts. For North Shore tourism operators and small businesses, actively promote and integrate the new $5 shuttle service into operations and marketing immediately to capture visitor revenue. Finally, all Hawaii businesses using AWS for generative AI must implement resilience patterns by September 30, 2026, to prevent critical application failures and operational disruptions.
A new approach to AI deployment, which integrates human oversight into automated workflows, has proven to significantly reduce operational time in complex financial tasks. Hawaii's entrepreneurs,…
Anthropic's Claude Sonnet 5 is now available on AWS, offering enhanced AI capabilities at competitive pricing. Hawaii businesses utilizing AI for coding, agent development, or professional tasks…
New AI models offering near-flagship performance at significantly reduced prices are now available, potentially lowering operational expenses and enhancing automation for Hawaii businesses. Companies…
The integration of advanced AI agents directly into smartphone keyboards across iOS and Android platforms enables new levels of on-device productivity and cross-app automation. Hawaii businesses and…
A new $5 round-trip shuttle service from Waikiki and Ko Olina to the North Shore's Haleiwa and Waialua aims to drive immediate visitor traffic to storm-affected businesses. Tourism and small business…
The relaunch of the 100-year-old Kona Inn Restaurant under new ownership introduces refreshed offerings, potentially altering the competitive dynamics for tourism and small operators in Kailua-Kona.…
Several Oahu restaurants are launching new brunch menus and Kamaaina (local resident) discounts, signaling a competitive shift in the local dining scene. Small business operators and tourism…
Maui's visitor spending surged 26.4% in May, nearing pre-wildfire levels and indicating a strengthening tourism market. This trend suggests opportunities for enhanced revenue but also potential…
Tenants at Honolulu's Ward Centre are struggling to find suitable replacement locations as the retail market tightens, leading to potentially higher operating costs and a risk of business disruption.…
New analysis confirms that Hawaii's childcare expenses remain a significant burden, consuming 39% of the median single-parent family income. This persistent affordability gap impacts the availability…
The Maui Chamber of Commerce's Annual Summer Social & Member Celebration is scheduled for July 10, 2026, presenting a critical, time-sensitive opportunity for local business leaders to foster…
Hawaii's economy shows steady growth, driven by construction, infrastructure, and tourism. DBEDT's recent initiatives in Opportunity Zones and entrepreneur support signal future investment and…
The immediate occupancy of rebuilt affordable apartments in Lahaina indicates a strong, ongoing demand for housing solutions and a potentially stabilizing effect on the local labor force. This…
The reopening of 89 affordable housing units in Lahaina, Kaiāulu o Kupuohi, is a key indicator of ongoing recovery and community rebuilding efforts in West Maui following the 2023 wildfires. While…
Hawaii's dedicated homebuyer savings account now allows individuals to contribute up to $20,000 annually, a fourfold increase from previous limits. This change could accelerate the timeline for some…
Nordstrom's closure of its full-line Waikiki store in mid-2026 will create approximately 30,000 square feet of retail vacancy, potentially impacting nearby businesses and the perception of Waikiki as…
A recent debunking of a University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization (UHERO) report on solar energy's economic impact raises questions about the reliability of renewable energy data. Investors…
A rapidly strengthening US dollar against the Japanese yen is set to increase the cost of imported goods for Hawaii businesses while potentially making the islands more affordable for tourists from…
In-DepthIn a landmark deal, Alexander & Baldwin, a cornerstone of Hawai'i's commercial real estate sector, is set to be acquired by a joint venture, marking a significant shift in the state's business…
In-DepthA recent ranking of Hawaii's leading stockbrokers and financial planners highlights key players in the state's financial sector, with Morgan Stanley and Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. at the…
A nationwide settlement has secured $3.3 million and vast quantities of eggs, stemming from a price-fixing investigation involving major egg producers.
As of July 1, 2026, all Hawaii retail establishments selling raw processed ahi must implement country-of-origin labeling, adding operational complexity and potential costs. Failure to comply risks…
A candidate advocating for permanently affordable housing, union jobs with prevailing wages, and accessible mental health support could reshape Hawaii's policy landscape. This signals potential…
The Hawaii Small Business Regulatory Review Board has elected new officers for FY 2026-2027 and added a new member, signaling a period where regulatory priorities may evolve. Small business operators…
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) has adopted a $1.07 billion budget for fiscal year 2027, formalizing significant investment in the Skyline project set to begin July 1.
Heightened political focus on Kīlauea eruption risks necessitates immediate business preparedness planning, including alternate routes and shelter strategies. Failure to act could result in…
A new University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (UHERO) report models the lowest-cost electricity future for Oʻahu, indicating a path toward potentially stabilized or reduced energy costs.…
Kamehameha Highway will experience a full 10-hour closure at Waimea Bay on Sunday, June 28, impacting businesses and residents with logistical challenges and commute detours. Tourism operators and…
Recent shifts in US policy discussions regarding marine protected areas (MPAs) raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of fisheries, indirectly affecting Hawaii's tourism and food…
A new UHERO report outlines significant costs and necessary steps for Hawaiian Electric's clean energy transition, potentially impacting business operating expenditures and investment strategies.…
A new free monthly climate summary service from the University of Hawaiʻi provides crucial data on drought, rainfall, and temperature patterns, enabling proactive planning for agricultural operations…
In-DepthHawaiʻi has renewed its pioneering coral reef insurance policy, offering up to $2 million for rapid repairs after storm damage, reflecting its commitment to environmental stewardship and tourism.…
