S&P 500—Dow—NASDAQ—Russell 2000—FTSE 100—DAX—CAC 40—Nikkei—Hang Seng—ASX 200—ALEX—ALK—BOH—CPF—CYAN—FHB—HE—MATX—MLP—NVDA—AAPL—GOOGL—GOOG—MSFT—AMZN—META—AVGO—TSLA—BRK.B—WMT—LLY—JPM—V—XOM—JNJ—MA—MU—COST—BAC—ORCL—ABBV—HD—PG—CVX—NFLX—KO—AMD—GE—CAT—PEP—MRK—ADBE—DIS—UNH—CSCO—INTC—CRM—PM—MCD—ACN—TMO—NEE—BMY—DHR—HON—RTX—UPS—TXN—LIN—QCOM—AMGN—SPGI—INTU—COP—LOW—AMAT—BKNG—AXP—DE—LMT—MDT—CB—ADP—GILD—MDLZ—SYK—BLK—C—ADI—REGN—SBUX—NOW—CI—VRTX—ZTS—MMC—PLD—SO—DUK—CMCSA—APD—BSX—BDX—EOG—ICE—ISRG—SLB—LRCX—PGR—USB—SCHW—ELV—ITW—KLAC—WM—EQIX—ETN—TGT—MO—HCA—APTV—BTC—ETH—XRP—USDT—SOL—BNB—USDC—DOGE—ADA—STETH—S&P 500—Dow—NASDAQ—Russell 2000—FTSE 100—DAX—CAC 40—Nikkei—Hang Seng—ASX 200—ALEX—ALK—BOH—CPF—CYAN—FHB—HE—MATX—MLP—NVDA—AAPL—GOOGL—GOOG—MSFT—AMZN—META—AVGO—TSLA—BRK.B—WMT—LLY—JPM—V—XOM—JNJ—MA—MU—COST—BAC—ORCL—ABBV—HD—PG—CVX—NFLX—KO—AMD—GE—CAT—PEP—MRK—ADBE—DIS—UNH—CSCO—INTC—CRM—PM—MCD—ACN—TMO—NEE—BMY—DHR—HON—RTX—UPS—TXN—LIN—QCOM—AMGN—SPGI—INTU—COP—LOW—AMAT—BKNG—AXP—DE—LMT—MDT—CB—ADP—GILD—MDLZ—SYK—BLK—C—ADI—REGN—SBUX—NOW—CI—VRTX—ZTS—MMC—PLD—SO—DUK—CMCSA—APD—BSX—BDX—EOG—ICE—ISRG—SLB—LRCX—PGR—USB—SCHW—ELV—ITW—KLAC—WM—EQIX—ETN—TGT—MO—HCA—APTV—BTC—ETH—XRP—USDT—SOL—BNB—USDC—DOGE—ADA—STETH—

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 |

Morning Briefing

Top stories from the past 24 hours

Monitor official Honolulu Police Department public statements and their website for any announcements clarifying the status of firearm instructor services or alternative pathways for obtaining relevant certifications. Contact the HPD Licensing Division directly if immediate clarity is needed for ongoing permit applications or renewals. Without explicit guidance from HPD, explore alternative, credentialed training providers if your time-sensitive operational needs cannot wait, as unannounced policy changes may hinder business security and permit access for small operators, real estate, tourism, agriculture, and healthcare sectors.

Watch legislative committee proceedings and the University of Hawaii's budget proposals over the next 60 days for concrete details on new compensation models and their associated costs. If specific funding cuts or reallocations directly impact university services you engage with, reassess your business or investment strategy. Additionally, monitor flight booking data for the new MSP-OGG route and general visitor arrival statistics from the Upper Midwest; if consistently high load factors and a sustained increase in visitor arrivals are observed within 18 months of launch, tourism operators should launch targeted marketing campaigns and adjust staffing, while real estate owners should evaluate rental pricing strategies.

Daily, monitor surf height and rip current advisories from the National Weather Service and Maui Now. If conditions persist for more than 72 hours or if warnings escalate, Maui tourism operators and small operators should activate contingency plans, including offering refunds or rescheduling options, and potentially limiting beach access or outdoor operations to mitigate risks associated with high surf.

Featured

A lone tree bent by the wind on a stormy beach with rough seas and overcast skies.In-Depth

Coastal Erosion Threatens Tourism Revenue: Beachfront Property Owners Must Reassess Risk

Ongoing shoreline erosion and planned beach armoring will significantly reduce public beach access in popular tourist areas, impacting the core appeal of Hawaii's visitor industry. Real estate owners and tourism operators face immediate challenges in property valuation, marketing, and operational resilience. - **Real Estate Owners**: Property values and insurability at risk; immediate reassessment of coastal defense strategies needed. - **Tourism Operators**: Reduced visitor appeal and potential loss of beachfront property access require marketing adjustments. - **Investors**: Coastal properties and related tourism businesses present elevated risk factors. - **Small Business Operators**: Reduced visitor foot traffic in eroded beach zones impacts demand. - **Action**: Real Estate Owners should consult coastal engineers and insurers; Tourism Operators must update marketing materials and revise revenue projections.

A robotic arm strategically playing chess, symbolizing AI innovation.

AI Inference Speed Gains Could Slash Operational Costs and Enhance Customer AI Applications for Hawaii Businesses

Pentagon's Program Review Threatens HPU Graduate Enrollment, Potentially Impacting Defense-Related Education Funding

Students of diverse backgrounds studying together in a lecture hall, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Agricultural Output Constrained by Persistent Housing Shortage for Farmworkers

Scenic view of verdant farmland, mountains, and a lone palm tree under cloudy skies.

Breaking

View all
Stunning aerial view of a tropical beach with turquoise waters and golden sand in Maui, Hawaii.

South Maui Tourism Operators Face New Competition for Surf & Water Activities

A colorful house surrounded by floodwaters and lush palm trees under a bright blue sky.

Hawaii Businesses May Face Increased Insurance Costs Amid Climate Litigation Push

Overhead view of tax documents and eyeglasses on a laptop keyboard, ideal for finance or accounting themes.

Hawaii Businesses Face Uncertainty as Budget Debates Signal Potential Tax Hikes or Service Cuts

Stunning aerial shot of Waimea, HI showcasing the coastline and tropical scenery.

University of Hawaii Budgetary Shifts Loom: Potential Impact on Local Businesses and Investors

Powerful waves crash against rugged cliffs, creating a scenic and dramatic seascape.

Maui Tourism Operators Face Increased Risk of Activity Cancellations and Safety Incidents Due to High Surf

Stunning low-angle view of modern Waikiki skyscrapers and palm trees in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Hawaii Hotels Face Escalating Costs, Averaging $760 Per Visitor Night

Close-up image of an insurance policy with a magnifying glass, money, and toy car.

Potential Tax and Housing Policy Shifts Could Impact Small Business Margins and Development Viability

A Ryanair airplane ascends into a cloudless sky, showcasing aviation and travel excitement.

New Nonstop Flight Route from Midwest to Maui Projects Increased Visitor Volume for Tourism Operators

A police officer stands in uniform outdoors, highlighting law enforcement.

Unannounced HPD Policy Change May Hinder Business Security & Permit Access

A woman in a floral lei enjoys the ocean view while sitting on rocks.

State Procurement Policy Change Could Increase Event Floral Costs and Shift Sourcing for Businesses

Stunning aerial shot of Waimea, HI showcasing the coastline and tropical scenery.

Hawaii Island Businesses Should Monitor Potential Housing Policy Shifts for Labor Cost Impacts

Detailed view of a rifle and handgun on a table at an indoor shooting range.

Ongoing Firearm Permit Delays Could Impact Security Compliance for Hawaii Businesses

AI & Technology

View all
Screen displaying AI chat interface DeepSeek on a dark background.In-Depth

Autonomous AI Agents Risk Corporate Data Breaches: Secure Testing Frameworks Essential for Hawaii Businesses

Unsecured deployment of AI agents like OpenClaw on business devices poses immediate data breach risks, necessitating immediate review and implementation of secure testing protocols. Hawaii businesses…

Close-up of a laptop displaying an AI interface with a chatbot prompt in dark mode.

Airbnb's AI Integration Could Reshape Traveler Discovery and Booking Visibility for Hawaii Businesses

Airbnb is integrating advanced AI features, potentially altering how travelers discover accommodations and impacting the visibility of local tourism offerings. Hawaii's tourism operators, property…

Close-up of a laptop screen displaying an AI chatbot interface with a dark theme.

Hawaii Tech Startups Gain Advanced Web Automation Capabilities with New Amazon Bedrock Agent Features

Amazon Bedrock's latest updates enhance AI agent control over web browsing, enabling more sophisticated automation and data integration for Hawaii's entrepreneurs. Early adopters can unlock new…

Visual abstraction of neural networks in AI technology, featuring data flow and algorithms.

AI-Powered Support Could Slash Operational Costs for Hawaii Tourism, Small Businesses

Major platforms are increasingly offloading customer service to AI, demonstrating potential for significant cost reductions and efficiency gains that local businesses should evaluate. This strategic…

Tourism & Hospitality

View all
A Ryanair airplane ascends into a cloudless sky, showcasing aviation and travel excitement.

New Nonstop Flight Route from Midwest to Maui Projects Increased Visitor Volume for Tourism Operators

Delta Air Lines' new nonstop route from Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) to Kahului, Maui (OGG), launching December 2026, will open a direct travel pipeline from the Upper Midwest, potentially increasing…

A Delta Air Lines Boeing 737 captured in flight against a clear blue sky near Los Angeles.

Delta's Expanded Hawaii Routes Signal Potential Visitor Influx by Late 2026

Delta Airlines is significantly increasing its flight capacity to Hawai'i, with new and expanded routes set to launch in late 2026. Tourism operators and related small businesses should monitor…

A large aircraft, possibly Antonov, on a runway surrounded by grasslands at Kailua-Kona Airport.

Increased Widebody Air Capacity May Lower Visitor Costs and Boost Hawaii Tourism Demand

Seven new widebody flight routes to Hawaii are set to increase air travel capacity, potentially driving down airfares and increasing visitor arrivals. Tourism operators and real estate owners should…

Stunning aerial view of a tropical beach with turquoise waters and golden sand in Maui, Hawaii.

South Maui Tourism Operators Face New Competition for Surf & Water Activities

A prominent surf brand has partnered with a long-standing local operator to relaunch a surf program in South Maui, potentially drawing customer traffic and impacting existing water sports providers.…

Business & Startups

View all
Black and white image of a flooded home surrounded by rising water.

Escalating Housing and Food Insecurity Signals Broader Consumer Strain

A 28% surge in 211 helpline contacts indicates escalating housing and food insecurity across Hawaii, suggesting increased financial pressure on consumers that could impact local business revenue and…

A historic battleship moored at Pearl Harbor, captured on an overcast day, symbolizing naval history.

Hawaii Contractors Face Increased Government Contract Opportunities in Pacific Region

An uptick in U.S. military contracts in the Pacific is creating new revenue streams for Hawaii-based contractors and support businesses. Companies in contracting, logistics, and related sectors…

Nighttime city street scene with neon lights and bustling traffic, capturing urban life.

Chinatown Businesses Face Increased Risk of Crime, Loss During Chinese New Year

Elevated visitor numbers for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations in Chinatown (February 13-14) heighten the risk of crime and property damage for local businesses. Operators must consider…

A cheerful man in a Hawaiian shirt offers a fresh coconut drink indoors.

Hawaii Restaurants Face Increased Competition as Local Brands Expand West Coast Presence

Hawaiian restaurant concepts are expanding to the mainland, signaling a potential shift in market dynamics and competitive pressures for local eateries. Entrepreneurs and investors should monitor…

Real-Estate & Development

View all
A modern house with a sold sign on a grassy lawn, indicating property purchase.

Big Island Housing Affordability Vision Signals Potential Policy Shifts Impacting Real Estate and Development

The Mayor's recent 'State of the County' address outlined a vision for addressing housing affordability, indicating potential future policy shifts that could affect development permits, zoning, and…

Professional woman writing real estate prices on a whiteboard for rental properties.

Maui Rent-to-Own Program Could Shift Rental Market Dynamics

A new $6.34 million rent-to-own initiative for Maui wildfire survivors is set to launch, potentially impacting rental inventory and demand for support services. Real estate owners and investors…

Stunning tropical scene with palm trees silhouetted against a colorful twilight sky, evoking vacation vibes.In-Depth

Maui's Vacation Rental Shakeup: Thousands of Units Face Phase-Out

Maui is poised to significantly reduce its vacation rental inventory, with a vote today expected to phase out thousands of units. This decision will likely reshape the landscape for both visitors and…

A sunlit view of railings overlooking the beachfront in Waimea, Hawaii, capturing urban coastal life.In-Depth

Alexander & Baldwin to Go Private in $2.3 Billion Deal, Reshaping Hawaii's Real Estate Landscape

Alexander & Baldwin (A&B), a long-standing cornerstone of Hawaii's commercial real estate sector and the largest owner of grocery-anchored shopping centers in the state, is set to be taken private in…

Finance & Investment

View all
Exhilarating tandem skydiving experience in Baldwin, Wisconsin, captured in mid-air.In-Depth

Alexander & Baldwin to be Taken Private in $2.3 Billion Transaction: What This Means for Hawai'i's Business Landscape

In 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…

Business professionals in suits having a focused meeting indoors.In-Depth

Hawaii's Top Stockbrokers & Financial Planners

A 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…

Bright aerial photograph of Waikiki Beach with surfers and city skyline under clear blue sky.In-Depth

$10M Investment Fuels Zero-Down Mortgages for Native Hawaiians on Hawaiian Home Lands

A $10 million investment by Northern Trust and Hawaiʻi Community Lending will enable zero-down mortgages for Native Hawaiians on Hawaiian Home Lands, providing an opportunity for financial stability…

A close-up shot of a hand offering a blue debit card for payment.In-Depth

American Savings Bank Reopens Lahaina Branch: A Symbol of Recovery and Investment

American Savings Bank’s grand opening of its new Lahaina branch marks a pivotal moment in West Maui's recovery, providing essential financial services and signaling economic resilience after the…

Policy & Regulation

View all
Lease agreement document with pen and American flag keychain on a black table.In-Depth

Hawaii Faces Potential Land Use Shifts as $10 Billion Military Lease Negotiations Commence

Hawaii's government has a two-year window to negotiate $10 billion in military land lease renewals, potentially altering land availability and development prospects across the islands. Real estate…

Aerial view of helicopter dousing forest fire with water bucket, showcasing fire control efforts.In-Depth

Maui Wildfire Settlement Payouts Now Imminent: Insurance Payout Delays Resolved, Business Recovery Pathways Clarified

The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court has cleared the final hurdle for $4 billion in Maui wildfire settlement payments, allowing affected businesses and individuals to receive their compensation without further…

A police officer stands in uniform outdoors, highlighting law enforcement.

Unannounced HPD Policy Change May Hinder Business Security & Permit Access

A recent, unannounced change by the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) regarding firearm instructor access could disrupt security protocols and potentially affect permit acquisition timelines for…

A lone tree bent by the wind on a stormy beach with rough seas and overcast skies.

Shoreline Hardening Bill Could Impede Beach Access, Shift Property Insurance Costs

Proposed legislation to permit private shoreline hardening will redefine coastal property management, potentially impacting public beach access and increasing property insurance deductibles for some…

Infrastructure & Transportation

View all
Aerial photo of a winding road cutting through green vegetation in Captain Cook, Hawaii.

West Maui Businesses Face 2+ Weeks of Significant Traffic Delays on Honoapiʻilani Highway

A critical southbound lane closure on Honoapiʻilani Highway starting February 17 will disrupt West Maui commutes and logistics for at least two weeks, impacting operational efficiency and potentially…

A suburban house surrounded by floodwaters after heavy rain, showing impact of natural disaster.

Mapunapuna Businesses Face Ongoing Disruption Risks as Flooding Solutions Remain Undefined

Recurring flooding in Mapunapuna continues to disrupt operations and damage property for local businesses, with city-proposed solutions still in early discussion phases. Small operators and real…

Bus driver operating vehicle from the cockpit in an industrial setting, showcasing control and focus.

Averted Strike Stabilizes Oahu Public Transit, Mitigating Business Commute Disruptions

The ratification of a new four-year contract between Teamsters Local 996 and Oahu Transit Services (OTS) averts a potential bus driver strike, ensuring continued public transit reliability for…

Passengers seated and standing inside a crowded subway train during a typical commute.

Oahu Transit Services Labor Pact Settled: Budgeting and Commute Planning Updates Needed

Oahu Transit Services Inc. (OTS) and its union have finalized a new 4-year labor agreement, impacting municipal transit operating costs and service trajectory. Small business operators and tourism…

Sustainability & Resources

View all
Explore the vibrant underwater world of Hawaii with this captivating image of a sea turtle gracefully swimming among coral reefs.In-Depth

Hawaii's Coral Reef Insurance Renewed, Bolstering Sustainability and Tourism

Hawaiʻi 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.…

A woman in activewear meditating on a tropical beach, promoting health and tranquility.In-Depth

Adolescent Liver Disease Risk Study Signals Potential Long-Term Healthcare Cost Increases for Hawaii Businesses

New research from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa links common 'forever chemicals' (PFAS) to a tripling of liver disease risk in adolescents, signaling a potential future rise in healthcare…

Serene sunset view over Kihei, Hawaii with wind turbines along the coast, capturing nature and renewable energy.In-Depth

Honua Ola Eyes New Power Purchase Agreement, Signaling Renewable Energy Push on Big Island

Honua Ola Bioenergy is negotiating a third power purchase agreement with Hawaiian Electric, potentially reigniting its long-delayed biomass plant on the Big Island. This development could bring…

Close-up view of solar panels outdoors capturing renewable energy efficiently.In-Depth

Leidos Awarded $127M Contract to Spearhead Hawai'i's Energy Conservation for Three More Years

Leidos, the administrator of the Hawai'i Energy program, has secured a new three-year, $127 million contract from the Public Utilities Commission. This renewal ensures the continuation of the state's…