Latest business & startups news and updates
Paper Crane Soaps, a new Hawaii Island business, is making a splash with its line of natural skincare products, reflecting the growing trend of local businesses blending passion with sustainable practices. This startup’s success highlights the potential for entrepreneurs in Hawaii's growing market, emphasizing the importance of programs that foster local business growth.
DBEDT lowered its economic growth projections for Hawaii in 2025, prompting businesses to reassess strategies. While tourism growth is expected to slow, there are opportunities in sectors like construction.
The Lahaina Filipino Fire Survivors Association has been launched to support Filipino fire survivors in the aftermath of the 2023 wildfires. This initiative, backed by the Hawaiʻi Workers Center, addresses critical needs within the community- impacting the local business landscape and highlighting the importance of community rebuilding efforts.
To diversify Hawaii's economy, making the state pro-business is vital. This involves creating incentives that encourage entrepreneurship and private enterprise development.
Honolulu Coffee is launching a new bakery and cafe near the University of Hawaii at Manoa, demonstrating continued growth and investment in the local business landscape. This expansion highlights opportunities for local entrepreneurs and the broader strength of Hawaii's coffee industry.
Officials in Kauaʻi are urging residents to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, which starts June 1st and runs through November 30th. This is crucial for businesses, especially those in tourism and real estate, to protect their investments and quickly recover from potential storm damage.
Hawaiʻi's rapidly aging population presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs. The state's low preparedness ranking highlights key areas for investment and innovation in healthcare, real estate, and related services, while also posing economic challenges.
UH Maui College is launching its first-ever Beauty Operator Program, offering courses in Esthetics, Nail Technology, and Lash Extensions. This initiative is set to boost Hawaii's beauty sector by providing local training, fostering entrepreneurship, and cultivating a skilled workforce.
Hawaiʻi's student filmmakers are making significant strides, achieving recognition at the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF) and ʻŌlelo YXC awards. This success highlights the growing potential of the Islands' film industry, creating opportunities for those involved in business and startups.
The Maui County Farm Bureau is set to host its annual Maui Legacy Farmers Pancake Breakfast, an event honoring the contributions of local farmers and ranchers. This year's event, sponsored by Fairmont Kea Lani, will celebrate Wesley Nohara and Richard “Dickie” Boteilho, highlighting the backbone of Maui's economy and fostering connections within the agricultural community.
A new University of Hawaii study reveals increasing challenges in accessing healthcare, particularly mental healthcare, which poses a threat to workforce productivity. The survey exposed widening healthcare disparities, especially for low-income communities.
Hawaii is poised to lose a key source of economic expertise as the state's chief economic expert transitions, potentially impacting local businesses. Amidst a backdrop of economic headwinds, this change emphasizes the critical role of readily available and expert economic insight for Hawaii's entrepreneurs and investors.
Pearl City's emergence as a top city for summer employment in 2025 highlights its robust economy, offering opportunities for job seekers and businesses amidst broader economic shifts. Factors include expanding businesses and steady tourism, yet future success hinges on adapting to potential federal spending cuts and fostering economic diversification.
The closure of War Memorial Stadium in Maui for a capital improvement project, starting June 20, 2025, presents both challenges and opportunities for local businesses. While event-dependent businesses will need to adjust, construction and service industries stand to benefit from the planned enhancements.
More University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) graduates are choosing to stay in Hawaii for residency training, a positive trend that can help alleviate the state's physician shortage and provide new business opportunities.
Hawaii continues to boast one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, providing a stable economic environment ripe with opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors. This consistent trend underscores the state's economic resilience, although challenges like the high cost of living persist.
Hawaii's low unemployment rate, while attractive on the surface, masks underlying economic challenges for businesses and entrepreneurs, including the high cost of living and over-reliance on tourism.
A new foam dart arena, Top Shot, has opened in Kahului, offering a family-friendly entertainment venue. This move reflects the rising trend of new business ventures in Maui and offers insights for entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on the island's evolving entertainment landscape.
A recent study emphasizes the need for enhanced hurricane preparedness among Hawaii's residents and businesses, urging the implementation of comprehensive emergency plans to mitigate potential disruptions to the local economy and individual ventures.
A rising number of John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) graduates are choosing to stay in Hawaii for residency, which is a positive indicator for alleviating the state's physician shortage.