Latest business & startups news and updates
As Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach, Hawaii's Office of Consumer Protection urges shoppers to understand retailers' refund and exchange policies to prevent disputes and protect their finances. Businesses are also reminded of their legal obligations regarding returns, ensuring fair practices during the peak shopping season.
A Maui family is facing immense financial hardship following the loss of their son in the devastating Lahaina wildfires. The community has responded with fundraising efforts and support to help the grieving grandparents and their grandchildren rebuild their lives.
Global Medical Response (GMR) has launched an air ambulance service on Oahu, establishing a new rotor-wing base at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. This development promises to significantly reduce transport times for critical patients, potentially improving outcomes and offering new opportunities within Hawaii's healthcare and transportation sectors.
Goodwill Hawaii faces a challenging holiday season, with increased demand from shoppers seeking affordable goods coupled with a decrease in donations, primarily of clothing and linens. This trend highlights the economic pressures on local households and presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses and community organizations.
Hilo Benioff Medical Center's $80 million expansion project is progressing, with some facilities targeted to open by early 2026 and full completion expected in 2027. This development promises to benefit local businesses and healthcare professionals, stimulating further investment and development in the region.
Ashley Thomas's Hanai Nanny Agency emerged as a direct response to the childcare challenges faced by families in Hawaii, particularly during the pandemic. This entrepreneurial venture not only addresses a critical need but also offers new opportunities for caregivers and provides a model for other businesses in the state.
The Good Neighbor Fund, a collaborative effort between Helping Hands Hawaii, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, and First Hawaiian Bank, has launched its annual fundraising campaign to assist struggling individuals and families across the islands. The fund provides critical financial assistance, essential goods, and services to those experiencing hardship.
Hawaii's food banks are facing increased pressure as food insecurity continues to climb, impacting the local workforce and consumer spending. Declining federal support is further exacerbating the situation, prompting worries among food bank leaders about their ability to provide for those in need.
The Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) recently released its November 2025 newsletter, showcasing initiatives aimed at bolstering local food systems, managing energy costs for businesses and families, and fostering innovation in agriculture and energy. The newsletter underlines the state's ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities for Hawaii's businesses and communities.
Queen Kaʻahumanu Center in Maui is hosting a month-long series of pop-up shops featuring local Hawaiian brands this December. This initiative provides a platform for local entrepreneurs and offers unique shopping experiences for holiday shoppers.
Black Friday remains a significant shopping event in Hawai'i, but the traditional one-day frenzy has evolved. Retailers are adapting to spread deals across the month, reflecting changing consumer behavior and the rise of online shopping.
MC&A, a prominent destination and event management company in Hawai'i, has expanded its services with the launch of a new event rentals division, including a physical warehouse on Maui and a comprehensive online catalog. This strategic move aims to capitalize on the growing demand for event services and enhance its offerings to both local and international clients.
Small Business Saturday, following Black Friday, is crucial for supporting local economies and community resilience. This year, with a projected increase in holiday spending, the focus on small businesses is more important than ever.
While online shopping continues to grow nationally, Hawaii's Black Friday reveals a different story, with many shoppers opting to visit brick-and-mortar stores. This shift presents unique opportunities and challenges for local businesses navigating the evolving retail landscape.
A new food truck, Sweet Treats, is making a splash in Hawaii's food scene with its innovative rolled ice cream and eye-catching design, offering a fresh take on the mobile food business. This article explores the business's unique approach, highlighting opportunities for entrepreneurs in Hawaii's competitive culinary landscape.
Several new restaurants and expansions are invigorating Honolulu's Kaka'ako neighborhood, offering new opportunities for both residents and visitors. Surfers Coffee, a beloved local coffee shop, recently opened a new location in Kaka'ako, showcasing the area's continued appeal for business growth.
The 2021 Red Hill fuel leak continues to cast a long shadow over Oahu's businesses and residents, four years after the contamination of the Pearl Harbor-Hickam water system. The ongoing cleanup efforts and lingering health concerns present significant challenges for the local economy and community well-being.
The Hilo Benioff Medical Center's $80 million expansion project is progressing, with preliminary facilities possibly opening next year, and full completion targeted for 2027. This development signifies a significant investment in Hawaii Island's healthcare infrastructure with positive implications for local businesses.
Imua Family Services, a Maui County non-profit, has appointed Jeremiah Savage as its new Chief Financial Officer. With a wealth of experience in public finance and nonprofit leadership, Savage brings a valuable skillset to the organization.
U.S. retail sales experienced a modest increase in September, hinting at consumer caution amid persistent inflation and potential tariff impacts. This trend warrants close attention from Hawaii's entrepreneurs and investors as it could influence the local business environment.