Trending Stories - Hawaii Business Magazine

Tanaka of Tokyo Restaurant Chain Founder Shares Tales of Survival as He Passes Baton

Ken Wills,

New leadership team includes founder's daughter, Bo Tanaka, who promises continuity as well as creativity in an evolving and volatile market.

BOSS Survey

Pessimism Widespread Among Local Businesses

Steve Petranik,

The latest BOSS Survey reveals widespread pessimism about Hawaii's economy, with 51% of business leaders expecting conditions to worsen in 2026. Though tourism companies remain notably more optimistic than other sectors.

Business & Industry

EXCLUSIVE: Clash of Hawaiʻi’s Healthcare Titans: Leaders Disagree on Best Path Forward

Ryann Noelani Coules,

Addressing a crowded room of Hawaiʻi executives, The Queen’s Health System’s top leader didn't mince words about the proposed HMSA-HPH merger that could fundamentally reshape medical care in the Islands. “I feel that this is like the Trojan horse…

Pride

Hawai‘i’s Got Pride: Spotlight on Francine Naoko Beppu

Kathryn Drury Wagner,

The VP of Integrated Marketing at NMG Network says “it’s stressful to not share who you are when you’re at work.”

Business & Industry

Hawai‘i's Cannabis Industry Is Arrested In Development

Perry Arrasmith ,

Advocates want marijuana legalized for all adults, not just for those with qualifying medical conditions. But opponents fear legalization could hurt tourism, create enforcement challenges and damage public health.

Community & Economy

Hawai‘i’s Economic Outlook 2026

Cynthia Wessendorf, Jennifer Ablan, Ken Wills,

Construction is expected to be strong, driven in part by large infrastructure projects, but tourism is slipping and the safety net fraying.

Health & Wellness

Bipartisan Bill Aims to Prevent Kidney Deaths by Compensating Donors

Ryann Noelani Coules,

The “End Kidney Deaths Act” proposes a $50,000 tax credit for healthy people to give a kidney to a stranger. If passed, the legislation could save 100,000 lives and billions of dollars over a decade.

In-Depth Reports

Some Vacationers Wonder: Is It Possible to be a Good Tourist in Hawai‘i, or Should I Just Stay Away?

LiAnne Yu,

Globally, many popular destinations are experiencing a backlash against tourism. Here are multiple perspectives on the message that Hawai‘i should send to potential visitors.