For Jennifer Ablan, Coming Home Was a “Full Circle Move”
Hawaii Business’ new editor in chief had an impressive career in the national business media. Now she’s back in Hawai‘i, in her dream job.
New Stories
For Them, It’s Hawai‘i 2.0
After years on the mainland, these locals are coming home – and bringing their thriving careers with them.
He’s Part of the “Pit Crew” for a Maunakea Telescope
Derek Petrowski landed his dream job as a telescope support technician at the Keck Observatory.
This Kaimukī Shop Helps Customers Make Their Own Jewelry
Brendan and Jill Barry’s Bead It! is stocked with jewelry-making materials and offers classes in soldering, drilling and other techniques.
Why You Should Listen Like a Good Journalist – Even If Others Don’t Listen Back
Good listening skills lead to more empathy and willingness to reevaluate positions.
From Prison to Purpose: IHS’ Re-entry Program Helps Rebuild Lives
The Institute for Human Services’ transitional housing and support services aims to keep people out of prison permanently.
Mana Cruises and Charters Operates Three Small Vessels in Waikīkī and Ko Olina
2025 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Co-founders Jacob Kahiapo and Mash Hatae want to be “exemplary models of responsible tourism.”
Picket Fence Florist: A Place for Flowers, Friends and Family
2025 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Owner Sadie Akamine has spent five decades in the “very emotional business” of flowers.
Service Printers Hawaii Still Flourishes Despite a Challenging Market
2025 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Mother-and-daughter team Kathy and Jodie Yamashiroya run the family business – Hawai‘i’s only union printing shop.
Not Grown in Hawai‘i
Some local companies – including the state’s biggest seller of macadamias – use foreign nuts in some of their products. Local growers and companies that sell only Hawai‘i-grown nuts want a label-of-origin law with added teeth, not the limited version that takes effect Jan. 1.
Tickets are on sale now for the 12th Annual Leadership Conference!
Hawai‘i’s premier leadership event is back, bringing together professionals, executives, and changemakers for a full day of insight, connection, and growth. Expect candid conversations with respected leaders, interactive workshops that challenge your thinking, and real tools to help you lead with impact. Meet people who move the needle in their industries—and walk away with ideas you can act on immediately.
Friday July 25, 2025
8:30am to 4:30pm
Hilton Hawaiian Village
Miki N. Nakamura
Cades Schutte is proud to welcome Miki N. Nakamura as an associate in its Finance, Real Estate & Corporate Department. Miki has experience in various commercial real estate transactions, commercial and corporate financing, and commercial leasing. She previously worked at…
Rio H. Kwon
Cades Schutte is proud to welcome Rio H. Kwon as an associate in its Finance, Real Estate & Corporate Department. Rio concentrates his practice on commercial and residential real estate transactions, commercial real estate finance, commercial leasing, and project development.…
Di Salas
Di Salas is a seasoned marketing and communications leader with more than 15 years of experience in brand strategy, business development, and community engagement. She currently serves as Director of Marketing & Communications at Hawaii Dental Service (HDS), where she…
Melanie Quon
Melanie Quon, CQA, CMQ/OE, PMP, is an accomplished leader in compliance, quality improvement, and organizational development with over 15 years of experience spanning healthcare, nonprofit, and educational sectors. She currently serves as the Director of Compliance and Privacy Officer at…
Dr. Vinh Tran
Dr. Vinh Tran recently joined Hawaii Dental Service (HDS) as dental director, bringing a wealth of experience in both clinical practice and dental education. With a career spanning private practices and community health centers across Hawaii and the mainland, Dr.…
Lists & Rankings
Hawai‘i’s Best Places to Work 2025
90 Companies and Nonprofits Where Employees Thrive.
Black Book 2024: 410 Executives of Hawai‘i’s Most Influential Organizations
Profiles of business and nonprofit leaders in every sector, from construction and energy to education and health care.
Hawai‘i’s Most Charitable Companies 2024
107 organizations donated more than $300 million to help Hawai‘i’s nonprofits, with a significant portion going to support Maui’s recovery.
Hawai‘i’s Most Profitable Companies 2024
The No. 1 company earned $297 million in profit last year; the last-place company lost almost as much.
Hawai‘i’s Top 250 Companies 2024: List Now Available
The 41st annual ranking of the state’s largest companies and nonprofits shows revenue was up, but the Lahaina catastrophe was widely felt – especially among small and medium businesses with Maui operations.
Top Performers in Real Estate 2024
Hawaii Business Magazine identified the leading real estate companies and invited them to submit their Top Performers. This page profiles many of these Top Performers in real estate. Consider these agents and companies when preparing to make your next real estate transaction.
Leadership Conference
Hilton Hawaiian Village
July 25, 2025
Excellence in Business Awards
Location TBD
September 2025
Wahine Forum
Hilton Hawaiian Village
October 24, 2025
Partner Content
Building Relationships with Private Banking at Central Pacific Bank
We don't just manage wealth. We help you manage your financial life.
2024 Community Health Snapshot
Kaiser Permanente Hawaii helps build healthier communities for all
Shidler College Hosts 64th Annual Business Night, Honoring Student Achievement
Nearly 500 students and professionals gathered to celebrate mentorship and student excellence
Applications Now Open for WE by Rising Tide
A Program Built for Women Ready to Grow
This Kaimukī Shop Helps Customers Make Their Own Jewelry
Brendan and Jill Barry’s Bead It! is stocked with jewelry-making materials and offers classes in soldering, drilling and other techniques.
An Old Family Recipe Remains a Classic at This Līhu‘e Restaurant
Tip Top Motel, Cafe & Bakery’s bestselling oxtail soup uses Chinese and mustard cabbage, long rice, bamboo shoots, green onion and plenty of meat.
This Honolulu Store Specializes in the Warm, Retro Look of Film Photography
Rainbow Photo Video caters to amateurs and pros who love the traditional film-processing method.
The Future of Hawai‘i’s Last Sugar Mill
Pu‘unēnē Mill on Maui was bought by Nan Inc., though much of it may be demolished.
Art + Flea: Where Creativity Meets Community
O‘ahu’s original makers market offers original items from illustrators, clothes makers, woodworkers and others.
This Century-Old Company Keeps Rolling Out Its Iconic Crackers
But have you tried Diamond Bakery’s ube, liliko‘i and Kona coffee shortbread cookies?
He’s Part of the “Pit Crew” for a Maunakea Telescope
Derek Petrowski landed his dream job as a telescope support technician at the Keck Observatory.
My Job Is Sharpening Hawai‘i’s Saws, Scissors and Knives
From his Kalihi workshop, Dexter Freitas has sharpened blades for cooks, print shops, furniture makers and others since 1988.
My Job Is Helping People Destress Through Forest Bathing
A certified forest-therapy guide leads visitors and locals into the woods.
My Job Is Repairing Rare Stringed Instruments
Ki-Lin Reece is a luthier at KR Strings, where he restores family heirlooms and old Hawaiian instruments.
My Job Is Helping Grieving Families Through Their Loved One’s Final Days
Joseph Eppink is a death doula, a gift he discovered as a hospice volunteer during the AIDS crisis.
My Job Is Running a Successful Calligraphy and Bottle-Painting Business
Michelle Clemen left a nursing career for creative work, and assures the skeptical that “you can make a living from being an artist.”
In-Depth Reports
Some Vacationers Wonder: Is It Possible to be a Good Tourist in Hawai‘i, or Should I Just Stay Away?
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.
The Tiny Oilseed That Could Help Power Hawai‘i’s Energy Future
Some of the state’s biggest companies are working to turn a cover crop into renewable fuel for utilities, vehicles and passenger planes.
Private Equity Owns a Big Chunk of Hawai‘i’s Hotels. Here’s Why That Matters.
Private equity companies own almost 30% of Hawai‘i’s hotel rooms, a huge increase in the past two decades. We investigate the pros and cons.
Hospice in Hawai‘i: Myths Vs. Reality
End-of-life care professionals debunk misconceptions and explain how to find the best hospice services for your loved ones.
Gen Z Is Shaking Up Hawai‘i’s Workplaces. Are You Ready?
Here’s what managers and Gen Zers say about generational stereotypes, and how to help young employees succeed.
From Wastewater to Green Belt: An Ingenious Idea Takes Shape on Maui
A pilot project will use treated wastewater to create a green belt, protecting fire-prone Mā‘alaea and restoring coastal waters.
Special Advertising Section
Making Business Simple for Hawaiʻi since 1969
1969 In 1969, Bill Guss opened Labor Services Inc. to provide a flexible, on-demand workforce to O‘ahu warehouses, trucking companies, contractors, and naval shipyards. From his office across the street from Waikīkī Beach, he would raise a blue flag to…
The 2025 Guide To Hawai‘i’s Shipping, Air And Transportation
Shipping companies are start of operations at the new Kapalama Container Terminal beginning in the fall, slow revenue growth, probable rate hikes, and more sustainable shipping practices. Although the numbers fluctuate somewhat month…
Better Business Bureau: Trust Drives Growth
When customers trust your business, they choose you – and they keep coming back. For over a century, BBB has helped businesses build credibility and stand out with confidence. Hawai‘i’s most successful companies prove that earning customers’ trust is the key to lasting success.