What has been Marina Florist’s latest pivot or innovation? We immediately created a food gift basket and grocery shopping delivery program, courier and moving services, on top of our normal offerings. Basically, if it fits in our mini cargo van,…
What has been Watanabe Floral’s latest pivot or innovation? Right now, it is more understanding the unpredictability of this situation and figuring out how we stay relevant and solvent as we navigate this process. The first thing is using our…
What has been Websites with Aloha’s latest pivot or innovation? At the beginning of the crisis, as everyone was gaining their footing and our workload was low, we were exploring some new design tools that would enable us to build…
What has been Banán’s latest pivot or innovation? We have recently partnered with local Chef Mama T to roll out Kalo/Ulu based soups and stews for takeaway. As individuals and families have been challenged over the past month to get…
What has been Cropsticks’ latest pivot or innovation? Immediately, we have lowered our minimums for distributor and restaurant partners on any new orders to help us all get through this. In addition, we now offer consulting for restaurants looking to…
What has been your company’s latest pivot or innovation? Beach Day Hawai‘i is an experiential service company that creates unique, personalized beach experiences for people traveling to Hawai‘i. During this event we’ve focused on the technology we would implement to…
What has been Maui Nui Venison’ latest pivot or innovation? Our latest pivot was the launch of our Holo ‘Ai program. Holo ‘Ai is a term for a traditional bundle of food with an alternate meaning of moving or speeding…
What has been your company’s latest pivot or innovation? Taqueria El Ranchero has been open to trying new ways of doing business to help us get through this uncertain time. These included adding an additional delivery provider service, helping in…
How are you coping with the COVID-19 crisis? Doing well! Luckily here in Hawai‘i, we have such incredible outdoor space to keep us sane, and mentally and physically healthy. Swimming and hiking are great ways to stay optimistic. I do both…
What has been Tag Aloha’s latest pivot or innovation? Just before the crisis hit, we had started working on expanding our product line beyond the beach bags that we are known for. We recently launched a few new products, like…
What has been 808Nanny’s latest pivot or innovation? Our company’s latest innovation is creating a new platform called Nexus that will allow for job listing creation, continuing education courses and a marketplace to sell items. Additionally, we are building out…
How is the Waiwai Collective coping with the COVID-19 crisis? We are saddened by the suffering that our communities are facing, and we maintain hope that we will get through this together. As a membership-based co-work and co-creative space and…
The COVID-19 crisis has forced thousands of local companies to move more of their business online. That means now is a great time to take advantage of all the data being generated and grow your company with business intelligence and…
What has been The Wine Shop Kauai’s latest pivot or innovation? In light of the social distancing guidelines, we now offer curbside pickup and home delivery to Kōloa, Po‘ipū and ‘Ōmao. For our wine club members, we offer a virtual…
What has been your Punalu‘u Bake Shop’s latest pivot or innovation? Our Company’s latest innovation has been pretty much the same as most companies that are still operating today: educate and implement policies and procedures to help prevent the spread…
What has been your company’s latest pivot or innovation? Our first priority has been to support our clients through the maze of changes related to HR and to help them obtain PPP funding offered through the SBA. This COVID-19 time…
What has been your company’s latest pivot or innovation? At Shifted Energy, we primarily do three things: enable utilities to stabilize the grid, accelerate renewable energy integration and engage customers in innovative programs. We do that by making a smarter…
What has been Weddings of Hawaii’s latest pivot or innovation? The Hawai‘i wedding industry is at a complete standstill. As a result, our team is taking this time to revamp our social media, website, marketing campaigns and all other forms…
What has been your company’s latest pivot or innovation? Two days after our farmers markets were shut down, we started running a CSA Program (Community Supported Agriculture) through our business. We launched the website and took orders as we were…
How are you coping with the COVID-19 crisis? Being a company full of safety and health professionals, we were fortunate to recognize the potential impact of this crisis early and began to talk to our team and clients in late…
What has been your company’s latest pivot or innovation? Creating an online ordering platform and our own website. Updating our menu to more premium items and lowering the pricing. What has been your company’s latest opportunity or opportunities? Using the…
What has Mochi Foods’ latest pivot or innovation? We recently introduced a gluten-free mochi donut mix for customers who want to experience the taste and texture of our original mochi donuts but are looking for a gluten-friendly product. What has been…
What been Gecko Girlz's latest pivot or innovation? Just as we were finalizing the creative details for opening our newest Gecko Girlz Shave Ice store in a busy marketplace in downtown Kailua-Kona this spring, we learned of the stay-at-home mandate.…
How is Infinium Interiors coping with the COVID-19 crisis? How we are coping is an interesting question. The situation we find ourselves in, by many accounts, has never happened before. Some businesses had plans in place for dealing with different…
How is Aloha Friday coping with the COVID-19 crisis? At first, it was a bit overwhelming to be managing the personal emotional response and changes on top of having to “hold” my clients and be able to support them. I…
Thousands of Hawai‘i businesses have moved some or all of their operations from in-office to remote and online. Local tech expert Derek Gabriel, cofounder and CEO of Ignite Solutions Group, suggests ways your company can create opportunities in this new technological landscape.
How is Ko‘olau Distillery coping with the COVID-19 crisis? Ko‘olau Distillery is doing our part to help fill a critical need in our island community. Because of our Distilled Spirits Producer permit, we can legally make the alcohol required for…
How is Kalapawai Café & Market coping amid COVID-19 crisis? At the beginning of this COVID-19 crisis, we had to take things day-to-day as we really weren’t sure if the government was going to shut all businesses down. We still are…
How has the Maui Economic Opportunity been coping amid COVID-19 crisis? We are designated as an essential service, as part of our program services include providing essential transportation for medical and shopping needs. We have implemented safety protocols for drivers…
How is Highway Inn coping with the COVID-19 crisis? Staying open, maintaining some work for our employees, dealing with this day-to-day, trying to keep up with the SBA Grant/Loan (Groan) applications, working with all stakeholders to reschedule obligations. This is…
How is Buzz's Original Steak House coping with the COVID-19 crisis? We take things day by day at our restaurant. Health and safety are first and foremost on our minds. Keeping moral up is probably the biggest challenge we face…
How is Good Clean Food coping with the COVID-19 crisis? Our first concern has always been the safety of our employees and customers; our entire team is focused on staying up to date on, and enforcing, strict sanitation standards. At…
How is Ace Medical coping with the COVID-19 crisis? We prepared our staff by providing early education about COVID-19 in February based on information from World Health Organization. We reviewed our policies on universal precautions and hand washing. We instructed…
Hawai‘i’s huge increase in people working from home has created IT challenges for local businesses. Derek Gabriel is the cofounder & CEO of Ignite Solutions Group, a cloud technology service provider, and he has been busy the past few weeks…
2025 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Awards Hall of Fame: Lawrence Fujiwara is the third-generation owner of this historic landmark in ‘Ālewa Heights.
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.
