Tariffs Are Hurting Lots of Industries. Here’s One That Stands to Benefit.
While a recent 25% tariff on papayas from Mexico was eliminated, local papaya growers and processors are monitoring the situation closely.
Author: Randall Libramonte
DEI Is Alive and Well in Hawai‘i
While sometimes demonized, local leaders say the underlying values of diversity, equity and inclusion still play an important role in the Islands.
Helping Leaders Lead
The HANO Fellows Program offers knowledge, skills, and support to new nonprofit leaders throughout the Islands.
Dad's advice: Ageless wisdom or old-school?
Have you received money advice from a father or father-figure? For these HawaiiUSA financial coaches, what was once met with adolescent eyerolls is now recognized as wisdom.
Hawai‘i’s Got Pride, and Plenty of Fight Too
Six essays from U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, Randy Soriano, Peter Tui Silva, Walter Kinoshita, Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson, and Camaron Miyamoto on countering attacks on LGBTQ+ rights.
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.
Talent and Workforce Stakeholders Convene to Shape Hawai’i’s Workforce of Tomorrow
As economic headwinds test employers in Hawai’i, the Hawai’i Employers Council (HEC) is hosting its 2025 Talent Summit, “Shaping Hawai’i’s Workforce of Tomorrow,” on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the…
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.
Building Relationships with Private Banking at Central Pacific Bank
We don't just manage wealth. We help you manage your financial life.
Omidyar Fellows Calls on Visionary Leaders to Serve Hawaiʻi
The Hawai‘i Leadership Forum is now accepting applications for the tenth cohort of its Omidyar Fellows program. Rooted in an enduring commitment, the program provisions leaders with the learning environment, relationships, and resources to lead with purpose, mobilize communities, and…
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.
Zippy’s Upgrades Its Restaurant Digital Experience
Zippy's, the popular Hawaiian restaurant chain which expanded into the mainland last year in Las Vegas, has released new digital ordering programs. On Wednesday, Zippy's launched a new digital experience update focused on pre-ordering on its app and order.zippys.com. When…
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.
Family Mediation Hawaii Helps Divorcing Couples Focus on What’s Best for Kids
2025 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Owner Katie Bennett’s background in law and sociology helps her navigate custody issues.
Kaimuki Auto Repair Offers Straight Talk and Fair Prices
2025 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Owner and mechanic Alan Nakamura works to earn customers’ trust in the family business.
Jams World Features Colorful Textiles Turned into Unique Clothing
2025 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award Hall of Fame: Pua and Heather Rochlen run the family business started in 1964, with six stores across three islands.
B. Hayman Offers Industrial Mowers and Strong Customer Service
2025 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: President Al Kakazu says his main job is to make the customers’ job easier.
Roy Sakuma Ukulele Studios Shares the Joy of Music with All Ages and Abilities
2025 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Roy and Kathy Sakuma operate four studios on O‘ahu, and would “never say no to any parent.”
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
Nisshodo Candy Store Blends Local Favorites with New Flavors
2025 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award Hall of Fame: Michael and Ursula Hirao make and sell mochi and other Japanese treats from their Iwilei facility.
Natsunoya Tea House Has Been a Gathering Spot for More Than a Century
2025 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Awards Hall of Fame: Lawrence Fujiwara is the third-generation owner of this historic landmark in ‘Ālewa Heights.
Lonohana Estate Chocolate Is Committed to Ethical Farming and Manufacturing
2025 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Co-founders Lawrence Boone and Seneca Klassen grow cacao trees on O‘ahu’s North Shore for their chocolate bars.
Our Surveys Asked Hawai‘i Residents: What Is the State of the State?
37% of businesspeople say Hawai‘i is stagnant, and 33% says we’re in real trouble.
Share your story to help protect Medicaid
In April, we celebrated Medicaid Awareness Month by expressing our gratitude to providers and raising awareness of its importance in our community. And we invited the public to help advocate by sharing a story from those who have been positively…
YWCA of Hawai‘i Island Aims to Transform Its Historic Hilo Campus
The nonprofit has so far received $2.8 million of its $6 million Phase 1 goal.
Hawai‘i’s Public Schools Are National Leaders in Academic Recovery. Can They Keep Up the Momentum?
Here’s how three Title I schools are making improvements, including expanded assessments, tutoring, and after-school and summer learning.
Shaping the Future of Hawai‘i’s Construction Industry
Introducing the next generation of construction leaders
Building a Brighter Future for Hawai‘i, One Smile Maker at a Time.
Beyond dental plans, HDS is deeply committed to improving oral health throughout Hawai‘i, especially in underserved rural communities.
Beyond Branded Pens
How one financial advisor has turned client gifts into community impact
Think You Can Spot a Scam? So Did Thousands of Hawai‘i Residents Who Lost Money Last Year.
Local people lost $61.6 million in 2024 to fraud, from romance and cryptocurrency scams to fake concert tickets and gig work. Our writer was one of them.
The gift of financial advice
Have you received the gift of financial advice? In celebration of Mother’s Day, some of HawaiiUSA’s financial coaches share favorite money wisdom from women in their lives.
New Opportunities for Financial Providers to Grow Engagement and Deposits
Turning data into action is hard. Fueled by several trends, we have a huge opportunity to more effectively use data to grow engagement and deposits.
Hawaii Business Magazine Welcomes Home New Editor With 28 Years in Business Reporting
Hawai‘i-Rooted Jennifer Ablan to Take the Helm Following Steve Petranik’s Retirement
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.
From Sky to Shore: How Aloha Air Cargo Powers the Hawaiian Islands
Aloha Air Cargo plays a vital role in connecting our communities and supporting local businesses across the Hawaiian Islands every day.
Affordable, Quick-Build Housing Helps Homeless and Displaced Residents
“It’s very black and white. You build homes, you reduce the homeless population,” says HomeAid Hawai‘i’s executive director, Kimo Carvalho.
For Kids, This Kaka‘ako Institution Is 45,000 Square Feet of Fun
The Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center lets kids learn while playing.
When Not Practicing Law, She Takes Viewers on Diving Adventures Around the World
Deputy Public Defender Merlinda Garma has hosted the TV show “Hawaii Skin Diver” since its debut in 2004.
3 Reasons to Use a Recruiter in Your Career Search
Using a recruiter for your next career move can be a game-changer.
New in the Office? I Was, and Here’s What I Learned
Advice from a workplace newcomer and HR experts on how to cope, network, manage your side gig and prioritize mental health.
Big Love for Lahaina
A new Maui nonprofit, Kaibigan Ng Lahaina, is increasing access to recovery services for Lahaina's Filipino community members.
Despite Your Anxiety, Don’t Tune Out the News
Here are seven ways to stay informed while keeping your stress level under control.
The Downtown Honolulu Parking Guide is Back
Need a parking space in the city for a month or just a day? Check our online guide, which includes locations, daily and monthly prices, and more information to find the right place at the right price.
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.
