How to Reduce the Physical Toll That Screentime Takes on Your Body
I am 27 years old, active and healthy. Yet, on any given afternoon, my upper back, shoulders and neck feel like they belong to someone twice my age.
Author: Ryann Noelani Coules
Hard-Won Lessons on Rejection from 39 Years in Sales
Nobody likes rejection, but it is an inevitable part of any career. Here is what a 39-year sales veteran taught me about how to pick yourself back up after being turned down, refine your pitch and find the courage to try again.
Hawai‘i’s Trans and Māhū Communities Stand Proud Amid National Affront
As hate crimes rise and the federal government rolls back protections for trans and others in the LGBTQ+ community, Hawai‘i’s cultural history of recognizing three genders offers a path forward — and a lesson for the rest of the country.
From Cravings to Creation, Wailua Granola Co. Took Shape
For Kauaʻi native Taleea Carvalho, the journey from home baker to food entrepreneur began with a daily craving. Her family loved acai bowls, but store-bought options left her dissatisfied. “We were buying Costco…
Waimea Herb Co. Cultivates Creativity Along With Spices and Teas
In 2011, an afterschool program in Waimea on Hawaiʻi island set out to teach children how to tend to a garden and grow their own food. Mālie Sarsona, co-founder of Waimea Herb Co., recalls the processed snacks the kids used…
Vaui Social Liquids Brings a Modern Twist to An Ancient Drink – Kava
Based on Maui, Vaui Social Liquids sells sparkling kava tea in three tropical flavors: mango punch, passion orange guava and pineapple lemonade. The star ingredient, kava, is derived from a root native to the South Pacific that has been consumed…
BUJO BAE Adds Island-Style Flare to Spice Up Stationery
Writing down important dates to remember and checking off items on a to-do list are excellent ways to keep your professional and personal life organized, but these good habits can feel like a chore when you are working with plain, uninspiring paper.
URGENT ACTION REQUIRED: Read this Article on Digital Dangers!
Ransomware, email compromises and phishing scams are hurting businesses across the Islands. Learn about the most recent attacks and get local cybersecurity experts’ advice to avoid becoming the next victim.
A Deep Dive into Hawai‘i’s Shell Jewelry Industry
The journey of a seashell from the reef to a pendant on a gold chain is a fascinating tale made increasingly relevant as a burgeoning business takes shape. Three Hawai‘i artisans who make jewelry from shells talk about their craft as well as the ethics of shelling for commerce and for personal collections.
Clash of Titans: Hawai‘i’s Healthcare Leaders Disagree on Best Path Forward
Top executives at HMSA, HPH take on frank criticisms about their proposed combination, addressing specific community concerns over potential service cuts, staffing layoffs and a diminished focus on primary care.
Hawaii Entrepreneur Awards 2026
25 years of honoring outstanding local startups and innovation.
Bipartisan Bill Aims to Prevent Kidney Deaths by Compensating Donors
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.
EXCLUSIVE: Clash of Hawaiʻi’s Healthcare Titans: Leaders Disagree on Best Path Forward
Addressing a crowded room of Hawaiʻi executives, The Queen’s Health Systems’ 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…
Trial and Error: A Young Professional Looks at Work and Life
"Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable"
How The Art Source Became a Manufacturing Powerhouse in Hawai‘i
The diversified company performs upwards of 80% of its production on O‘ahu. Here’s how they grew their business while keeping production local.
Living Within My Means
In Hawaiʻi, where the cost of living far outpaces the national average, many residents are finding creative ways to make ends meet.
8 Women Who Save Lives
Their jobs are difficult, stressful and sometimes dangerous but Hawai‘i depends on these women to step up when lives are on the line. We tell their stories and honor their courage, resilience and compassion.
Helping to Feed Hawai‘i Since 1913
Y. Hata & Co. is a locally owned and operated company that uses trucks and barges to transport food, ingredients, supplies and other necessities from their warehouses to businesses statewide.
Canadian Tourists are Boycotting the U.S. Here’s What That Means for Hawai‘i
It’s not just the tariffs – the Trump administration’s annexation threats, insulting rhetoric and heightened border security are driving a widespread Canadian boycott on U.S. travel and goods. While some Canadians consider Hawai‘i a special case, others aren’t willing to make an exception.
Not an Ordinary Bakery
Breadshop, located in Kaimukī, isn't your typical bakery. Founder and owner Chris Sy says from its inception, he wanted Breadshop to be "an exploration of bread products" and "make a difference in what was available here."
Can Hawaiʻi Become the Napa Valley of Chocolate?
Many places in the U.S. manufacture chocolate, but only Hawai‘i cultivates its main ingredient, cacao, on a commercial level. Efforts to establish Hawai‘i as a globally recognized gourmet chocolate producer are gaining momentum.
Harbors Vintage Brings Y2K and Streetwear Style to Honolulu
A vintage streetwear shop born from pop-ups, Harbors Vintage now has two locations and a loyal following. Owner Arik Ma saw a gap, and filled it.
A Master Woodworker Makes Furniture That Endures
At his woodworking shop in Hālawa, Dae Son turns local hardwoods into custom furniture.
Hawai‘i’s Social Media Stars
Six influencers describe how they gain followings and make money. It’s riches for a few and much harder for the rest.
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.
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.
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 Houseless Village in Wai‘anae Keeps Twinkle’s Vision Alive
Before she died, Twinkle Borge selected leaders for Pu‘uhonua o Wai‘anae. They’re holding the harbor community together as a permanent village is built.
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.
20 for the Next 20: Liane Sugimoto, Prince Resorts Hawaii
The CFO and chief administrative officer uses her expertise in accounting and operations to “take care of employees in innovative ways.”
I Donated a Kidney to a Stranger. You Might Consider It Too.
The National Kidney Foundation says about 90,000 people in the U.S. need a kidney, and 12 people die every day while waiting for one.
20 for the Next 20: Emalia Pietsch, Colliers International
This senior VP specializes in resort retail and urban markets, with a talent for matching landlords and tenants for the long term.
Hawaii Entrepreneur Awards 2025
25 years of honoring outstanding local startups and innovation.
20 for the Next 20: Ryan Kanaka‘ole, Department of Land and Natural Resources
The deputy director brings legal and listening skills to the job of overseeing military contracts and long-term plans for Lahaina.
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 Nonprofit Has Helped People Get Back on Track for Over 100 Years
One of Aloha United Way’s most-used resources is the 211 Helpline, which received 58,143 requests for help in 2023.
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.
A Different Kind of Biker Gang
At KVIBE’s shop, Kalihi youth learn to repair donated bicycles – then take one home.
At This Restaurant, the Chef Decides What You’ll Eat
Sushi Gyoshin has only eight seats, which allows Hiroshi Tsuji to focus on a few special dishes each night and conversations with customers.
Can Waikīkī’s Business Improvement District Be a Model for Downtown?
Businesses agreed to increase property taxes for hospitality, cleaning and landscaping, and more security. Many say the extra cost is worth it.
Create, Wait, Celebrate
Potter Lauren Shin teaches classes at her tranquil Norae Ceramics studio in Kāne‘ohe.
Five Daughters Who Stepped Up in the Family Business
Profiles of Hisae Uki, Candice Sombrero Ishikawa, Alison “Bo” Tanaka, Heather Cutter and Clarice Casamina
“Uncle’s” Updates an Old Classic with New Flavors
In the company’s Waialua kitchens, cookie and ice cream crews use peanut butter, liliko‘i, ube and other local favorites to make ice cream sandwiches.
Removing Ghost Nets from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project has collected 786,287 pounds of derelict fishing nets and other debris from the vast Hawaiian archipelago.
Restoration of He‘eia Fishpond Nears a Major Milestone
Paepae o He‘eia has spent decades removing mangroves and rebuilding the fishpond wall. The nonprofit is now gearing up to start sustainable fish production.
Handmade on Moloka‘i
Each of the garments made at Kealopiko’s screen-printing workshop are one-of-a-kind and tell a story.
Hawai‘i’s Film Feast Is Now a Famine. What Happened?
Only one major TV series is scheduled to be shot on O‘ahu this summer. Local crews and actors are struggling to find work.
Turning Local Crops into Lucrative Food and Beverage Startups
The new Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center rents equipment and space for small businesses to ramp up production.
Still & Moving Center Focuses on Mindful Movement for All Ages
2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Renee Tillotson opened her Kaka‘ako studio after falling in love with Nia, a holistic fitness practice.
All of Hawaii's Eight Gecko Species are Nonnative
Geckos are iconic in Hawaiʻi, as much as pineapples or ukuleles, and, like them, are not native to the Islands. The Polynesians brought them here about 1,500 years ago along with other plants and animals.
From Black Sheep to Model of Success, Waipahu High School’s Amazing Transformation
The school’s “six schools in one” robust career academies are transforming the way education helps students prepare for the workforce.
