A Master Woodworker Makes Furniture That Endures
At his woodworking shop in Hālawa, Dae Son turns local hardwoods into custom furniture.
Author: Ryann Coules
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.
535 Plumbing Offers High-Quality Repairs, with No Surprises
2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Founder Shane Mizusawa says service costs are “very transparent and upfront.” Some are even free.
Symbrosia Harvests Seaweed in an Innovative Strategy to Slow Climate Change
2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Founder Alexia Akbay says its nutritional supplement for livestock dramatically cuts their methane emissions.
20 for the Next 20: Josh Wisch, Holomua Collective
He brings extensive experience in law and government to a new role as the nonprofit’s president and executive director, advocating for working families.
20 for the Next 20: Mālia Sanders, Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association
As the nonprofit’s executive director, she is a leading force in the regenerative tourism movement that centers Hawaiian culture.
20 for the Next 20: Leon No‘eau Peralto, huiMAU
The executive director of this Hāmākua nonprofit has worked to transform an overgrown plot of land into a thriving farm and community hub.
Sages Over 70
After long and successful careers, these seven kūpuna are still helping their communities in inspiring ways.
Hawai‘i’s Women of Influence
10 wāhine who have stepped up to lead, from corporate executives to organizers of grassroots relief efforts on Maui.
Hawai‘i’s Sustainability Heroes 2023
Climate change has raised the stakes for Hawai‘i and communities around the world. That’s why we are sharing six stories of people and companies that are taking significant climate action.
Hawai‘i’s Sustainability Heroes: Pono Pacific
The company is on a mission to conserve land, save native species, promote food security and develop renewable energy from agriculture.
Hawai‘i’s Sustainability Heroes: Shifted Energy
The company uses machine learning to optimize energy use, with a focus on multifamily and rental buildings.
How Ag Tech Is Helping Hawai‘i Farmers Grow More Food
Innovations such as data sensors, drones and controlled environments make farming easier, more productive and more profitable.
Pineapples May Be Iconic. But for Some Local Businesses, Niu and Naupaka Are the Real Hawai‘i.
Native, endemic and canoe plants are popping up in nurseries, on fabrics and in herbal healing, replacing many introduced species.
The Rise of Indigenous Theater in Hawai‘i
UH students and faculty are creating original plays in ‘Olelo Hawai‘i, and winning national awards.
Here’s What Happens When Workers Become Employee-Owners
The perks of an ESOP include more company tax deductions and employee retirement benefits, and businesses that won’t be gutted by outside buyers.
At LAVA, There’s No Such Thing as Too Much Data
The lab at UH Mānoa visualizes complex information to help solve problems linked to tourism, climate change, the brain and more.
Next Stops for Honolulu Rail: Airport to Middle Street in 2025
Ridership and operating hours are expected to increase significantly when this second segment opens.
Native Hawaiians Don’t Own Many Local Hotels. Here’s Why That May Change.
While the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and ali‘i trusts collect land rents from 18 hotels, some Hawaiian groups are aiming for ownership.
