Improving the oral health of everyone in our communities, from newborns to seniors, is at the core of HDS Foundation’s mission.
To achieve this, it promotes oral health through education, strategic grant-giving and more.
Author: Admin Staff - Sarah Falkowski
AI and Your Money: Opportunity, Innovation, or the Next Market Bubble?
AI is transforming industries and creating wealth opportunities – but can investors separate lasting value from market hype?
Beyond the Cards: Pokémon's Growing Fan Base in Hawaiʻi
On Pokémon's 30th anniversary, what was once a childhood pastime has become a global phenomenon and big business. In Hawaiʻi, collectors, players and small business owners are building something more lasting than a card collection.
Humane Societies Help Reunite Pets and Owners, Find Foster Homes After Kona Low Storms
After the Kona Low floods swept through Oʻahu and Maui, humane society workers waded through waist-deep water to rescue animals, set up food banks and launch a weeks-long effort to reunite displaced pets with their families.
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.
You’re Fired! Trump-Style Termination of Exemplary Hawaiʻi Judge Leaves Questions
Immigration Judge Clarence M. Wagner Jr.’s long federal career cut short by a three-sentence email. “Disappointed” and “hurt,” the self-proclaimed “poster child for public service” still offers advice to improve the immigration court system.
Hawaiʻi Credit Union Report 2026
While traditional banks operate as for-profit institutions owned by shareholders, credit unions, at their core, are nonprofits built for their members. And in Hawaiʻi, that distinction carries real weight. "Our structure is fundamentally different: We're member-owned, which means our success…
Summer Travel Plans Soured by War-Linked Airfare Hikes
Flying got more expensive after the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran caused a huge dent in global oil shipments. Hawaiʻi travelers are rethinking vacation plans.
Founder Sees Oceans End Purses and Accessories As Link to the World
Since her acceptance to the newest Mana Up cohort, an African proverb has lingered in Danielle Gosiaco’s mind: If you want to get there fast, go alone. But if you want to get far, go together. She has yearned for…
Shell Game: The Sisters Behind Hawaiʻi's Hottest Oyster Company
When Allison "Allie" Chu and her sister Julie Chu Fieman describe how Oysters Hawaiʻi came to be, they finish each other's sentences – which makes sense, because the business runs the same way. One brings the vision, the other makes it real. Allie, a…
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…
When It’s Snack Time, Yick Lung – Hawaii’s Choice is There With New Family Recipies
For more than a century, Yick Lung - Hawaii’s Choice has been a fixture in Hawaiʻi’s snack industry. Founded in the early 1900’s by Derek Ching’s great grandfather, after his immigration from China. Four…
Ahualoa Family Farms: Growing More Than Macadamia Nuts
At Ahualoa Family Farms on Hawaiʻi Island, owner Chad Cleveland has built more than a successful agricultural business – he has cultivated a company guided by community, sustainability, and a genuine love for…
Delivering What Matters Most For Hawai‘i’s Island Communities
Serving every major port with efficient and reliable interisland cargo transportation
The Disappearing Affordable Condos of Honolulu
Escalating maintenance fees, aging buildings, strict occupancy rules, and high mortgage rates are squeezing middle-income buyers out of Honolulu's condo market. Can the city build its way out?
Built With Gratitude, Island Essence Taps Hawaiʻi’s Fragrances and Oils
Maui-based Island Essence general manager Charade Law keeps production local, people first, and gratitude at the center of a luxury bath and beauty brand rooted in the fragrances of Hawaiʻi.
Tapping Hawaiʻi’s Spiritual Grounding, Good Mana Shares It With the World
Denny Kwock recognized an opportunity to build something local. Struck by the quality and purity of the turmeric grown here, the Oʻahu native saw potential for “taking the goodness of Hawai‘i and sharing it with the world.”
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…
Carlsmith’s Alicia Fung and Ian Wesley-Smith Named 2026 Emerging Legal Stars
Carlsmith Ball LLP partners Alicia Fung and Ian Wesley-Smith are being honored as Emerging Legal Stars.
Hilo's Maebo Noodle Factory, a 75-Year Island Staple, Eyes Mainland and Global Expansion
On Hawaiʻi Island, a longtime local favorite is preparing for its next chapter of growth. Founded in Hilo in 1950, Maebo Noodle Factory has been producing fresh noodles and its iconic “One-Ton Chips” for generations, becoming a staple in Hawaiʻi…
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.
Made in Hawaiʻi. Scaling Globally with Mana Up.
The islands have long exported talent – young entrepreneurs who leave for San Francisco, New York or Seattle in search of capital, mentorship and scale. Meli James and Brittany Heyd decided to reverse that trend. In founding Mana Up, they…
Condos, Cards and Caps and Gowns: Hawai‘i's Most Compelling Investments
From the hidden costs of condo ownership to the booming Pokémon card market and Waipahu High School rewriting what's possible for its students, this issue explores what it really means to invest in Hawai‘i.
Their Work Is Demanding But Rewarding
Social workers face overwhelming caseloads, low pay and long workdays. But they know their work is essential to local people and their families. Here, four of them explain why they've kept going for so many years.
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.
First Hawaiian Bank: Open for Business – KoAloha Ukulele
KoAloha Ukulele CEO Alan Okami shares how their family business have grown through small business challenges with the longstanding support from First Hawaiian Bank.
You Know the Name. But Do You Know What Pictures Plus Can Do?
Hawaii's only print-to-frame manufacturer is celebrating 40 years with new services, B2B programs, and anniversary offers worth knowing about.
Floor to Ceiling: Abbey Carpet & Floor Has Served Honolulu for 35+ Years
Hawaii’s voted #1 flooring store brings big-brand selection, local know-how, and free in-home estimates to every Oʻahu homeowner.
Pung! Clicking Tiles and the Business of Mahjong
At tables across O‘ahu and around the state, women are quietly building something more than mahjong hands — they’re building networks, businesses and above all, camaraderie.
Hawaii Business Wins National Best Magazine Honor – Again
This year’s award for best regional business magazine comes after we won the same prize for our work published in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2024
EdFuture Summit 2026: Preparing Hawaiʻi to Lead with AI
Join educators, business leaders, and community members July 21–22 at Mid-Pacific Institute to explore AI in business, community and education.
Keeping Hawai‘i Healthy 2026 - Hawai‘i Pacific Health
Local Health System Receives Prestigious Workplace Engagement Award
Keeping Hawai‘i Healthy 2026 - The Queen's Health Systems
The Queen's Health Systems prioritizes the recruitment and development of newly licensed nurses, supporting their professional growth and ensuring a robust nursing staff across its six hospitals and 150 health care centers and labs in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. "Supporting…
Business Night Celebrates 65 Years of Mentorship and Student Success
More than $122,000 in awards recognized outstanding Shidler students and strengthened ties with Hawaiʻi’s business community.
Keeping Hawai‘i Healthy 2026 - Hawaii Dental Service
Hawaii Dental Service (HDS) is the leading not-for-profit dental benefits provider in Hawaiʻi, serving the state for over 60 years. HDS partners with over 95% of Hawaiʻi's licensed, practicing dentists and serves more than one million residents in Hawaiʻi, Guam…
The Conductor Who Doesn’t Need to Speak: Colbert Matsumoto, One of Hawai‘i’s Most Consequential Leaders
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Hawaii Business Magazine spotlights one of the state's most consequential leaders, Colbert Matsumoto, whose quiet, disciplined approach to leadership continues to shape institutions, mentor the next generation and redefine what influence looks like in Hawaiʻi.
Preparing a Stronger Hawai‘i
A statewide initiative for disaster recovery by Hawaiʻi Community Foundation.
EXCLUSIVE: Q&A With Rep. Justin Woodson After Passage of Bills Protecting DOE Employees from Harassment
Related: Protecting Public Employees From Harassment, With Lessons for the Private Sector, Too Rep. Justin Woodson, chair of the House Committee on Education, spoke by phone on Friday with Hawaii Business Magazine Managing Editor Ken Wills, about two bills passed by the legislature and…
Best Places to Work in Hawaiʻi Celebration 2026
March 27, 2026
The Best of Small Business in Hawaiʻi 2026
Celebrating Small Business Success! Congratulations to this year’s Best of Small Business honorees. We’re proud to recognize the work you’re doing across our communities. Small businesses like yours are the backbone of our state, creating jobs and providing essential products…
Hawaii Tech Support: A Guiding Force
In a fast-changing world, HTS focuses on partnerships to keep clients supported and thriving.
Hawaii Estate & Jewelry Buyers: Treat Customers Like Family
Founder Moshe Hakemolo values building a multigenerational legacy over short-term profit.
Ferraro Choi: Purpose-Driven Architecture
The firm builds more than structures - it supports cultural and environmental resiliency.
Pural Water: Powering Invisible Infrastructure
From family roots to employee ownership, Pural Water has built its reputation on technical excellence, long-term partnerships and a people-first culture - quietly keeping Hawai‘i’s most essential systems running.
Grand Hawaii Electric: Wired for Success
From apprentice to solo owner-operator, Johny Le turned hard, sometimes dirty work into a thriving business.
TY Realty: Home Away From Home
Rooted in a quiet patriotism, this family-owned business serves the military community - and beyond.
Morning Brew: 31 Years of Local Coffee
The couple started with a cart and, all these years later, are launching their third location on O‘ahu.
First Hawaiian Bank: Waioli Kitchen & Bakeshop
Ross of Waioli Kitchen & Bakeshop shares their community-first mission, historic roots, and how their values aligned with their trusted partner, First Hawaiian Bank.
The Unplanned Success of Char's Bar Hawai‘i
Char's Bar Hawai‘i wasn't built on a five-year plan. It was built on trust, grit, and the values two Filipino-American women carried from the generations before them.
You’re Fired! Trump-Style Termination of Exemplary Hawaiʻi Judge Leaves Questions
Immigration Judge Clarence M. Wagner Jr.’s long federal career cut short by a three-sentence email. “Disappointed” and “hurt,” the self-proclaimed “poster child for public service” still offers advice to improve the immigration court system.
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.
