Lahaina Is Rising Slowly
Two years after the fire, its core historic and commercial center is still in ruins. But residents are rebuilding their businesses, homes and lives around the edges of town.
Author: Admin Staff - Sean Bova
Designing for Focus: Why Your Office Might Be Draining Productivity
In today’s distracted world, businesses that design for focus will outperform. Here's how Systemcenter creates environments where people thrive.
Top Performers in Real Estate 2025
Hawai‘i Business Magazine identified the leading real estate companies and invited them to submit their Top Performers. This section profiles many of these Top Performers in real estate. Consider these agents and companies when preparing to make your next real estate transaction.
Creating Change through Creativity
Youths facing life challenges learn to express themselves and heal through arts education, thanks to a Museum Without Walls grant.
Built for Hawai‘i: Huaka‘i by Hawaiian Empowers Local Travelers
A free travel benefits program helps Hawai‘i's businesses and residents stay connected.
Hawaii News Now Earns Emmy for Emphasis on Streaming Content
Momentum Grows for HNN as Content Floods Streaming
Your Data Has a Story to Tell. Are You Listening?
Effective creative is born from connection. In Hawaiʻi, that connection starts with understanding the unique stories hidden in local data.
HELOC: One solution for life’s planned and unplanned expenses
Flexible financing for college costs, home improvements, and emergency needs
Navigating Your Career Crossroads
5 eye-opening signs your job is holding you back from career growth.
A Master Woodworker Makes Furniture That Endures
At his woodworking shop in Hālawa, Dae Son turns local hardwoods into custom furniture.
This Maui Nonprofit Has Offered “Help and Hope” for 60 Years
Maui Economic Opportunity assists all ages with food, rent, transportation, preschool, employment and more.
Hawaii Business Wins National Best Magazine Honor – Again
This year’s award for best regional business magazine comes after we won the same prize in 2018, 2019 and 2020
A Roadmap to Revive Hawai‘i’s Economy and Future
Two local leaders argue that an effective combination of human capital, infrastructure and policy can create a growth economy that benefits everyone.
A New Path After Prison
A recently launched program offers inmates carpentry and drywall training to “break the cycle of reincarceration while meeting workforce needs.”
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.
What It Takes to Make Kona’s Ironman World Championship a Success
The senior VP of world championship events relies on meticulous planning and more than 5,000 volunteers to pull off the annual triathlon.
Emerging Legal Stars 2025
Meet eight attorneys who are redefining excellence early in their careers
Meet the New Faces of Change in Hawai‘i
Some will run for office. Others will lead in advocacy and community work. All are stepping up to help shape Hawai‘i’s future.
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.
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…
Hawaiʻi's Geckos Play a Positive Role in Your Home
Many eat cockroaches and ants, while others dine on spiders and centipedes. Though you may see your home as yours, geckos see it otherwise. They are often highly territorial and usually claim a part of your house as their own.
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.
