Hawaii Entrepreneur Awards 2026
25 years of honoring outstanding local startups and innovation.
Business & Industry
Readers pick The Local General Store for People’s Choice Award, Hawaii Entrepreneurs Award
Both born and raised in Honolulu, Harley and Jason took different paths before returning to food. Harley began in the sciences before discovering a passion for pastry in San Francisco, where she trained in top bakeries and developed her signature…
The Trash on Hawaiʻi’s Beaches Tells a Global Story
Tons of plastic trash wash up on Hawaiʻi beaches every day. Forensic scientists using chemical analysis and other means to trace the sources say 80% is abandoned fishing gear from global fleets in the Pacific. Hereʻs what comes next.
Meli James Is Rewriting the Rules for Hawai‘i's Entrepreneurs
As co-founder of Mana Up and president of the Hawai‘i Venture Capital Association, Meli James has spent a decade proving that building a world-class company doesn't mean leaving the Islands behind.
Aloha Stadium's $4 Billion Gamble
Demolition has officially begun at the old Aloha Stadium, kicking off the state's most ambitious public-private project ever. But with tariff threats, transparency concerns, and a 20-year timeline, the real question isn't whether it will get built, it's who pays if it doesn't go according to plan.
Where Do You Stand On Hawai‘i’s Energy Future?
In two surveys, we asked about fossil fuels like oil as well as geothermal and nuclear energy.
EXCLUSIVE: Over 50 High-Profile Hawaiʻi Companies Push for Affordable Energy with LNG
More than 50 of Hawaiʻi’s leading organizations have called for immediate action to lower energy costs by replacing petroleum with Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). The Coalition for Hawaiʻi’s Energy Future brings together Native Hawaiian leaders, healthcare providers, agricultural groups, tourism…
Hawaii Business Surveys Show Trump Policies Unpopular
A pair of surveys show more opposition to administration policies than support in 10 key policy areas. But business owners and executives had a higher favorable rating than the general public.
Pessimism Widespread Among Local Businesses
The latest BOSS Survey reveals widespread pessimism about Hawaii's economy, with 51% of business leaders expecting conditions to worsen in 2026. Though tourism companies remain notably more optimistic than other sectors.
