Financial Planning Guide 2025
Hear what our experts on the following pages have to offer in regard to your financial plans.
Finance
Picking Through Pearls of Wisdom Offered at Hawaii Business’s Wahine Forum
You're going to fail. The question is: will you show up the next day? Hawaii's top women leaders delivered unfiltered wisdom on resilience and success at the state's largest business conference.
A Year of Calm, With Uncertainty Ahead
Hawai‘i companies and nonprofits reported revenue gains in 2024 – a stable year before tariffs and federal funding cuts created a more volatile economic situation
Today Show Veteran Jean Chatzky to Headline Money Matters Financial Conference on November 22
Presented by Hawaii State Federal Credit Union
Peter Ho, CEO of Bank of Hawai‘i
"It is the best job in the world," Ho says about his role as CEO of Bank of Hawaii. In a far-ranging interview, he told Hawaii Business about his thoughts on the growth trajectory of Hawaii's economy, the future of Bank of Hawaii and the role of technology and AI.
Matson Tops Our Most Profitable List, But Hawaiian Electric Posted Outsized Loss
In our annual Hawaii Business ranking of most profitable companies, Matson took the crown for a fourth year. But the bigger story was the huge loss by Hawaiian Electric, linked to the Maui fires settlement.
Commentary: Why Managing Household Budgets and Corporate Finances Aren’t So Different
Financial lessons from Hawaiian Airlines that apply to everyday challenges, from setting goals to assessing risk.
Which Money Journey Are You Currently On?
Join financial experts on Nov. 9 to learn about budgeting basics, building credit, retirement planning, buying your first home, financial strategies for small businesses and more.
Hawai‘i’s Most Profitable Companies 2024
The No. 1 company earned $297 million in profit last year; the last-place company lost almost as much.
Hawai‘i’s Most Profitable Companies 2023
Matson tops the list for a second year in a row, with more than $1 billion in net profit last year.
What to Know About Insurance Claims Following a Wildfire
We spoke with Robert Libby, assistant VP of claims at First Insurance Co., and Aaron Poentis, regional account manager of First Onsite Property Restoration in Hawai‘i, about what residents should know about filing insurance claims after a wildfire and what the process generally looks like.
How to Replace Important Documents and Access Financial Aid After a Disaster
Here’s what residents and businesses impacted by the Maui wildfires should know about ordering replacement documents and applying for federal assistance. Plus, a list of local financial institutions offering emergency relief.
Home Sales are Down, But the Drop in New Mortgages is Far Greater
Both O‘ahu and national numbers show 56% declines in new residential home mortgages during the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year.
At Least 10% of U.S. Home Sales Are DIY
The number of homes for-sale-by-owner was up nationwide in 2022. Several local companies offer to list the homes on MLS and handle the closing for a flat fee, but you do most everything else.
Your Hawaii Home Insurance Rates Have Probably Gone Up. Here’s Why.
The reasons are numerous, including rising construction costs, leaking pipes and Florida’s Hurricane Ian. But there are ways to reduce your premiums.
In the Former Foreclosure Capital of Hawai‘i, Most Owners Are Not Selling This Time
Condo sales are way down in North Kona and South Kohala, but a lot has changed since the 2009 downturn.
Tracking Hawai‘i Homeowners Who are Equity Rich or Seriously Underwater
It appears counterintuitive, but the number of people in each category has grown, according to a new report.
Interest Rates are Up, So Number of New Mortgages is Down
The total of home loans issued in Hawai‘i through the end of October dropped 38% from the same period last year.
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.
Hawai‘i’s Most Profitable Companies 2022
Fueled by its China service, Matson tops the list that shows how 70 companies and nonprofits fared in 2021, a year of recovery.
Homeowners’ Omissions Provide More than $30 Million to Honolulu Treasury
More than a third of all owner-occupied homes on O‘ahu are not covered by property tax exemptions because owners did not submit the paperwork. You have until Sept. 30, 2022 to fix that oversight.
Higher Mortgage Rates and Fewer Sales May Finally Be Affecting Prices
In half of the 12 real estate regions on O‘ahu, asking prices have been reduced on at least 30% of the current listings.
Disasters Can Shut Down a Business for Months. How Would You Pay for it?
Business interruption insurance covers lost income and expenses from fires, flooding and cyberattacks.
How to Plan for Business Growth When the Future Is Uncertain
6 strategies to move past survival mode and start thinking long term.