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.
Hawaii Business Magazine - May 2025
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.”
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.
YWCA of Hawai‘i Island Aims to Transform Its Historic Hilo Campus
The nonprofit has so far received $2.8 million of its $6 million Phase 1 goal.
Hawai‘i’s Public Schools Are National Leaders in Academic Recovery. Can They Keep Up the Momentum?
Here’s how three Title I schools are making improvements, including expanded assessments, tutoring, and after-school and summer learning.
Building a Brighter Future for Hawai‘i, One Smile Maker at a Time.
Beyond dental plans, HDS is deeply committed to improving oral health throughout Hawai‘i, especially in underserved rural communities.
Beyond Branded Pens
How one financial advisor has turned client gifts into community impact
Think You Can Spot a Scam? So Did Thousands of Hawai‘i Residents Who Lost Money Last Year.
Local people lost $61.6 million in 2024 to fraud, from romance and cryptocurrency scams to fake concert tickets and gig work. Our writer was one of them.