Hawaii's tourism industry faces challenges as a significant disruption in visitor data collection impacts trend analysis and strategic planning. The 75th anniversary of the in-flight visitor survey highlights a critical shift in how the state monitors its most vital economic sector.
Zetton Inc. continues its strategic expansion in Waikiki with the grand opening of Botanico, marking its 12th restaurant in the area. This latest venture reinforces Zetton's significant influence on Waikiki's vibrant dining landscape and presents new opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs in Hawaii's hospitality sector.
Deciding between a hotel and a vacation rental in Waikiki can significantly impact your travel budget. This article dives into the real cost differences and implications for both visitors and those involved in Hawaii's tourism industry, offering valuable insights for informed decision-making.
While Hawaii has historically focused on East Asian markets, a shift towards Oceania may reshape the islands' visitor landscape. This strategic pivot presents new opportunities and challenges for Hawaii's tourism industry, requiring adaptation from entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals in the hospitality sector.
Hawaii stands out in the U.S. for its consistent adherence to standard time, a practice rooted in its unique geographical position and lifestyle. This decision impacts various sectors, from tourism to business operations, creating both challenges and opportunities for those operating in the Aloha State.
Streamlining regulations for farmworker housing is essential to support Hawaii's agricultural sector, fostering growth for related businesses and addressing the critical need for affordable housing. The proposed changes aim to remove bureaucratic obstacles, making it easier for farmers and developers to provide essential housing for agricultural workers.
Mary Anderson, President and Owner of Lahaina Brewing Co., will be the featured speaker at the Maui Economic Development Board's (MEDB) upcoming TechOhana event. The event, geared towards fostering networking and knowledge-sharing, will provide a unique opportunity for attendees to gain insights from a prominent figure in Maui's business community.
As the federal government shutdown continues, the Hawai'i Foodbank has increased its emergency food distribution efforts across O'ahu to support families, federal employees, and military personnel facing financial strain. This initiative underscores the critical role of community organizations in providing essential resources during times of economic uncertainty.
Kapolei is set to welcome Laulima Gateway Center, a new shopping center anchored by a grocery store, promising to enhance the retail and dining options in West Oahu. This development reflects the ongoing growth and evolving consumer needs of the area.
A new $62 million affordable senior housing complex, Aloha Iā Halewilikō, has begun leasing in Aiea, Oahu, addressing the critical need for affordable housing options for Hawaii's kupuna population. This development provides much-needed rental units with amenities promoting independent and healthy living, influencing local real estate trends and presenting opportunities for investors and developers.
Tochigami, a new AI-driven real estate platform, is launching in Honolulu with the goal of revolutionizing the homebuying experience. The app aims to provide a 'Hinge-like' matching system, connecting buyers with properties and agents in a more intuitive and efficient way.
Unlikely political alliances in Hawaii are driving significant reforms to tackle the affordable housing crisis, with potential benefits for entrepreneurs, investors, and the overall business environment. These reforms aim to streamline permitting processes and address the high cost of living, fostering economic growth and opportunity.
While Hawaiʻi's auto loan debt appears stable, recent reports highlight a complex landscape of consumer debt in the state. This article explores the current status of auto loan debt in Hawaiʻi and its potential impact on local businesses and residents.
Maui County plans to issue $301.8 million in General Obligation bonds, the first since 2022, signaling confidence in the island's financial health and offering opportunities for investment in local projects.
A recent ranking of Hawaii's leading stockbrokers and financial planners highlights key players in the state's financial sector, with Morgan Stanley and Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. at the forefront.
A $10 million investment by Northern Trust and Hawaiʻi Community Lending will enable zero-down mortgages for Native Hawaiians on Hawaiian Home Lands, providing an opportunity for financial stability and homeownership within the community.
The Maui County Council is set to address the controversial Bill 9, which proposes phasing out transient vacation rentals in apartment districts, with its first reading scheduled for December. This announcement comes as the council also focuses on filling a recent vacancy, indicating significant shifts in local policy and potential impacts on the tourism and real estate sectors.
Governor Josh Green's recently announced Hawaiʻi Relief Program is now accepting applications for utility assistance, offering a crucial financial lifeline to residents and businesses grappling with the economic ramifications of the federal government shutdown. The program aims to mitigate hardships by providing support for essential utility bills.
A new AI-powered platform, Ohana Voices, is poised to transform how Hawaii residents communicate with lawmakers, potentially streamlining civic engagement and fostering more informed policy making. This initiative presents both opportunities and challenges for Hawaii's entrepreneurs and business community.
Governor Josh Green is seeking significant investments in environmental cleanup, transportation, and housing as part of negotiations for extending military land leases in Hawai'i. This strategic approach aims to leverage federal partnerships for critical infrastructure and community development projects across the islands.
Hawaii's North Shore is poised to ease traffic congestion with a planned shuttle service, backed by $4.7 million in secured funds and land acquisition negotiations. This initiative, spearheaded by House Majority Leader Sean Quinlan, signals significant implications for tourism, real estate, and the overall business environment in the region.
While the mainland grapples with flight delays due to air traffic controller shortages resulting from the ongoing federal government shutdown, Hawaii's airports have, so far, remained largely unaffected. This provides a crucial advantage for Hawaii's tourism-dependent economy, ensuring smoother travel for visitors and minimizing disruption for local businesses.
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) is exploring options to extend its operational lifespan beyond the current 2031 sunset date, potentially evolving into a permanent agency with an expanded mission. This has significant implications for Honolulu's infrastructure development and the broader business landscape.
Honolulu is set to welcome a new traffic maintenance facility by 2027, promising enhanced roadway safety and potentially stimulating economic activity in the construction and related sectors. This development signifies a commitment to infrastructure improvements and creates opportunities for local businesses.
Recent economic shifts, exacerbated by the Lahaina wildfires, are prompting Hawaii to re-evaluate its clean energy strategy. The state is now considering liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a transitional fuel while simultaneously focusing on streamlining solar panel installation processes for residents.
Matson, a leading Hawaii-based shipping company, has announced a partnership with WhaleSpotter to commercialize a novel AI-powered whale detection system. This collaboration aims to mitigate the risk of ship strikes on whales, supporting both environmental conservation and sustainable business practices within the maritime industry.
Hawaiʻi has renewed its pioneering coral reef insurance policy, offering up to $2 million for rapid repairs after storm damage, reflecting its commitment to environmental stewardship and tourism. This proactive measure is crucial for protecting the state's marine ecosystems and the economy dependent on them.
Hawaii's agricultural sector is facing significant challenges due to federal policy changes and the ongoing government shutdown, causing delays in grant deliveries and straining the state's food security network. Local farmers are struggling with funding cuts and uncertainty, impacting their operations and the availability of food for local communities.
