Hawaii's tourism sector is experiencing a summer slowdown, with concerns about continued decline into 2026. This shift poses economic challenges for businesses and investors, but it could also trigger a reevaluation of tourism strategy and focus on sustainable practices.
Hawaii is experiencing a marked shift in its tourism sector, with fewer summer visitors but record-breaking spending. This has significant effects on the industry, focusing on high-spending visitors, reshaping the market, and presenting both opportunities and challenges for businesses and stakeholders.
Although visitor arrivals decreased in June 2025, spending increased, highlighting shifts in the Hawaii tourism landscape. This trend underscores the importance of understanding evolving market dynamics to capitalize on new opportunities in the tourism sector.
June 2025 saw a 1.8% decrease in visitor arrivals to Hawaii, indicating a potential shift in the state's tourism-reliant economy. This decline underscores the need for businesses and investors to adapt to changing market dynamics, exploring strategies to boost operational efficiencies and expand market reach.
Hawaiian Electric has issued a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) watch for all Hawaiian Islands, prompting businesses to prepare for potential power outages due to wildfire risk.This alert follows a statewide Red Flag Warning, urging businesses to secure backup power and implement strategies to manage potential disruptions.
An indoor food truck dining lot recently opened at Lahaina Cannery in Maui, offering a new business opportunity for local food vendors while providing an attractive dining and entertainment experience for residents and tourists. This initiative aligns with broader trends in the hospitality sector and showcases the adaptability of Hawaii’s business community.
Hawaii's early childhood education system faces a crisis, with a recent report ranking it among the lowest in the U.S. This situation creates both challenges and opportunities for local businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs.
Teamsters Local 996 members have initiated a strike against Airgas on Oahu and Hawaii Island, disrupting gas supplies and impacting local businesses. This action is part of a nationwide effort, creating challenges for various sectors across the Hawaiian Islands.
DXD Capital has opened a new 355-unit self-storage facility in Kīhei, Maui. This investment addresses the growing demand for storage solutions, supporting both residential and commercial needs in the South Maui area and underscores the ongoing recovery and evolution of Maui's economy.
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Advantage Realty is rebranding to RE/MAX Hawaii, bringing 170 agents and six offices into the RE/MAX network. This move signals RE/MAX's strategic expansion in the Hawaiian real estate market, offering new opportunities for local professionals and investors.
The development of the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District is moving forward, with demolition of the existing stadium planned to begin soon. Despite a missed deadline, officials are optimistic about the project's timeline, offering opportunities for local business and investors in real estate and construction.
The County of Maui is launching the Hoʻokumu Hou programs, backed by federal CDBG-DR funding, to support wildfire survivors through housing initiatives. These programs present significant opportunities for local businesses and investors involved in real estate, construction, and related sectors.
President Trump's new tariffs have caused global stock markets to decline, creating challenges and opportunities for Hawaii's businesses and investment community. Investors and entrepreneurs in Hawaii need to monitor and adapt to ensure profitable business strategies during economic fluctuations.
Wall Street faced a selloff due to new U.S. tariffs and a weak payrolls report. These global impacts are important for Hawaii's businesses and investors to understand as they make financial decisions.
Hawaii's banks are navigating a delicate balance between embracing digital tools and maintaining traditional branch services to align with the unique preferences of local customers.
Hawaii County has introduced a new home improvement loan program to help low- and moderate-income homeowners finance essential repairs and upgrades, providing financial aid for renovations and supporting both residents and associated businesses in the region.
U.S. Representatives Tokuda and Timmons are leading a bipartisan effort to eliminate coffee tariffs, which could significantly affect Hawaii's coffee industry, businesses, and the tourism sector.
Hawaii will conduct its monthly test of the all-hazard Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System on August 1, 2025, at 11:45 a.m. The test is designed to ensure the functionality of the warning system and to familiarize the public with the alerts, including the Emergency Alert System.
The Maui Police Department released its After-Action Report on the August 8, 2023, wildfires, which contains key recommendations for future emergency operations. This report is important for local businesses, particularly those in the tourism and real estate sectors, who need to adapt by enhancing their preparedness and continuity plans.
The Maui Police Department has released its final After-Action Report on the 2023 Lahaina wildfires, offering critical recommendations for future emergency protocols and reviewing the department's in-depth response. This detailed report, including the initial findings, highlights communication and resource allocation needs for businesses and investors.
Hawaiian Electric is actively monitoring wildfire risk and may implement power shutoffs to mitigate dangers, which has implications for businesses and investors in Hawaii. This situation impacts various sectors, requiring businesses to prepare for potential disruptions while the utility focuses on grid improvements and renewable energy integration.
Hawaiian Electric and KIUC are preparing for potential power outages due to wildfire risks, urging businesses and residents to prepare. This situation underscores the need for robust business continuity plans, backup power, and proactive risk management, particularly for sectors reliant on continuous power. The increased focus on wildfire mitigation, grid resilience, and collaborative efforts between utilities, government and private sector are crucial.
The groundbreaking for the $337 million Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades represents a significant infrastructure investment, promising economic opportunities for local businesses and contributing to environmental sustainability on the Big Island.
Alaska Airlines is broadening its cargo network following the merger with Hawaiian Airlines, aiming to boost capacity and improve shipping services across key markets. This strategic move will likely benefit Hawaii's businesses by increasing efficiency and opening up opportunities.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health is urging residents with electric medical devices to prepare for potential power outages due to heightened wildfire risk. This advisory has broad implications for businesses, necessitating robust contingency planning, backup power solutions, and adherence to ADA regulations to ensure operational continuity and resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
A red flag warning, due to gusty winds, low humidity, and dry fuels, remains in effect for all Hawaiian Islands until 6 p.m. today, increasing fire risks and urging businesses to prioritize safety through revised protocols, water conservation, and preparedness for potential power outages.
A red flag warning across all Hawaiian islands indicates an extreme wildfire risk due to strong winds and dry conditions. This poses challenges to businesses, especially in tourism, and underscores the need for proactive measures and strategic planning.
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.
