S&P 500—Dow—NASDAQ—Russell 2000—FTSE 100—DAX—CAC 40—Nikkei—Hang Seng—ASX 200—ALEX—ALK—BOH—CPF—CYAN—FHB—HE—MATX—MLP—NVDA—AAPL—GOOGL—GOOG—MSFT—AMZN—META—AVGO—TSLA—BRK.B—WMT—LLY—JPM—V—XOM—JNJ—MA—MU—COST—BAC—ORCL—ABBV—HD—PG—CVX—NFLX—KO—AMD—GE—CAT—PEP—MRK—ADBE—DIS—UNH—CSCO—INTC—CRM—PM—MCD—ACN—TMO—NEE—BMY—DHR—HON—RTX—UPS—TXN—LIN—QCOM—AMGN—SPGI—INTU—COP—LOW—AMAT—BKNG—AXP—DE—LMT—MDT—CB—ADP—GILD—MDLZ—SYK—BLK—C—ADI—REGN—SBUX—NOW—CI—VRTX—ZTS—MMC—PLD—SO—DUK—CMCSA—APD—BSX—BDX—EOG—ICE—ISRG—SLB—LRCX—PGR—USB—SCHW—ELV—ITW—KLAC—WM—EQIX—ETN—TGT—MO—HCA—APTV—BTC—ETH—XRP—USDT—SOL—BNB—USDC—DOGE—ADA—STETH—S&P 500—Dow—NASDAQ—Russell 2000—FTSE 100—DAX—CAC 40—Nikkei—Hang Seng—ASX 200—ALEX—ALK—BOH—CPF—CYAN—FHB—HE—MATX—MLP—NVDA—AAPL—GOOGL—GOOG—MSFT—AMZN—META—AVGO—TSLA—BRK.B—WMT—LLY—JPM—V—XOM—JNJ—MA—MU—COST—BAC—ORCL—ABBV—HD—PG—CVX—NFLX—KO—AMD—GE—CAT—PEP—MRK—ADBE—DIS—UNH—CSCO—INTC—CRM—PM—MCD—ACN—TMO—NEE—BMY—DHR—HON—RTX—UPS—TXN—LIN—QCOM—AMGN—SPGI—INTU—COP—LOW—AMAT—BKNG—AXP—DE—LMT—MDT—CB—ADP—GILD—MDLZ—SYK—BLK—C—ADI—REGN—SBUX—NOW—CI—VRTX—ZTS—MMC—PLD—SO—DUK—CMCSA—APD—BSX—BDX—EOG—ICE—ISRG—SLB—LRCX—PGR—USB—SCHW—ELV—ITW—KLAC—WM—EQIX—ETN—TGT—MO—HCA—APTV—BTC—ETH—XRP—USDT—SOL—BNB—USDC—DOGE—ADA—STETH—

We translate Hawaii business news into decisions. Every article tells you what changed, who's affected, and what to do about it. Built for Hawaii's |

Latest briefing

Morning Briefing

Top stories from the past 24 hours

Hawaii businesses must immediately execute flood preparedness plans due to imminent heavy rains,

Featured

Workers fixing damaged electrical lines on a street post-storm, surrounded by fallen cables and equipment.In-Depth

Anticipate Operational Disruptions: Severe Weather Threatens Hawaii Business Continuity This Week

Hawaiian Electric is preparing for significant weather impacts, meaning businesses must brace for potential power outages and service disruptions. Immediate operational checks and backup readiness are critical. - Small Business Operators & Tourism Operators: Risk of spoiled inventory, data loss, and business interruption. - Healthcare Providers: Potential disruption to critical services and telehealth. - Agriculture & Food Producers: Threat to cold storage and processing operations. - **Action**: Implement emergency protocols starting immediately.

A close-up of a hand with a pen analyzing data on colorful bar and line charts on paper.In-Depth

Delayed Affordability Data Could Cost Businesses Up to 5% in Unforeseen Operating Expenses

Hawaii Businesses Risk Irrelevance as AI Agents Replace Traditional Search

Black and white photo of Cyrillic letters forming 'верь' on a wooden surface.

Homeowners Face Heightened Scrutiny on Property Tax Exemptions; Documentation Required to Avoid Increased Tax Liability

Top view of tax forms, a calculator, and pen for tax preparation.

Breaking

See all breaking →
Economic concept shown on illustration with statistic graph and charts around hundred dollars demonstrating growth of currency over time

Honolulu Public Sector Salary Hikes Signal Potential for Expanded City Spending

A close-up of a palm tree bending in the wind against a cloudy sky, emphasizing nature's force.

Imminent Heavy Rains Threaten Business Operations: Immediate Precautionary Measures Advised

Business professionals discussing financial graphs and charts in an office setting.

AI Business Strategy Tools Offer Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs Significant Cost Savings

Palm trees bending under strong winds and cloudy skies during a tropical storm.

Another Storm Approaching: Immediate Flood Preparedness Critical for Hawaii Businesses

Dramatic black and white of palm trees swaying in stormy seas at Charfasson Beach, Bangladesh.

Incoming Kona Low Threatens 24-72 Hour Operational Downtime, Demands Immediate Business Continuity Activation

A forklift unloading goods at an industrial loading dock inside a warehouse.

Hawaii Cold Storage Market Tightening: Investors and Food Businesses Face Rising Costs and Limited Capacity

A large cargo ship named COSCO Shipping Argentina docked at a sea port with cranes and container stacks.

Interisland Shipping Cost Uncertainty Looms for Hawaii Businesses as New Legislation Progresses

Close-up of DeepSeek AI chat interface on a laptop screen in low light.

AI-Enhanced Cyber Threats Demand Immediate Review of Business Security Protocols

A smiling farmer works in a field wearing a purple bandana under a cloudy sky.

Maui Kalo Farmers Face April 18 Deadline to Enter Queen's Challenge for Market Recognition

Overhead shot of neatly parked colorful cars in a large outdoor lot under sunlight.

Hawaii Visitors Face Persistent High Rental Car Costs and Subpar Vehicles as Tax Reform Fails

Stack of tax forms and coins with a 'TAX' stamp, symbolizing finance and accounting.

Hawaii Businesses Risk Forfeiting Millions in Tariff Refunds as April 30 Deadline Looms

Close-up of an AI-driven chat interface on a computer screen, showcasing modern AI technology.

AI Onboarding Agents Slash HR Overhead: Hawaii Businesses Must Act Now to Streamline Hiring

AI & Technology

See all in AI →
Scrabble tiles spelling 'AI' on a wooden surface symbolize artificial intelligence technology.In-Depth

AI Predicts Dormant Product Demand, Enabling Hawaii Small Businesses to Capture Untapped Revenue

Artificial intelligence is now capable of identifying and forecasting demand for previously popular or unmet product needs, allowing small online sellers to strategically reintroduce or develop items…

Business professionals discussing financial graphs and charts in an office setting.

AI Business Strategy Tools Offer Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs Significant Cost Savings

A new wave of AI platforms is democratizing access to strategic planning and competitive intelligence previously reserved for large corporations, potentially slashing consulting costs for Hawaii's…

Close-up of DeepSeek AI chat interface on a laptop screen in low light.

AI-Enhanced Cyber Threats Demand Immediate Review of Business Security Protocols

Sophisticated AI-powered cyberattacks, demonstrated by state-sponsored actors, now pose a direct threat to Hawaii businesses requiring an urgent assessment of current cybersecurity defenses. Small…

Close-up of an AI-driven chat interface on a computer screen, showcasing modern AI technology.

AI Onboarding Agents Slash HR Overhead: Hawaii Businesses Must Act Now to Streamline Hiring

New AI-powered agents from Amazon Web Services can automate up to 80% of HR onboarding tasks, significantly reducing administrative burden and costs for businesses. Hawaii's small business operators…

Tourism & Hospitality

See all in Tourism →
Overhead shot of neatly parked colorful cars in a large outdoor lot under sunlight.

Hawaii Visitors Face Persistent High Rental Car Costs and Subpar Vehicles as Tax Reform Fails

Efforts to implement a new rental car tax in Hawaii have concluded without legislative change, meaning current elevated fees for visitors and the condition of rental fleets will remain the status quo.

Captivating aerial shot of turquoise sea waves crashing on the rocky Hawaiian shore in vibrant sunlight.

North Shore Businesses Face Immediate Revenue Loss and Reputational Risk Due to Storm Impacts

Recent Kona-low storms have disrupted travel and caused significant booking cancellations for North Shore businesses, demanding immediate action to mitigate revenue loss and rebuild traveler…

A commercial jet airliner captured during flight on a clear day, displaying the aircraft's belly and undercarriage.

Kauai Tourism Operators Face Reduced Summer Capacity as Alaska Airlines Suspends Routes

Alaska Airlines' suspension of key summer routes to Kauai is expected to reduce visitor volume, potentially impacting tour operators and hospitality businesses. Tourism-dependent small businesses…

Serene beach scene in Hawaii showcasing pristine waters and clear skies; ideal for travel inspiration.In-Depth

Maui's Vacation Rental Rollercoaster: Balancing Tourism, Housing, and the Future

Maui is wrestling with its identity, attempting to balance its vital tourism industry with the pressing need for affordable housing. The proposed changes to vacation rental policies, which could…

Business & Startups

See all in Business →
A close-up of a palm tree bending in the wind against a cloudy sky, emphasizing nature's force.

Imminent Heavy Rains Threaten Business Operations: Immediate Precautionary Measures Advised

Forecasters predict additional heavy rainfall across Hawaii, increasing risks for businesses already navigating flood recovery. Immediate action is required to mitigate potential damage and…

Dramatic black and white of palm trees swaying in stormy seas at Charfasson Beach, Bangladesh.

Incoming Kona Low Threatens 24-72 Hour Operational Downtime, Demands Immediate Business Continuity Activation

An approaching Kona low storm system necessitates immediate activation of emergency preparedness and business continuity plans for all businesses across the island to mitigate a potential 24-72 hour…

Scenic aerial view of resort hotels along Kaanapali Beach, Maui at sunset.

Maui Businesses Face Increased Competition for Summer Labor as County Recruits PALS Staff

The County of Maui is actively recruiting seasonal staff for its PALS Program from June 8 to July 24, 2026, creating immediate competition for limited labor pools. Businesses dependent on seasonal or…

Film crew setting up lighting equipment on a truck at night for movie production.

Hawaii Film Incentive Expansion Looms: Watch for Increased Demand on Local Services & Talent

State lawmakers are considering legislation to enhance film production subsidies, potentially increasing production activity and creating ripple effects for local businesses. While details are…

Real-Estate & Development

See all in Real-Estate →
A forklift unloading goods at an industrial loading dock inside a warehouse.

Hawaii Cold Storage Market Tightening: Investors and Food Businesses Face Rising Costs and Limited Capacity

The recent $17.2 million sale of a critical cold storage facility serving major food brands signals escalating demand and scarcity in Hawaii's cold chain logistics. This trend is likely to increase…

A suburban house surrounded by floodwaters after heavy rain, showing impact of natural disaster.

Maui Oceanfront Property Owners Face Increased Risk of Catastrophic Loss Due to Delayed Permit and Infrastructure Resolutions

A recent incident on Maui, where a condo building suffered total loss after prior flood damage, highlights the urgent need for property owners and investors to assess infrastructure and permitting…

Stunning tropical scene with palm trees silhouetted against a colorful twilight sky, evoking vacation vibes.In-Depth

Maui's Vacation Rental Shakeup: Thousands of Units Face Phase-Out

Maui is poised to significantly reduce its vacation rental inventory, with a vote today expected to phase out thousands of units. This decision will likely reshape the landscape for both visitors and…

A sunlit view of railings overlooking the beachfront in Waimea, Hawaii, capturing urban coastal life.In-Depth

Alexander & Baldwin to Go Private in $2.3 Billion Deal, Reshaping Hawaii's Real Estate Landscape

Alexander & Baldwin (A&B), a long-standing cornerstone of Hawaii's commercial real estate sector and the largest owner of grocery-anchored shopping centers in the state, is set to be taken private in…

Finance & Investment

See all in Finance →
Stack of tax forms and coins with a 'TAX' stamp, symbolizing finance and accounting.

Hawaii Businesses Risk Forfeiting Millions in Tariff Refunds as April 30 Deadline Looms

An impending April 30 deadline means businesses that overpaid tariffs must act now to claim refunds under a new electronic system, potentially freeing up significant operational capital. Failing to…

Exhilarating tandem skydiving experience in Baldwin, Wisconsin, captured in mid-air.In-Depth

Alexander & Baldwin to be Taken Private in $2.3 Billion Transaction: What This Means for Hawai'i's Business Landscape

In a landmark deal, Alexander & Baldwin, a cornerstone of Hawai'i's commercial real estate sector, is set to be acquired by a joint venture, marking a significant shift in the state's business…

Business professionals in suits having a focused meeting indoors.In-Depth

Hawaii's Top Stockbrokers & Financial Planners

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…

Bright aerial photograph of Waikiki Beach with surfers and city skyline under clear blue sky.In-Depth

$10M Investment Fuels Zero-Down Mortgages for Native Hawaiians on Hawaiian Home Lands

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…

Policy & Regulation

See all in Policy →
Dramatic volcanic eruption with lava at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.In-Depth

Puna Property Owners Face Continued Insurance Uncertainty as Lava Zone Relief Bill Fails

A state Senate committee has significantly weakened a bill aimed at providing property insurance relief for residents in high-risk lava zones, leaving property owners uncertain about insurability and…

A large cargo ship named COSCO Shipping Argentina docked at a sea port with cranes and container stacks.

Interisland Shipping Cost Uncertainty Looms for Hawaii Businesses as New Legislation Progresses

Pending state legislation (SB 2694 and HB 2386) could significantly alter interisland shipping costs, creating new operational expenses and pricing challenges for businesses across Hawaii.…

Close-up of stacked sandbags used for flood protection and emergency management.

Hawaii Businesses Face Evolving Insurance and Disaster Preparedness Landscape Following Legislative Discussions

State lawmakers are reviewing the Hawaiʻi Hurricane Relief Fund in light of recent severe weather, signaling potential shifts in disaster preparedness funding and insurance market stability.…

A towering crane at a construction site reaching into a clear blue sky, symbolizing growth and progress.

Hawaii School Construction Overhaul Risks 15-25% Project Delays, Increased Developer Costs

Proposed legislation to expedite public school construction could inadvertently introduce new regulatory hurdles and labor challenges, potentially delaying projects by up to seven months and…

Infrastructure & Transportation

See all in Infrastructure →
Palm trees bending under strong winds and cloudy skies during a tropical storm.

Another Storm Approaching: Immediate Flood Preparedness Critical for Hawaii Businesses

An approaching weather system increases the risk of significant flooding across Hawaii, demanding immediate protective actions for businesses. Failure to prepare could result in operational…

Cars navigating through a flooded city street, showcasing urban chaos and weather impacts.

Flash Flood Risk Escalates Tuesday/Wednesday; Businesses Should Prepare for Disruptions

A strengthening weather system is forecast to bring heavy rainfall and increased flash flood potential to Hawaii starting Tuesday or Wednesday, potentially disrupting supply chains and operations.…

A car struggles through a flooded street surrounded by trees after a heavy rainstorm.

Increased Flood Risk May Disrupt Local Supply Chains and Business Operations on Oahu

Recent proactive stream clearing indicates a heightened awareness of potential storm-related flooding, posing risks to business continuity and localized infrastructure. Small business operators and…

Majestic dam with arches, cascading water, and scenic landscape of hills and trees.In-Depth

Wahiawa Dam Failure Imminent: Immediate Evacuation and Operational Halt Required for Businesses in Flood Zone

The Wahiawa Dam is at immediate risk of failure, necessitating rapid evacuation and a complete shutdown of business operations for entities located within the projected flood path. Businesses must…

Sustainability & Resources

See all in Sustainability →
A smiling farmer works in a field wearing a purple bandana under a cloudy sky.

Maui Kalo Farmers Face April 18 Deadline to Enter Queen's Challenge for Market Recognition

The upcoming Queen's Challenge competition at the East Maui Taro Festival on April 18, 2026, presents Maui kalo farmers with a narrow window to gain recognition and potentially attract new buyers.…

Explore the vibrant underwater world of Hawaii with this captivating image of a sea turtle gracefully swimming among coral reefs.In-Depth

Hawaii's Coral Reef Insurance Renewed, Bolstering Sustainability and Tourism

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.…

A serene rural scene of brown and white cows grazing in the lush green hills of Waimea, Hawaii.In-Depth

North Shore Crop Losses Trigger Immediate Food Supply Chain Disruptions and Price Hikes Statewide

Recent flooding has caused significant crop damage across Oahu's North Shore, creating immediate agricultural supply shortages and driving up food prices for businesses across Hawaii. Small business…

A calculator with vintage keys symbolizes real estate investment and mortgage calculations.In-Depth

Olowalu Farmers Face Water Affordability Crisis: 325% Rate Hike Threatens Viability

A proposed 325% water rate increase by Olowalu Water Company threatens the agricultural viability of the region, potentially forcing crop failures and impacting real estate values. Farmers and…