Honolulu’s Source for Local News, Business & Events
Honolulu’s Source for Local News, Business & Events
Honolulu business news, startups, and economic development
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort launches a historic $100M renovation, the largest in the company’s 75-year history. The comprehensive overhaul will transform all 524 rooms by 2027, positioning the iconic beachfront property to compete in Waikiki’s evolving luxury hotel market.
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Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort launches its largest-ever renovation, investing $100 million in a “barefoot luxury” transformation that blends high-end amenities with authentic Hawaiian surf culture. The project aims to redefine luxury hospitality in Waikiki while creating 200 construction jobs for local workers.
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Former Honolulu mayor Mufi Hannemann is retiring as president of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association after more than a decade leading the influential trade group. His departure creates a leadership void as the tourism industry navigates post-pandemic challenges and growing community tensions.
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Liliha Bakery is opening its sixth location at Waikīkī Beach Walk, bringing the beloved local institution’s famous Coco Puffs to tourists for the first time. The move represents a strategic shift for the 75-year-old family business into Honolulu’s tourism center.
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Eight new businesses, including six restaurants in the restored Encore Saloon building and a major co-working space, are testing whether Chinatown’s long-awaited revival is finally taking hold. The wave of openings represents the neighborhood’s biggest development push in years, but longtime challenges remain.
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Former Honolulu mayor Mufi Hannemann announced his retirement as HLTA president during Saturday’s Charity Walk in Waikīkī. His departure comes as Hawaii’s tourism industry faces modest growth projections for 2026 and ongoing community discussions about sustainable tourism practices.
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North Shore businesses devastated by March storms are applying for $4M in city disaster grants and microloans, with some Haleiwa shops reporting 70-100% revenue drops. A virtual info session on May 12 will help business owners access the recovery funding.
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The Refinery Honolulu opens at Waikele Premium Outlets Thursday at 9:30 a.m., joining a spring wave of new tenants as Oahu’s only outlet center repositions itself post-pandemic. The Hawaii-based boutique’s arrival reflects Waikele’s strategy to blend local brands with national retailers.
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DFS Group will close its iconic Waikiki Galleria and exit Hawaii entirely by 2026 after 63 years, selling properties to BlackSand Capital for $90 million. The departure marks the end of an era for luxury duty-free retail in Hawaii’s tourism landscape.
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Hawaii tourism faces modest 0.9% mainland growth in 2026 with weakening international demand and ongoing flood recovery challenges. The Hawaii Senate’s blocking of dedicated tourism funding adds pressure to an industry already struggling with post-pandemic adjustments.
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