What's Ahead for Local Small Businesses
Hawai‘i’s two Congressmen and the state House Speaker describe what’s ahead for local small businesses.
Small Business
New Store, New Year for a Hawai‘i Tradition
Akira Nakajima, new owner of Fujiya Hawai‘i, a 67-year-old company, makes strawberry mochi from mochiko, sugar, water, red beans and fresh whole strawberries. It’s his bestselling item.
Parting Shot: Midcentury Rejuvenator
John Reyno re-weaves the seat using Danish paper cord on a 40-year-old Niels Møller dining chair, one of eight belonging to a client.
Going, Going, But Not Yet Gone: Gender Bias in Family Businesses
Gender bias still exists within the leadership of many local family businesses, but its hold slips as new generations take over.
Food Trucks a Lifeline for Some Hawai‘i Chefs During Pandemic
A surge in food trucks began in 2008 during the Great Recession and the current economic crisis seems to have spurred further interest among entrepreneurs and chefs.
At Honolulu’s Airport, Only a Few Lei Stands Open Each Day
If there is an epicenter for business hardship in Hawai‘i’s flower industry, it may be at the lei stands at Honolulu’s Inouye International Airport. “I cried when we shut down in March and April. I couldn’t stand seeing this place…
Black-Owned Local Businesses: Rebel Kitchen
One in a series of profiles of Black-owned businesses across the Islands Two rebels, one dream: That’s the story of Rebel Kitchen, located in the Kona town of Kainaliu and owned by the husband and wife team of Randy Martin…
Lucy’s Lab Creamery Gives UH Students Real Entrepreneurial Experience
The ice cream store at Ward Village has provided real-world learning since 2014. Students get hands-on experiences with a real business, learn about business finances and the many other responsibilities of running a company.
Black-Owned Local Businesses: Raquel Noriko Curl Studio
One in a series of profiles of Black-owned businesses across the Islands At Raquel Noriko Curl Studio, owner Raquel Noriko brings her passion for hair and people to the Pacific. Noriko was trained as a DevaCurl stylist with experience in…
Yes, We’re Open: Panda General Store
One in a series of profiles of new small businesses in Hawai‘i that have launched since the pandemic shutdown began Crisis can open a window of opportunity. Panda General Store is a grocery delivery service formed by three friends whose…
“Buy Hawaiʻi, Give Aloha” Portal Helps You Buy Local
Many kamaʻāina want to support local businesses, especially now during the pandemic, and a new portal aims to make that easier.
Local Black-Owned Businesses: Elite Prep Hawaii LLC
One in a series of profiles of Black-owned businesses across the Islands Elite Prep Hawaii founder Seleena M. Harkness-Lee aspires to provide the guidance she wishes she had as a teen. Harkness-Lee describes herself as an educational consultant, coach, teacher…
Local Black-Owned Businesses: Le Crêpe Café
One in a series of profiles of Black-owned businesses across the Islands Hawaiʻi offers more than just great local and Asian foods. Le Crêpe Café is an excellent example. Soufiane Bouharkat grew up in Paris, where he had memorable experiences…
Tough Times for Hawai‘i’s Lei
Flower shops and other floral businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic, but they’re innovating to serve customers – and hoping that flowers remain an important part of local celebrations and people's lives Parts of Hawai‘i’s flower industry were…
Yes, We’re Open: Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya
One in a series of profiles of new small businesses in Hawai‘i that have launched since the pandemic shutdown. Since graduating from UH Mānoa in 2014, Tina Wang says, she has dreamed of bringing her favorite ramen to Hawaiʻi’s rich…
Yes, We’re Open: Rare Cannabinoid Co.
One in a series of profiles of new small businesses in Hawai‘i that have launched since the pandemic shutdown. COVID-19 raised stress levels as uncertainty spread across the world, and the stay-at-home orders that followed left people restless. Rare Cannabinoid…
Yes, We’re Open: Pacific Horizon Lending
One in a series of profiles of new small businesses in Hawai‘i that have launched since the pandemic shutdown. An international pandemic hitting just as you launch an independent business may seem like an insurmountable barrier. Noelani Yoshino is ready…
How a Family Owned, and Locally Operated Business Became a Success
Building an Empire, One Loaf of Bread at a Time. We don’t need to tell you that La Tour Café is the destination for people in search of delicious breads, macarons, kouign amann, and French dip sandwiches. What you may…
Small Business/Big Challenge: David Uno, President, Aiea Copy Center
What has been your company’s latest pivot or innovation? Aiea Copy Center was fortunate to be designated an essential service provider which allowed us to avoid a shutdown. But it has not been easy. Sales dropped 70% in April. Our…
Yes, We’re Open: Noods Ramen Bar in Kaimukī
First in a series of profiles of new small businesses in Hawai‘i that have launched since the pandemic shutdown Blane Nishizawa’s secret to success is adaptability. Nishizawa’s newly opened Noods Ramen Bar began as a pop-up out of his McCully…
Restaurants’ New Normal Comes with a Takeout Bag
The coronavirus pandemic has forced many local restaurants to pivot their business models or risk closing for good. Here’s a look at how restaurants have changed and how they are preparing for their new normal. It was common to see…
Small Business/Big Challenges: Chris Pfisterer, Co-Owner, Nalu Health Bar
Please describe how Nalu Health Bar & Café will return to your physical locations. We decided to reopen one location at a time to make sure all new safety procedures were being followed and adapted. We opened our South Shore…
Small Business/Big Challenge: Debbie Ah Chick-Hopkins, Co-owner, Global Village
Please describe how and when you are conducting your return to your offices, stores, warehouses or other physical locations. Global Village originally targeted June 1 as an opening date based on government proclamations in April; however once given the go…