Success Stories

The Next Generation of Hawaiian Designers

A new generation of Hawaiian creative consultants is challenging our expectations for indigenous design. The phrase “Hawaiian design” calls to mind familiar visual tropes: kapa patterns, hula dancers, maybe even (cringe) tiki kitsch. But a new generation of native Hawaiian…

Making Hawaii Greener

Daniel Lankford opened the first store of his Ohana Greenhouse chain when he was just 23. Thirteen years later he has four locations. Daniel Lankford is compelled to succeed. “I’ve worked a full-time job since I was 14 and I…

How To Replicate Kahauiki Village

Dealing with homelessness is not just the responsibility of the government or nonprofits. As Kahauiki demonstrates, everyone has to pitch in. What was once a barren stretch of dirt, gravel and nondescript trees and shrubs is now a dynamic community…

2018 CEO of the Year:
Mark Fukunaga

The CEO of Servco Pacific grew the family business by selling off sideline companies, focusing on core competencies and excelling on both customer service and employee satisfaction, all while constantly reinventing the company. When he returned home for what he…

Turnaround Artists

There are legendary stories about change agents rescuing local businesses from failure or bankruptcy: John Dean rescued Central Pacific Bank; Mark Dunkerley saved Hawaiian Airlines; Wesley Park helped give new life to the St. Francis Healthcare System, Liliuokalani Trust and…

A Tale of Two Sons

Stussy opens new chapter store in Waikiki Avant-garde streetwear brand, Stussy, opened their fifth Chapter store in Waikiki this month, and the 900-square foot retail space is an opportunity for two sons to honor their father’s legacies. The store is…

Proving Ground for Young Talent

Students compete to demonstrate their entrepreneurial chops Rose Wong’s first job was at 14 working as a cashier and sushi roller for Kozo Sushi. Three years and seven jobs later, tired of minimum wage, she launched Kolohe Ocean Gems while…

Top 100 Gala [PAU]

DATE AND TIME Friday, June 1, 2018 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. LOCATION The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort For more information, please contact our events department: Kira Chong Tim, Events Manager kiract@hawaiibusiness.com, (808) 534-7145

CEO of the Year: Bob Harrison

The honor recognizes his leadership of First Hawaiian Bank, how he guided the company’s initial public offering of stock and his community service Calm and Steady The sweat gathers on Bob Harrison’s face as he digs up soil with a…

10th Annual Wahine Forum

The Wahine Forum is Hawaii’s largest leadership and career development conference for women. The conference is attended by Hawaii’s top female executives, entrepreneurs, up-and-coming leaders and others intent on advancing their careers. This year’s theme is WORK TOGETHER, RISE TOGETHER,…

Hawaii On the Hill

It makes sense for the leaders of local small businesses and county governments to fly 4,800 miles every year to visit a hill. That's because when you are on Capitol Hill, there are opportunities all around you. "As of today,"…

aio: Small Name, Big Promise

When translated from Hawaiian, the word aio is defined as “a wave that rises and falls without breaking.” But if you ask aio Hawaii founder Duane Kurisu what it means, he’ll tell you that “aio is about discovering who we…