Business

Kaua‘i’s economy is expected to continue growing in 2026, though at a slower pace than in recent years; global and national economic challenges are expected to create new pressures on local households, businesses and the visitor industry.

Preliminary statistics from Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism show a total of 828,959 visitors arrived in the state during the month, a 0.5% decrease from a year before, but total visitor spending increased 4.8%.

Ripen up and plan to bloom into the 36th Hawai’i International Tropical Fruit Conference at the beginning of October at Outrigger Kauaʻi Beach Resort in Līhuʻe; ‘Growing Fruits, Growing Markets’ is hosted by Hawai’i Tropical Fruit Growers and open to the public. Register early to get a special early bird discount.

“By contributing to the endowment, we’re helping create lasting impact for future generations of Kaua‘i’s youth,” said Guardian Self Storage Managing Member Thomas Lambert in an announcement of the new fundraising campaign.

Trustees did, however, emphasize discussing the proposal itself reflects an important and evolving conversation about the future of Native Hawaiian ownership, influence and participation within major economic and communications sectors.

Hawaiʻi Funding Project pulls from disparate funding and data sources, providing access to visualizations and data to explore funding at the most relevant and useful depth; it is a direct response to questions about federal funding disruptions early in 2025.

The survey seeks feedback from farmers, home gardeners, landscapers and others to assist College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience understand the status of the fruit fly pest and refine strategies to manage it.

Pre-order dining options by celebrated Hawai‘i chefs, fresh fare for all cabins and complimentary local snacks highlight evolution of tasty options for travelers.

Community organizations petitioning to intervene in proposed housing development say the project threatens sensitive coastal habitat, imperiled native seabirds and Native Hawaiian cultural practices.

This year’s summit, which ended last week, built on the inaugural 2023 event, inviting state and county officials, Sister Prefecture and Sister City representatives as well as experts in economic development, culture, health, security and resilience.

Kaua’i-based, woman-owned lighting showroom honored by Dallas Market Center as being among North America’s best.

A quick look at news happening throughout the state and beyond.

Local leaders, developers, investors and community stakeholders are invited to attend the upcoming summit and can register now.

A quick look at business-related news stories from throughout the state.

Deadline to apply is May 29 for Cohort 22: Culinary Foundations through partnership between Culinary Institute of the Pacific and Culinary Institute of America; but don’t wait, seats are limited.

Crystal Santos went from being behind bars to now graduating this month with an associate in science degree in carpentry technology from Kauaʻi Community College, all to create a better future for herself and her family.

More active farmers and ranchers should be able to qualify for the agriculture land dedication, which has a filing deadline of July 1 for the upcoming tax year.

The Kaua‘i distillery’s Chief Commercial Officer Robert Ramer succeeds Gunter as chief operating officer, overseeing day-to-day operations while continuing its growth and expansion into the next chapter.

Number of visitors statewide in March decreased 1.7% from the same month a year before, but Kaua‘i visitor stats buck the statewide trend and see an increase; visitor spending throughout islands falls 1.6% from March 2025.

The winning Kaua‘i home is just 700 feet from world-famous Hanalei Bay, the only vacation rental home winner in Hawai‘i and one of only 15 vacation rentals to be honored nationwide.