Maui Business

Umani Farms Maui nets top prize in MEO Best Business Plan contest

Irish Mahoney’s Umani Farms Maui business plan was judged the top entry and winner of a $15,000 grant in the fourth Best Business Plan contest, staged by Maui Economic Opportunity’s Business Development Center.

AAA Hawaiʻi: Kahului gas prices up slightly, but still down from last year

Kahului’s average gas price is holding steady near its lowest point of the year, despite a small recent increase. According to the latest AAA Hawaiʻi Weekend Gas Watch, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in Kahului is now $4.51. That’s 3 cents more than last week, but it remains 22 cents lower […]

Maui Gold Pineapple and Amazon Air team up in ‘game-changing deal’ to boost Hawaiʻi’s economy

A new partnership between Maui Gold Pineapple and Amazon Air is being called a “game-changer” for Hawaiʻi’s agricultural industry, providing a direct, fast and cost-effective shipping solution to the continental United States. Beginning with a test shipment early this month, the collaboration has already slashed freight costs by up to 60% and opened up new markets for the product.

Maui County unemployment was 3.5% in June

Maui County’s non-seasonally adjusted unemployment was 3.6% in June, according to data released by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. The rate remains well below the 4.8% unemployment recorded one year before, in June 2024, but higher than the rate reported the month before of 2.9% in May.

Maui County plans to offer $301.8M in General Obligation bonds for public sale

For the first time since 2022, the County of Maui is planning to offer approximately $301.8 million in General Obligation (GO) bonds for public sale to fund key projects. The planned sale reflects the County’s excellent financial standing, according to the County Department of Finance.

Maui entrepreneurs encouraged to apply for Walmart’s Open Call 2025

Walmart has launched its Open Call 2025, offering entrepreneurs the chance to pitch products made, grown, or assembled in the US. The open call provides selected entrepreneurs with a shot at getting their shelf-ready product in stores or online, and in front of millions of customers.

HVCB expands Kamaʻāina Special Offers Program with 200 deals statewide

The Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) has reached a milestone in its Kamaʻāina Special Offers Program, now featuring 200 discounts for Hawai‘i residents — the program’s largest collection to date.

15 nonprofits join inaugural Kahua Grants Initiative for grassroots growth

Fifteen nonprofits have been awarded a spot in Maui United Way’s first-ever Kahua Grants Initiative cohort.

AI’s new wave: How artificial intelligence is reshaping business and life as we know it

The next time you call customer service, the human voice you hear might not actually be human.  It might be a machine; a computer programmed to cheerfully manage countless routine customer complaints and service calls, 24/7 without fatigue, overtime or grumbling. “Conversational AI is a game changer,” said marketing expert and business strategist Jennifer Apy, […]

Hawaiʻi DLIR projects 6.1% job growth by 2032, led by health care and food services

The state’s total employment is projected to grow by 6.1% over the next decade, adding 41,190 jobs between 2022 and 2032, according to new labor market projections from the Hawai‘i State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Research and Statistics Office.

Jim Hunsucker named resident manager of Castle Nāpili Surf Beach Resort

Castle Resorts & Hotels has named Jim Hunsucker as resident manager of Castle Nāpili Surf Beach Resort. In this role, Hunsucker will oversee all aspects of hotel management for the Castle rental program and association management for Nāpili Puamala and Nāpili Surf.

Schatz, Kennedy introduce legislation to stop deceptive subscription practices after court blocks FTC’s ‘click-to-cancel’ rule

Following a federal appeals court ruling that blocked the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule, which was set to take effect Monday, US Sens. Brian Schatz, D-Hawai‘i, and John Kennedy, R-La., introduced the Unsubscribe Act.

Love’s ‘Spirit of Giving’ campaign has $50K available for Hawai‘i nonprofits

The Love’s Brand “Spirit of Giving” campaign is back for its fifth year, offering a total of $50,000 in donations to support nonprofit organizations across Hawai‘i.

New compliance initiative launched for oversight of public construction projects

Pacific Resource Partnership, in collaboration with the Hawai‘i Regional Council of Carpenters, has undertaken a new compliance initiative to strengthen oversight of publicly funded construction projects. “It’s been PRP’s experience that whenever there’s an uptick in construction projects, such as what is occurring with the rebuilding of Lahaina, unscrupulous contractors tend to become more active, […]

David Sellers talks ICCF ‘Surf Blocks’ at Kīhei Rotary meeting on Tuesday

The Rotary Club of Kīhei-Wailea will host David Sellers of Hawai‘i Off-Grid Architecture and Engineering on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at Island Health in Rainbow Mall (2439 S. Kīhei Road, Kīhei).

Energy leaders convene on Maui to tackle tough challenges, offer real solutions

The 12th Annual Hawaiʻi Energy Conference, held May 21–22 on Maui, brought together 365 energy leaders, policymakers, innovators and community advocates to explore actionable strategies for Hawaiʻi’s transition to a clean energy future.

Harold K.L. Castle Foundation welcomes Dr. Amber W. Datta as marine program officer

The Harold K.L. Castle Foundation has appointed Dr. Amber W. Datta as its new marine program officer, tasking her with leading the foundation’s efforts to strengthen marine ecosystems and support community-based stewardship across Hawai‘i.

Lahaina rebuilding dilemma: Commission debates parking lot rezoning for Moku Roots

After three failed attempts to reach an agreement, the Maui Planning Commission finally secured a 5-2 vote Tuesday recommending rezoning of a Front Street lot crucial for customer parking for the new Moku Roots vegan restaurant planned for the former Chart House site in Lahaina. The Aug. 8, 2023, wildfire destroyed the iconic restaurant along […]

Lilly Pulitzer opens new boutique at The Shops at Wailea

Lilly Pulitzer has officially opened its new boutique at The Shops at Wailea. The 2,500-square-foot store blends island charm with the brand’s signature resort-ready aesthetic and officially commemorated its opening with a traditional Hawaiian blessing on May 8.

Hawaiʻi leadership forum to bring Leaders Lab to Maui

The Hawai‘i Leadership Forum (HLF) will host its first Leaders Lab on Maui in November, as the program expands across the islands. The immersive one-day lab is designed to help participants deepen their leadership practice in the values of kuleana, kūlana, ʻāina, and community. Applications are now open for the upcoming 2025 session.
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