Maui Business
The Westin Maui names Michael Piasecki as director of group sales
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kāʻanapali announced the appointment of Michael Piasecki as director of group sales. Bringing more than a decade of hospitality sales experience in the Hawai‘i market, Piasecki joins the resort’s leadership team at a pivotal time following the completion of the property’s comprehensive $160 million transformation.
Telecom executive Mike Sievert joins Alaska Air Group board of directors
Sievert led a period of significant value creation at T-Mobile, with the company’s market value increasing from about $60 billion to about $260 billion during his time. Before joining T-Mobile in 2012, Sievert held leadership roles at Microsoft, AT&T, E*TRADE, IBM and Procter & Gamble.
Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort named a Condé Nast Traveler Triple Crown winner
Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort has been named among the debut winners of a new accolade, the Condé Nast Traveler Triple Crown, a prestigious collection of some of the world’s greatest hotels.
Hawaiʻi’s construction market records fast start in Q1, but a drop in housing activity raises concern
The state’s construction industry posted its second-strongest first quarter in the past decade, with total spending reaching approximately $2.09 billion, according to the Quarterly Hawaiʻi Construction Market Update released by Pacific Resource Partnership.
The Construction Industry of Maui awards $60,000, announces Bob Poulson Scholarship winners
The Construction Industry of Maui awarded three Maui County high school graduates each a $20,000 scholarship to encourage education toward a construction industry career.
Maui chef Sheldon Simeon brings local flavors to Hawaiian Airlines’ new onboard menu
Maui restaurateur Sheldon Simeon, a James Beard Award finalist and “Top Chef” contestant, has designed a new main cabin meal program for Hawaiian Airlines that launches July 1 on most flights between Hawaiʻi and the US continent.
Hawaiʻi visitor spending up 4.8% in April despite slight drop in arrivals
Hawaiʻi welcomed slightly fewer visitors in April 2026 than it did a year earlier, but those who came spent more—pushing total visitor spending to $1.77 billion for the month, a 4.8% increase over April 2025, according to preliminary data from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.
Maui County unemployment ticks up in April, remains below national rate
Maui County’s unemployment rate edged up slightly in April but remained well below the national average, according to figures released Wednesday by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.
Maui Land & Pineapple Co. names Oralani Koa as Director of Cultural & Community Engagement
The creation of the Director of Cultural & Community Engagement role marks an important step in MLP’s continued evolution as it works to deepen cultural understanding and long-term community relationships, according to the announcement.
Nonprofit loan fund leader celebrated on next career move to the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation
The nonprofit homestead loan fund, Hawaiian Lending & Investments congratulates its employee of 6 years, Rolina Faagai on her transition to the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation.
‘Flip Flop Shops’ opens at Whalers Village on Maui
Whalers Village welcomed Flip Flop Shops to its oceanfront collection of retailers, with a grand opening celebration held Saturday, April 18. Locally owned and operated, the new store offers a curated selection of premium casual footwear.
Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization welcomes new Executive Director
The Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization announced the appointment of Kasie M. Apo Takayama as its new Executive Director.
HTA launches search for new president and chief executive officer
The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority has launched its search for the leader who will guide the state’s tourism industry into a new era. The organization is now seeking applications for the position of president and chief executive officer of HTA. The application deadline is Friday, June 26, 2026.
Whalers Village names Derrick Garcia as new General Manager
Whalers Village is pleased to announce the appointment of Derrick Garcia as its new General Manager, bringing a track record of operational leadership, team development and strategic growth across premier retail and hospitality destinations.
Hawaiʻi-Philippines Business Tradeshow, Symposium and Reception to showcase expanding economic opportunities
A tradeshow featuring products from Hawai‘i and Ilocos Norte will run concurrently. The event will close with an evening banquet featuring remarks from Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green, followed by a reaffirmation ceremony marking 22 years of sister-state relations between Hawai‘i and Ilocos Norte.
Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau appoints Loomis as VP, Island integration & operations
The Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau announces the appointment of Elizabeth “Liz” Loomis as vice president of island integration and operations, effective 4 May 2026. The new position is designed to deepen collaboration across HVCB’s offices on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, and Hawai‘i Island, strengthening the integration of island perspectives into the statewide strategy.
Hawai’i Announces Opportunity Zones 2.0 Market Activation Summit
This full-day summit will bring together more than 200 practitioners — including developers, investors, state and county agencies, financial institutions and nonprofit organizations — for a deep dive into the newly updated Opportunity Zones (OZ) 2.0 program.
HawaiiUSA and Southwest partner to help Maui students gain financial education experiences
HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union and Southwest Airlines are continuing their partnership to help empower Maui students through financial education, leadership development, and access to new opportunities beyond the classroom.
Maui Building Source to host Maui Chamber of Commerce networking event, May 21
Maui Building Source will host the Maui Chamber of Commerce May Business After Hours networking event on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at its showroom located at 370 Dairy Road in Kahului.
Maui fire survivors to see settlement money, but ‘not better off,’ economist says
Wildfire survivors in Maui County can expect to receive settlement money for the first time this year. However, economists say the payments won’t make most families whole, especially as higher electricity bills and gas prices intensify pressure on households still rebuilding their lives.
