Biz Wrap: Cariloha Opens In Waikoloa, Shopping Center Goes Solar

Here’s a look at what’s happening in business around the Big Island this week.

Bamboo Store Cariloha Opens at King’s Shops in Waikoloa

Combining Caribbean style and the Hawaiian aloha spirit, Cariloha recently opened at the Kings’ Shops at Waikoloa Beach.

The store features bamboo-based products, including clothing, hats, accessories, bed sheets, bath towels and jewelry.

“We believe Cariloha’s dedication to the regeneration of bamboo resources illustrates our commitment to helping grow the Hawaiian economy,” says store owner, Stephanie Davis.

She and her husband Chris also own a Cariloha store on Kauai.

A percentage of the first month’s profits will be donated to the Hawaiian Chapter of the American Bamboo Society.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Among Top 10 US Spas

The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai was listed among the top 10 spas in the country this week by the popular travel website TripAdvisor.

The Kona Coast resort, which came in at number 8, was the only property in Hawaii to make the list. The resort was praised for its use of local natural ingredients, such as crushed macadamia nuts and Hawaiian sea salts.

The rankings were the result of a TripAdvisor wellness travel survey of more than 1,100 US travelers.

Keauhou Shopping Center Goes Solar

One of the largest commercial solar electric projects on the island was unveiled this week during a ceremony at the Keauhou Shopping Center.

Officials from Kamehameha Schools, Tioga Energy, and Hoku Solar were on hand for the ceremony celebrating the installation of a 376-kW system on seven buildings at the shopping center.

Owned by Kamehameha Schools, the Keauhou Shopping Center will now receive a significant portion of its electricity from on-site solar generation.

Overall, the project will offset the production of approximately 455 tons of CO2 annually, which equates to some 989,000 vehicle miles not traveled or 52,000 gallons of gasoline conserved.

Be Financially Fit in 2013

You can learn strategies for building your savings, understanding your credit report, and getting better service from your bank with free information packets from USA.gov.

The government web site also offers a consumer action handbook and tips on how to protect your family from health scams.

The publications are available online in .pdf format and are available at http://promotions.usa.gov/newyear.html.

If your business has an opening, closing, promotion, retirement, new product release, special event, award, new location, or expansion, please let us know. Email us at newsdesk@BigIslandNow.com.