Business

Hiring Blitz events help expedite the hiring process for high school juniors and seniors by connecting them with available opportunities.

Funds totaling $48,697.69 raised by Hawaiʻi Island employees for Hawaiʻi Island United Way will support 36 health and human services programs that reach thousands of Hawaiʻi Island families and individuals each year.

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue continues to expand its East Coast presence with the opening of its newest location in Duluth, Georgia, offering a taste of Hawaiʻi’s iconic “plate lunch.”

A quick look at business news from around the Big Island, throughout the state and elsewhere.

Hale Kanikapila breathes new life into downtown Hilo, transforming the former site of Hilo Town Tavern into a vibrant hub for music, food, and community gatherings

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, with Big Island visitor stats following same downward trend; visitor spending throughout islands falls 1.6% from March 2025.

Applications for the 2-year civic leadership and workforce development program for incoming Big Island high school juniors for the 2026-27 school year are available online; deadline to submit applications is May 22.

Opportunity for loyalty program members to fly four one-way interisland flights and earn 1 one-way interisland flight brings more perks, more convenience, stronger interisland connections.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is June 14.

With applications opening from May 8 to June 8, these funds will support up to eight innovative projects that reinforce Hawaiʻi’s standing in the specialty crop market both nationally and internationally.

This year’s Hawai‘i County awardee is Marley McIntyre from Honoka’a High and Intermediate School; McIntyre plans to attend Harvard University.

Prices shortly after 8 a.m. Monday at Hilo and other Big Island gas pumps ranged from $5.19 per gallon on the low end to as much as $5.69 per gallon; prices at the pump for neighbor islands decreased 10.6 cents per gallon from last week’s average $5.64 per gallon.

Attendees of the retreat will learn Lua (Hawaiian warrior arts), Lualomi (warrior massage), ʻoli as embodied relation technology, voice work, pule (prayer), movement, stillness and practical tools for mana manipulation, nervous system health, and feminine law.

The 2025 marketing intern at Hawai‘i Community Federal Credit Union and student at University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa received the award during the 2026 Hawai‘i Internship Summit.

Number of jobs increased by 2,100 from yea-to-year; rate ticks up slightly from January.

The study was prepared by ECOnorthwest through AARP’s Livable Communities Technical Advisors Program. It reports that rising housing costs and limited supply are making it harder for residents to remain in their communities as they age.

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is inviting organizations to apply for funding to support cultural preservation, enhance community experiences, and promote major events throughout the islands.

Hawaii.com feature organizes events by island, helping visitors discover festivals, cultural experiences and local happenings and bringing real-time events and experiences directly into the trip-planning process.

It is a valuable opportunity to learn about funding pathways and connect directly with experts who can support the next steps of small businesses; only several spaces remain, so don’t wait, register today.