My Job Is Constructing Lightweight Outrigger Canoes in Hawai‘i
George Wilson oversees manufacturing at the Kailua-based Kamanu Composites, where canoes are produced for the global paddling community.
Hawaii Business Magazine - May 2024
An Affordable Complex to Open in Wahiawā, with Eight More Projects Underway
After a slow start, Honolulu’s Bill 7 – designed to get more low-rise rental units built on unused land – is seeing results.
Fernandez Entertainment Has Brought Fun to Hawai‘i for 121 Years
SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Awards Hall of Fame: CEO Linda Fernandez oversees a large family enterprise founded by the “Barnum of the Pacific.”
Noh Foods Blends the Flavors of Asia into Sauces and Seasoning Mixes
SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Awards Hall of Fame: Raymond Noh took over the small family business in 1983 and turned it into a global food brand.
Healthcare Champions 2024
A look at some of the many heroes in our medical community who contribute to our wellbeing every day.
Making Rum from Sugar Cane in Hale‘iwa
Kō Hana Distillery grows 34 varieties of sugar cane, which goes “straight from farm to bottle.”
GoLeanSixSigma Trains Teams Across the Globe to Quickly Improve Processes
2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: CEO and founder Karlo Tanjuakio operates his successful online training business from its Wai‘anae headquarters.
Kona Boys Leads Big Island Visitors on Ecotours on and in the Water
2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Co-CEOs Frank Carpenter and Brock Stratton are working to protect Kealakekua Bay’s natural and cultural treasures.
Still & Moving Center Focuses on Mindful Movement for All Ages
2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Renee Tillotson opened her Kaka‘ako studio after falling in love with Nia, a holistic fitness practice.
A-1 Auto Repair Wins Loyal Customers with Honesty and Reliability
2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Owner Bubba Smith, a former Navy aircraft-engine mechanic, works on everything from Hondas to Ferraris.
Ken Kao: The Movie Mogul Among Us
The O‘ahu-based producer has worked with Martin Scorsese, Olivia Colman, Ryan Gosling, Russell Crowe, Brie Larson and many other stars.
Hawaii Island Business Report 2024
The Ironman Triathlon and Merrie Monarch Festival continue to bring in millions of dollars to Hawai‘i Island, benefitting local businesses and the economy.
Enviroservices & Training Center Helps Clients Navigate Complex Environmental Rules
2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: From a two-person startup, founders Mike Yee and Gregory Perry built an environmental consulting firm with global reach.
Commentary: Why Is It So Hard to Get a Good Night’s Sleep?
Sleep impacts our health, safety and productivity. But getting enough of it can be an elusive goal.
East West Marketing Imports Filipino Food Products with the “Taste of Home”
2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Melody Calisay started selling dry foods from her car to support her doctoral studies. It’s now a $4 million business.
Simonpietri Enterprises Turns Demolition and Construction Waste into Energy
2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: President Joelle Simonpietri helps supply O‘ahu with renewable gas and jet fuel, with new ventures on the way.
Restoring ‘Āina, While Visiting ‘Āina
An ‘āina-focused nonprofit on Moloka‘i is restoring natural landscapes with native plant species- with the help of volunteering visitors.
Fly Shuttle & Tours Is Rapidly Growing, But the Owners Still Get Behind the Wheel
2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Brothers Tim and Thai Lai started with two vans and now oversee a giant fleet, tire sales, a repair shop and more to come.
535 Plumbing Offers High-Quality Repairs, with No Surprises
2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Founder Shane Mizusawa says service costs are “very transparent and upfront.” Some are even free.
Talk Story with Chad Buck, Salesperson of the Year 2023
Inside his extraordinary rise from headstrong teen with a one-way ticket to Maui to founder, owner and CEO of Hawai‘i Foodservice Alliance.
Lights On Helps Independent Hotels Manage the Business Side of Hospitality
2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: CEO Will Song and President Patrick Ahler use revenue management and digital marketing to keep rooms filled.
U.S. Military Works with Local Partners to Protect Hawai‘i’s Natural Environment
In 2024, nearly $10 million in defense spending is going to habitat preservation, reforestation, watershed protection, and flood and wildfire mitigation.
Symbrosia Harvests Seaweed in an Innovative Strategy to Slow Climate Change
2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Founder Alexia Akbay says its nutritional supplement for livestock dramatically cuts their methane emissions.
Fixing Hawai‘i’s Deadly Roads
Speeding, drunk driving and other causes kill about a hundred people a year. Here is what’s being done to keep Hawai‘i’s drivers, pedestrians and bikers safer.