Fuel Prices, Perception, and the Systems We Depend On
In Kihei, fuel prices feel personal because energy touches everything from shipping to daily cost of living. But when U.S. gas prices are compared globally, Americans still pay less than
Business
On Maui, Tipping Is Not a Bonus — It Is Wage Replacement
On Maui, many service workers are paid below living wages because tips are expected to fill the gap. Tipping on Maui is wage replacement, not a bonus.
Financialization and Land Consolidation in Hawaiʻi
An explainer on how financialization and institutional land consolidation are reshaping housing, water, and economic control in Hawaiʻi.
Hawaiʻi for Sale: How Institutional Capital Is Quietly Rewriting Our Future
Hawaiʻi is undergoing a quiet but profound shift as land, housing, and commercial infrastructure move from local stewardship into institutional portfolios. This long-form analysis examines the Alexander & Baldwin sale,
The Economic Unsustainability of Maui’s Construction Boom
Maui’s construction surge, including “affordable housing,” masks a deeper crisis. Without a thriving local economy, small business recovery, or wage growth, construction profits leave the island while local families struggle.
The Surfing Economy of Maui: A Renewable Engine for Island Sustainability
This reference essay analyzes the surfing and ocean-sports sector as one of Maui’s most resilient, non-extractive economic engines. It explores cultural foundations, local employment, innovation, environmental stewardship, and policy implications
The high cost of living in Maui, Hawaii, has significantly impacted generational wealth and housing affordability
The high cost of living in Maui, Hawaii, has significantly impacted generational wealth and housing affordability. Here are some key points: High
Maui’s Service Industry Workers: The Reliance on Tips Amid High Living Costs
Maui’s Service Industry Workers: The Reliance on Tips Amid High Living Costs The idyllic beaches and lush landscapes of Maui, Hawaii, attract
High rents a barrier for Small Businesses in Maui
High rents a barrier for Small Businesses in Maui High Rental Costs Prohibitive Expenses: Successful small businesses, such as food trucks, often
Rethinking Tourism: How Maui Can Reclaim Its Economic Future
Beyond the Beaches: Maui’s Struggle Without a Micro-Economy Maui may be world-famous for its beaches and luxury resorts, but beneath the surface
How Maui’s Economy is Shaped by Legacy Monopolies
Hawaii’s economy, including Maui’s, has been shaped by the dominance of a few major corporations historically known as the “Big Five.” These