Key Summary
- The Top Industries Driving Business Growth in Hawaii 2026, healthcare, technology, renewable energy, and tourism, are reshaping the economy of Hawaii through innovation and diversification.
- Businesses are scaling through digital transformation, remote workforce strategies, and sustainable operational models.
- Despite strong momentum, Hawaii companies face talent shortages, high operating costs, infrastructure gaps, and supply chain constraints. Companies solve this matter by adopting new practices, such as investing in technology and expanding the remote workforce.
- Connext helps companies keep their operations at bay by providing embedded global talent, secure infrastructure, and Employer of Record (EOR) support, while clients retain full operational control.
Hawaii began its business journey in 1805 through sandalwood trading, followed by the whaling trade in 1818. The islands later entered the sugar plantation and pineapple production industries, as stated in the Economic History of Hawaii. Today, Hawaii continues to maintain its momentum, progressively developing other sectors of its economy. After years of rebuilding and redefining its economic priorities, 2026 marks a turning point.
The top industries driving business growth in Hawaii 2026 are not only expanding revenue but reshaping how companies operate, hire talent, and scale efficiently.
For business leaders and investors, understanding where growth is happening, and how companies are managing that growth, is critical. Hawaii’s geographic isolation has indeed affected its expansion, although, today, digital transformation, sustainability mandates, and workforce innovation are slowly rewriting the book.
Discover the top growing industries in Hawaii, the challenges in operations and how companies relentlessly manage their operations.
The Evolving Economy of Hawaii
The economy of Hawaii has historically leaned heavily on trading, plantation and now, tourism. While tourism remains a pillar, diversification has accelerated. Policymakers and private-sector leaders alike are investing in healthcare modernization, clean energy infrastructure, and a growing technology ecosystem.
Several macro trends are influencing this shift:
- Population growth among seniors, increasing healthcare demand
- Rising energy costs pushing renewable adoption
- Sustainable tourism models redefining hospitality
This diversification strengthens resilience across Hawaii industries, making 2026 a year of strategic opportunity.
Hawaii Healthcare: Scaling Care Across the Islands
Healthcare stands at the forefront of transformation. Hawaii’s aging population and rural island distribution require scalable, tech-enabled care solutions. According to a report stated by “The Health Care Industry in Hawaii”, the healthcare industry in Hawaii is one of the major contributors in the economy’s GDPs and employment under the said sector was expected to grow by 15.3% by the year 2023.
Why Healthcare Is Growing
- Increased demand for specialized medical services
- Health care concerns, such as obesity have increased by 45%
- Expansion of telehealth platforms
- Public and private investment in hospital modernization
- Focus on preventative care and community wellness
Healthcare systems are no longer relying solely on physical expansion. Instead, they are investing in digital platforms, workforce expansion, and data analytics, according to “Hawaii awarded $188.9M to transform rural healthcare throughout the state.”
Given this, healthcare’s growth firmly positions it among the top industries driving business growth in hawaii 2026, particularly as digital care models become standard.
Hawaiian Technology: Innovation Beyond the Mainland
Often overlooked, the Hawaiian technology sector is expanding rapidly. From cybersecurity startups to software development firms, innovation is gaining momentum. This is possible because the government of Hawaii supports the development of technology and innovation system through funding it, according to “ThriveHI awarded $300,000 federal grant to support Hawaiʻi’s technology ecosystem”.
Why Hawaiian Technology Is Expanding
- Remote-first business models reduce geographic constraints
- Increased venture capital interest in Pacific-based startups
- Government initiatives supporting tech incubators
- Demand for cybersecurity and cloud solutions
Hawaiian technology is helping diversify Hawaii’s business models beyond tourism, strengthening the state’s economic resilience. In addition, the technology sector continues to grow thanks to the annual event Hawaii Tech Week, which brings together tech professionals to accelerate innovation and empower talent.
Renewable Energy: Powering Sustainable Growth
Hawaii has some of the most ambitious renewable energy goals in the United States. As stated in the “Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative”, in January 2025, Governor Green issued Executive Order 2501, which has further accelerated Hawaii’s energy transition, targeting 100% renewable electricity production in the counties of Kauaʻi and Maui by 2035. Additionally, the state aims to have 100% clean energy by 2045.
Why Renewable Energy Is Accelerating
- High imported fuel costs
- State sustainability mandates
- Federal clean energy incentives
- Consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions
Solar, wind, and geothermal projects are expanding across islands, creating investment and job opportunities. Renewable energy contributes significantly to the top industries driving business growth in Hawaii 2026, reducing dependence on imported fuels and attracting sustainability-focused investors.
Hawaii Tourism: Reinventing a Cornerstone Industry
Hawaii is notorious for its beautiful landscape and beaches. Its picturesque view gives tourists a sense of sanctuary and security that one can only feel in paradise. Therefore, it is no surprise why tourism remains a foundational driver of Hawaii industries.
Why Tourism Is Accelerating
As stated in the “The Evolution of Tourism in Hawaii Post-Pandemic: A 2025 Perspective”, since the pandemic began in 2020, tourism has undergone significant changes, particularly in the accommodation, environmental, and technology sectors. Tourists now tend to prefer hotels over Airbnbs, prompting hotels to enhance their offerings, including the integration of technology through digital platforms. There has also been a conscious effort to promote eco-friendly lifestyle for travelers, such as beach clean-ups, native tree planting, and volunteering for marine conservation projects. These changes have resulted in:
- Resorts invest in green certifications
- Local cultural experiences are prioritized
- Technology enhances guest personalization
- Visitor management systems balance tourism with environmental preservation
While tourism faced volatility in previous years, it remains a pillar within the top industries driving business growth in Hawaii 2026, particularly as sustainability reshapes its long-term strategy.
Despite the steady economy of Hawaii and growing industry, the state still continues to experience problems brought by the limitations of the island.
Common Bottlenecks Hawaii Companies Experience
As the Top industries driving business growth in Hawaii 2026 continue expanding, many organizations encounter similar operational roadblocks. Growth is strong, but scaling sustainably in Hawaii requires overcoming structural and economic limitations.
Below are the five most common bottlenecks Hawaii companies face, and how leading organizations are addressing them.
1. Talent Shortages in Specialized Roles
The Challenge:
Across Hawaii healthcare, Hawaiian technology, renewable energy, and Hawaii tourism, skilled talent is limited. Geographic isolation, high relocation costs, and a competitive labor market reduce the available workforce.
Healthcare providers struggle to hire locally due to shortages in nursing, medical assistants, and allied health roles across the islands, according to “How Hawaiʻi’s Growing Healthcare Needs Create New Job Opportunities”. Tech firms compete for developers. Renewable energy projects require engineers. Tourism operators need multilingual, service-trained staff.
How Companies Are Responding:
- Hiring mainland and global talent for back-office roles
- Upskilling local employees through training programs
- Offering flexible work arrangements to improve retention
Workforce flexibility is now a core strategy supporting the economy of Hawaii.
2. High Cost of Doing Business
The Challenge:
Hawaii remains one of the most expensive states for operating a business. Commercial real estate, utilities, labor, and imported goods significantly impact margins across Hawaii industries.
This is especially difficult for startups and mid-sized businesses scaling operations.
How Companies Are Responding:
- Digitizing operations to reduce physical infrastructure costs
- Offshoring administrative roles from lower-cost regions and countries
- Investing in automation to streamline processes
- Optimizing operational systems to reduce waste
Cost control is no longer optional, it’s strategic.
3. Geographic Isolation & Supply Chain Delays
The Challenge:
Hawaii’s reliance on imported goods creates vulnerabilities. Shipping delays and limited supplier diversity can stall construction projects, healthcare supply chains, and tourism operations.
Renewable energy projects often wait on imported equipment. Hospitality businesses depend on consistent inventory flow.
How Companies Are Responding:
- Diversifying supplier networks
- Increasing local sourcing where feasible
- Improving demand forecasting
Supply chain resilience has become a competitive differentiator among the top industries driving business growth in Hawaii 2026.
4. Infrastructure & Scalability Constraints
The Challenge:
While improvements are underway, infrastructure limitations, such as energy reliability, broadband access in rural areas, and transportation logistics, can slow expansion.
Hawaiian technology startups and renewable energy firms are particularly impacted when infrastructure growth slows down.
How Companies Are Responding:
- Investing in private network enhancements
- Leveraging in tech and software such as cloud-based systems
- Implementing distributed energy solutions
- Adopting hybrid operational models to reduce dependency on physical expansion
Smart infrastructure planning enables long-term scalability.
5. Balancing Growth with Sustainability & Community Expectations
The Challenge:
In Hawaii, growth must align with environmental protection and cultural preservation. Tourism, renewable energy, and real estate development projects face heightened scrutiny from communities and regulators.
Companies that scale without community engagement risk reputational damage.
How Companies Are Responding:
- Embedding sustainability into core strategy
- Partnering with local communities early in planning
- Prioritizing eco-conscious business models
- Ensuring regulatory compliance from day one
Responsible growth strengthens both brand trust and long-term stability.
Explore how BPOs with the right model help Hawaii companies grow.
How Connext Bridges the Gap for Hawaii’s Fastest-Growing Industries
The top industries driving business growth in Hawaii 2026: healthcare, technology, renewable energy, and tourism. All of which are expanding rapidly. But growth brings pressure: talent shortages, high operating costs, infrastructure strain, and geographic limitations.
Connext boasts a non-traditional model that provides Hawaiian companies with custom recruiting, co-management, and full control of their operations, all while ensuring offshore compliance.
1. Expanding Talent Access Without Losing Authority
Hawaii businesses face limited local talent pools and high hiring costs. Connext provides dedicated, fully embedded professionals through its Employer of Record (EOR) model.
- Clients retain full control over workflows and deliverables
- Connext manages recruitment, compliance, payroll, and HR
- Internal employees are supported by secure infrastructure, remote help desk and technical teams
This allows companies to scale quickly while maintaining leadership oversight.
2. Lowering Operating Costs Strategically
With high commercial and labor costs across Hawaii industries, scaling locally can strain budgets.
Connext enables businesses to:
- Build offshore support teams in the Philippines, Colombia, Mexico, and India
- Reduce overhead tied to office space and utilities
- Optimize modern back-office functions like finance, HR, IT, and customer support
The result: more capital directed toward innovation and core growth.
3. Overcoming Geographic Isolation
Hawaii’s time zone and island logistics can limit operational flexibility.
Connext provides:
- Multilingual global teams
- Extended time-zone coverage
- 24/7 support capabilities
This expands market reach and improves service continuity across healthcare, tech, renewable energy, and tourism.
4. Strengthening Infrastructure Without Heavy Capital Investment
Scaling often requires IT systems, compliance oversight, and secure facilities.
Connext delivers:
- Enterprise-grade secure work environments
- Data protection and business continuity planning
- Operational and IT support included
Companies gain reliable infrastructure without building it from scratch.
5. Supporting Sustainable Growth
Hawaii businesses must balance expansion with environmental and community responsibility.
By enabling remote and distributed teams, Connext helps reduce physical footprint and operational strain, supporting responsible, scalable growth aligned with the evolving economy of Hawaii.
Conclusion: Growth Is Strategic, Not Accidental
Hawaii’s business evolution, from sandalwood and whaling to plantations and tourism, has always been possible through flexibility and adaptation. In 2026, that evolution continues at a faster pace. The Top Industries Driving Business Growth in Hawaii 2026 are not only expanding revenue but redefining how organizations operate.
Healthcare is digitizing care delivery. Hawaiian technology is building innovation beyond mainland constraints. Renewable energy is accelerating toward ambitious clean energy goals. Tourism is reinventing itself around sustainability and personalized experiences.
Yet growth in Hawaii comes with structural realities: limited labor pools, high operating costs, geographic isolation, and infrastructure constraints.
The companies that will lead the next phase of the economy of Hawaii are those that scale strategically, leveraging remote workforce models, investing in digital systems, and building resilient operational structures.
This is where Connext delivers measurable impact. By providing dedicated, embedded global teams through a secure EOR framework, Connext allows Hawaii businesses to expand capacity without sacrificing control. Clients manage performance and direction. Connext manages recruitment, compliance, payroll, and infrastructure.
The result is scalable growth, without operational constraints. As Hawaii continues to diversify and strengthen its industries, the state saw the promised vision of partnering with an organization that combine innovation with disciplined operational strategy in the form of Connext.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Healthcare, Hawaiian technology, renewable energy, and tourism are the primary sectors fueling expansion and diversification.
An aging population, telehealth adoption, hospital modernization, and preventative care initiatives are driving demand.
Through remote-first models, government-backed innovation programs, venture capital interest, and Hawaii’s strategic Asia-Pacific time zone position.
State mandates targeting 100% clean energy, high imported fuel costs, and federal incentives are accelerating investment.
Yes, but it is evolving toward sustainability, eco-conscious travel, and technology-driven personalization.
Talent shortages, high operating costs, supply chain delays, infrastructure constraints, and balancing growth with environmental responsibility.
By adopting remote workforce strategies, hiring mainland and global talent, and investing in employee upskilling programs.
Connext provides embedded offshore professionals through an Employer of Record model, handling recruitment, HR, compliance, payroll, and secure infrastructure—while clients retain operational authority.
No. Clients manage day-to-day tasks, workflows, and performance. The EOR structure handles employment compliance and administrative responsibilities.
Yes. By reducing physical infrastructure expansion and optimizing operational costs, companies can grow responsibly while supporting long-term economic resilience.
