Weekend plans are packed with local culture, exquisite flavors and game-day rewards. Today on HI Now Daily, discover custom creations at the upcoming Okinawan Festival, secure tickets to a fantasy-themed culinary gala and learn how to score free fries during the UH college football season.

Weekend plans are packed with local culture, exquisite flavors and game-day rewards. Today on HI Now Daily, discover custom creations at the upcoming Okinawan Festival, secure tickets to a fantasy-themed culinary gala and learn how to score free fries during the UH college football season.

The podcast home of Hawaii's source for breaking news. Hawaii News Now is the state's leader for breaking news, weather alerts, traffic updates and sports headlines, plus the latest headlines on the issues that impact you and your families the most — including the global coronavirus pandemic.

The podcast home of Hawaii's source for breaking news. Hawaii News Now is the state's leader for breaking news, weather alerts, traffic updates and sports headlines, plus the latest headlines on the issues that impact you and your families the most &mdash; including the global coronavirus pandemic.

The podcast home of Hawaii's source for breaking news.

Hawaii News Now

HI Now Daily celebrates the best things about living in Hawaii. We highlight food, fashion, events, and activities to do with the whole family, or just that special someone. The show tells local stories about island businesses and offers discounts and deals that make listening worth your while. 

HI Now Daily celebrates the best things about living in Hawaii. We highlight food, fashion, events, and activities to do with the whole family, or just that special someone. The show tells local stories about island businesses and offers discounts and deals that make listening worth your while.

HI Now Daily

HI Now Daily (September 1, 2026)

Hurricane Lowell is rapidly intensifying and is now expected to pass to our south as a powerful Category 4 storm with 150 mph winds. This dangerous new threat comes as Kaʻū continues large-scale recovery efforts just weeks after Hurricane Lala. Meanwhile, residents in Waiākea are finally seeing some relief after days in the dark as power is successfully restored.

Hurricane Lowell is rapidly intensifying and is now expected to pass to our south as a powerful Category 4 storm with 150 mph winds. This dangerous new threat comes as Kaʻū continues large-scale recovery efforts just weeks after Hurricane Lala. Meanwhile, residents in Waiākea are finally seeing some relief after days in the dark as power is successfully restored.

First at 4 p.m. (September 1, 2026) 

Today’s episode of Spotlight Now looks at the current state of Hawaiʻi’s economy and tourism trends.

Recent state data indicating more visitors came to the islands in July but stayed for fewer days. The figures show the state lost more than one million visitor days with growth concentrated on neighbor islands, leaving Waikīkī with a lackluster summer.

Carl Bonham, executive director of the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (UHERO), sets the big picture of Hawaiʻi’s economy with U.S. visitors now accounting for more than 80% of visitor spending.

Then we’re joined by Kelly Sanders of Highgate, who oversees several hospitality properties in Hawaiʻi, including ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach. He’ll discuss what shorter stays mean for hotel workers and nearby businesses, and whether Hawaiʻi has become too expensive for target visitors.

Today&rsquo;s episode of Spotlight Now looks at the current state of Hawaiʻi&rsquo;s economy and tourism trends.
<a href="https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2026/08/29/waikiki-saw-lackluster-summer-tourists-opt-shorter-vacations-neighbor-islands/">Recent state data indicating more visitors came to the islands in July but stayed for fewer days.</a>&nbsp;The figures show the state lost more than one million visitor days with growth concentrated on neighbor islands, leaving Waikīkī with a lackluster summer.
Carl Bonham, executive director of the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (UHERO), sets the big picture of Hawaiʻi&rsquo;s economy with U.S. visitors now accounting for more than 80% of visitor spending.
Then we&rsquo;re joined by Kelly Sanders of Highgate, who oversees several hospitality properties in Hawaiʻi, including ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach.&nbsp;He&rsquo;ll discuss what shorter stays mean for hotel workers and nearby businesses, and whether Hawaiʻi has become too expensive for target visitors.

Is Hawaii too expensive? Spotlight Now looks at tourism trends, cooling Waikiki economy

The U.S. is taking additional military action against Iran following reported attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. Paramedics responded to two separate crashes involving motor bikes on Oahu's North Shore, both resulting in serious injuries. How Tropical Storm Lowell will impact our islands when it's forecasted to pass south of Hawaii Island late Wednesday into Thursday. 

The U.S. is taking additional military action against Iran following reported attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. Paramedics responded to two separate crashes involving motor bikes on Oahu's North Shore, both resulting in serious injuries. How Tropical Storm Lowell will impact our islands when it's forecasted to pass south of Hawaii Island late Wednesday into Thursday.&nbsp;

HI Now Daily (September 1, 2026)

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