Economic Development in Hawai‘i

This book offers a bold reimagining of Hawai‘i’s economy by exploring how localized innovation, community-led tourism, and regenerative development models can create a more resilient, equitable future. Targeted toward scholars, policy makers, and practitioners in economics, sustainability, and tourism, this book examines the limitations of Hawai‘i’s historical dependence on mass tourism and proposes pathways to diversify economic opportunity while protecting cultural and ecological resources. Key topics include destination management strategies, agritourism, regenerative tourism, the role of Native Hawaiian stewardship, and the integration of microeconomic theory into policymaking. Drawing on recent data, field case studies, and emerging public-private collaborations, this book addresses a central question: How can Hawai‘i’s shift from an extractive economic model to one that prioritizes community well-being and long-term sustainability?

The resulting book connects academic insight with grassroots innovation to help inform Hawai‘i’s economic transformation in the mid-2020s.