Economic Development in Hawai‘i

This book reimagines Hawai‘i’s economy by showing how localized innovation, community-led tourism, and regenerative development can build a more resilient and equitable future. Aimed at scholars, policymakers, and practitioners in economics, sustainability, and tourism, it critiques Hawai‘i’s long reliance on mass tourism and outlines pathways to diversify economic opportunities while safeguarding cultural and ecological resources. Topics include destination management, agritourism, regenerative tourism, Native Hawaiian stewardship, and applying microeconomic theory to policy. Drawing on recent data, case studies, and emerging public–private collaborations, it addresses a central question: How can Hawai‘i’s transition from an extractive economic model to one centered on community well-being and long-term sustainability? Combining academic insight with grassroots innovation, this book offers practical strategies for guiding Hawai‘i’s economic transformation in the mid-2020s and beyond.

 

Patricia Yu is Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu. She teaches Hawai‘i’s economy, microeconomics, macroeconomics, the philosophy of social sciences, and environmental economics. Her research focuses on regional economics, housing markets, and environmental valuation, with a special emphasis on Hawai‘i’s unique economic challenges.