September 2026

Monthly News & Updates

Chairman's Message

Aloha HRA Members,

September brought one of the most meaningful moments on our Association's calendar—the Hawaiʻi Restaurant Association Hall of Fame Gala.

On Monday, September 28, we had the privilege of coming together to celebrate a new class of honorees whose passion, perseverance, and contributions have helped shape Hawaiʻi's restaurant industry. While the evening was about recognizing their accomplishments, I believe it was also an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the people who have influenced our own journeys in this industry.



Our industry is built on people. Behind every restaurant is a story—of families taking a chance, chefs pursuing their craft, employees building careers, and owners and operators working tirelessly to create places where our communities can gather. Many of the people we honored this month have...

Kauaʻi Is Open for Business: Where to Eat, Shop, and Support

Hurricane Lowell passed just offshore of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau on September 7, bringing damaging winds, flooding, and widespread power outages across the island. Two weeks later, much of Kauaʻi is steadily returning to normal. A new website, openkauai.org, built by the Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaiʻi, tracks the status of hundreds of Kauaʻi businesses, showing which are open, partially open, or closed, along with expected reopening dates. A second site, cocowire.com, estimates that 70% of the island's eateries are now open.



Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami has welcomed visitors back, asking them to come with patience, spend local, and support the island's recovery. For Kauaʻi restaurant owners, keeping your listing current helps residents and visitors find you. For everyone else, a meal at a Kauaʻi restaurant is one of the most direct ways to help.

InForm Design: Supporting Resilience and Recovery Across Kauaʻi 

In the wake of Hurricane Lowell and the severe weather impacts experienced across Kauaʻi, our thoughts are with the island's residents, businesses, organizations, and communities as they continue the difficult process of recovery and rebuilding. As a Hawaiʻi-based architecture and interior design firm, InForm Design understands that the effects of a major storm extend far beyond immediate repairs. Business disruptions, facility damage, infrastructure challenges, and uncertainty about next steps can create lasting impacts on organizations of every size. During times like these, neighbors helping neighbors is what strengthens our islands.


To support recovery efforts, InForm Design has assembled a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including architects, interior designers and engineers who stand ready to assist public and private sector organizations throughout Kauaʻi. Whether evaluating storm-related damage, helping prioritize repairs, developing renovation strategies, assessing facility resilience, or identifying opportunities to strengthen buildings against future hazards, our team is prepared to provide guidance and technical expertise.

Our simple question is: How can we help the people and businesses of Kauaʻi?

We are available to work alongside business owners, government agencies, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, nonprofit groups, and community leaders as they navigate recovery efforts. From facility assessments and rebuilding strategies to long-term resilience planning, we are committed to providing practical support where it is needed most.


Every challenge presents an opportunity to rebuild stronger, smarter, and more resilient than before. While the road ahead may be difficult, Kauaʻi's strength has always been rooted in its people and communities. InForm Design would be honored to contribute, in whatever way we can, to helping the island move forward and emerge even stronger.


Contact Our Recovery Support Team

If your organization has experienced facility damage, is evaluating repairs, or would simply like to discuss recovery and resilience planning, we encourage you to reach out. Our team is available to provide guidance, evaluate potential next steps, and help identify solutions tailored to your needs.

Contact InForm Design today to discuss how we can support your recovery efforts.

Email: info@inform.design 

Phone: (808) 946-3676

Scan the QR code or click the button below to connect with InForm.

Hawaiʻi Visitors Are Spending More per Day, but Staying Shorter

Visitors to Hawaiʻi spent $1.99 billion in July, up 1.7% from July 2025, according to preliminary statistics from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). Total arrivals rose 1.1% to 883,248, and visitors spent more on an average daily basis: $296 per person, up 17.1% from a year ago. On Maui, visitor arrivals continued to recover, up 5.6% from last July.



For restaurants, the key number is length of stay. The average visit shortened to 7.59 days from 8.83 days a year ago, so the number of visitors on the islands on any given day fell 13.1%. Higher daily spending is good news, but fewer visitors on island each night can mean fewer guests through the door. DBEDT's August figures, which will reflect the impact of Hurricane Lala, are expected soon.

Hawaiʻi Energy EmPOWER Grant: Up to $15,000 for Equipment Upgrades

Hawaiʻi Energy has opened a new round of EmPOWER Grant funding to help small businesses, restaurants, and nonprofits replace inefficient equipment and lower their electricity costs. Grants of up to $15,000 are available for qualifying energy-efficiency projects, such as ENERGY STAR® commercial kitchen equipment, refrigeration, and HVAC, and can cover up to 100% of project costs. Applications opened August 5 and are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early offers the best chance while funds last.



To qualify, applicants must hold a commercial electric account on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Molokaʻi, or Lānaʻi. Kauaʻi businesses are not eligible, as the island is served by a separate utility. Grants are paid as a reimbursement once the project is complete and verified.

Hawaii Restaurant Association in the News

• Hawaii News Now — State's Restaurants Get Creative to Weather High Costs and Rapid Change



• Hawaii News Now — Hurricane Lala Crop Damage Triggers Food Shortages for Hawaii Restaurants

• KHON2 — Topa Financial Center to Reopen in September After Outage

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Protein Prices: What to Expect This Fall

Y. Hata & Co.'s September Market Update, published through ChefZone, offers a practical look at where protein and supply costs are headed. Beef remains the most inflationary major protein, with historically tight cattle supplies, and USDA has lowered its beef production forecasts for 2026 and 2027. As ribeye, striploin, and tenderloin prices stay elevated, operators are shifting toward more value-oriented cuts like chuck.

There is some relief elsewhere. Chicken remains the best-supplied major protein, pork continues to offer strong value as an alternative to beef, and shrimp remains one of the more stable seafood categories. Freight and diesel costs remain a risk through the rest of the year. It's a useful read for anyone reviewing menus or planning fall and holiday purchasing.

SpotOn Fall Offer: Up to $5,000 in Free POS Hardware

For restaurant operators considering a new point-of-sale platform, SpotOn has an offer worth a look this fall. Switch to SpotOn and receive up to $5,000 in free hardware, including the mix of stations and handhelds your restaurant needs, plus free expert installation. A SpotOn team member comes on site to set up the system and get it running, so you get the know-how along with the hardware.



Terms and conditions apply. Full eligibility details are available on the offer page.

Restaurant Sales Rise for Fifth Straight Month in August

Eating and drinking places registered total sales of $105.1 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis in August, according to preliminary U.S. Census Bureau data. That's up 1.2% from July's upward-revised sales volume of $103.8 billion, and it marks the fifth consecutive month of growth, with each monthly gain at 0.5% or more.

Notably, sales growth outpaced menu price increases for the fifth straight month, meaning the gains reflect real growth rather than higher prices alone. After adjusting for menu prices, sales rose 2.4% between August 2025 and August 2026, the strongest 12-month gain in more than a year. It's an encouraging sign that consumers continue to make restaurants a priority in their spending.

Value Isn't Just About Price: What Restaurant Traffic Is Telling Operators

Consumers are highly price-sensitive in 2026, but the cheapest option isn't always winning, according to R.J. Hottovy, head of analytical research at Placer.ai, speaking in a recent Food Institute webinar. Placer.ai data shows restaurant visits were down in six of the first seven months of the year, as grocery stores, warehouse clubs, and convenience stores with strong food programs captured more of consumers' food dollars.



Even so, specialty coffee, fast-casual, and fine-dining brands have outperformed. Hottovy pointed to perceived value, meaning whether guests feel the food and the experience were worth the price, as the deciding factor. Looking ahead to 2027, he urged operators not to overlook the guest experience, pointing to brands whose investments in staffing and training have translated into stronger traffic.