While attention is on Honolulu International Airport as DFS prepares to leave, Kahului Airport is next, and possibly others after that. What happens in Honolulu will likely set the pattern.

DFS helped build airport retail in Hawaiʻi for decades. Their focus on Asian visitors made sense for many years. But when travel patterns changed, the dollar strengthened, and the pandemic hit, DFS made a business decision to move on rather than adapt.

That decision leaves a large gap — and a warning.

What many people don’t realize is that DFS relied heavily on local disadvantaged businesses to manage airport stores. These are Hawaiʻi companies that already know how airport retail works, know the visitor mix, and have kept things running behind the scenes for years.

Now the state faces a choice. It can move quickly and bring in another mainland or international operator to fill space. That is the easiest and fastest option. But Hawaiʻi has seen this story before, with big names that arrive, dominate and then disappear when conditions change.

There is another path.

Hawaiʻi already has the talent. Local retailers understand this market because they live here. We’ve built successful niche industries — from Crazy Shirts to Hawaiian coffee, candy, clothing, music, and cultural services like Greeters of Hawaiʻi. These didn’t come from corporate playbooks. They came from people who cared enough to build something that fit this place.

There is also no need to rush into a permanent decision. Short-term or pop-up retail options could keep airports active while the state takes time to evaluate long-term solutions.

Neighbor islands should pay attention now, not later.

Ron Skates
Honolulu