Some people are struggling just to make it day to day, while others appear to be doing fine. Whatever the truth of things, there has been some major restructuring going on in the Big Island economy in the last few years. Sugar has died out, the mega-marts have come to town, the tourism industry is taking a new direction, and diversified agriculture is primed to become a major force. Other sectors of the economy include transportation, communication, utilities, finance, insurance, and real estate. In all, only 20 employers on the Big Island have more than 200 workers.
Small business comprises the vast majority of the enterprises in Big Island commerce.
Hotels in Kona and on the Kohala gold coast, bars and restaurants, visitor activities, retail shops, and the numerous businesses that in some way interface with the visitor industry generate the majority of employment. But 1996 generated a good deal of optimism in the tourism industry. This has fueled a corresponding increase in retail stores and service businesses, so they are now the fastest expanding segment of the west side economy. Costco, Kmart, and Wal-Mart. Increasing demand for particular goods and services and a response to the big box retailers has resulted in the opening of many niche businesses.