Mixed Messages: Hawaiʻi’s paint sector maintains cautious optimism in 2025

HPM Building Supply reports Hawaii's construction industry is seeing a dramatic shift toward bold exterior colors like dark grays and navy blues. While noting the 12% increase in construction jobs, HPM's Diana Ancog and Aaron Auna express cautious optimism tempered by labor shortages and potential tariff impacts. They highlight specialized products like Benjamin Moore Element Guard, designed for Hawaii's unique climate challenges, while observing that today's customers arrive with more technical knowledge but still need significant help with color selection.