Mail delays and higher shipping costs are pushing Hawaiʻi shoppers toward local businesses this holiday season, which is good news for small sellers but a squeeze on everyone's wallets.

• The Postal Service has slowed delivery to Hawaiʻi: priority mail now takes longer, and cheaper "ground advantage" packages go by boat and can take over a week, with some shoppers waiting almost a month for small items.
• Shipping prices have also gone up, making online orders from the mainland both slower and pricier.
• Local craft fairs and shops are seeing more interest as shoppers give up on online orders arriving in time for the holidays.
• Small business owners say rising fuel costs, tariffs, and shipping expenses are forcing them to pay more to get goods, and they're having to decide whether to absorb those costs or raise prices.
• Businesses are warning shoppers to order early since limited inventory and delays could get worse closer to the holidays.

Outlook: Expect continued shipping delays and higher prices through the holiday season, with more Hawaiʻi shoppers turning to local sellers as a workaround.