Aloha State Daily - Hawaii News
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State Archives receive century-old Portuguese immigration records
The Portuguese Consulate in San Francisco gifted the state scans of immigration data from between 1878 and 1934.
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 21, 2026

Rail construction to cause extended traffic adjustments along Dillingham Boulevard, Kamehameha Highway
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation and Tutor Perini Corp. will implement a revised traffic plan for the roadways, beginning with a section of road between Middle Street and Pu‘uhale Road.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 21, 2026

New weekday dinner buffet at Prince Waikīkī
100 Sails Restaurant & Bar just launched a new chef selection dinner buffet, available from 5 to 9 p.m. Mondays to Wednesdays. This buffet costs $62 per adult; instead of action stations like prime rib or sushi handrolls, it features specialty items like roasted beef tri tip, guava barbecue pork ribs, mushroom risotto and more.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 20, 2026

Honolulu’s Rachel Chai talks caregiving
Chai, a mother of two, has more than a decade of experience as a caregiver, most recently with Griswold Home Care for Oʻahu. She was recently named a recipient of the company’s winter caregiver scholarship for National Caregivers Day, which will go toward her master’s degree in social work.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 20, 2026

AI music regulations, a state symphony, and more in these bills to watch
Aloha State Daily rounded up some bills that lawmakers are considering this legislative session. Those measures include proposed laws that could bring musical performances to patrons of the public library system and students in public schools. There is also an initiative to designate the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra as the State of Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra.
Katie HellandFebruary 20, 2026

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel debuts $180M renovation
The hotel says this is the “most extensive transformation in the property’s 60-year history.”
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 20, 2026

Tax on groceries to stay, for now
One proposal to scale back the General Excise Tax on groceries and nonprescription drugs has died in the Legislature although another still stands.
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 20, 2026

New seafood restaurant opens at Pier 38
Located in the former space of Nami Kaze Hawaiʻi at Pier 38, Thirty Eight restaurant just opened to the public for dinner. The menu focuses on fresh seafood; customers can enjoy dishes like hamachi crudo, poke crackers, shrimp toast, and a fried whole moi.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 19, 2026

Aloha Beer Co. launched a new menu
The Kakaʻako brewpub’s new menu features a variety of appetizers, seafood dishes, entrees and pizzas that are designed to pair well with the venue’s beverages. Customers can also create their own mixed six-pack of canned beers.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 19, 2026
Daily Features
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Daily Smile: Saturday, February 21, 2026

Daily Smile: Friday, February 20, 2026

"We take the dogs to walk on Kahala Beach several times a week. We like to go late in the day when most people are gone or leaving. It always amazes us when this gorgeous beach is so quiet, especially so close to town and to our house. We've been coming here for years — actually with two other dogs who have since passed so we have a lot of memories of walking here. I love when there are just a couple of fishermen out or couples watching the sunset. They are always amused by our dogs who go racing down the beach together then charge into the water. The sunsets are glorious and perfectly framed by the trees and I love how the colors gradually go from blue to lavender to pink to yellow. Stunning!"
Food & Dining
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New dumpling shop in Honolulu
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 18, 2026
You can get $1 shave ice this Saturday
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 18, 2026
The Savellano’s Lechon business specializes in crispy pork belly
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 17, 2026
Celine’s Best launches new potato wand snack
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 16, 2026
Viral seafood rice bowl spot is opening in ʻAiea
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 14, 2026
Arts & Entertainment
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Services for Hula Master Nālani Kanakaʻole
Katie HellandFebruary 19, 2026
Lunar New Year fun, fossilized shark teeth and more: Friday, Feb. 20, to Sunday, Feb. 22
Katie HellandFebruary 18, 2026
Uncles and Aunties: How John Rampage first got into theater and is shaping performers today
Cheryl Chee TsutsumiFebruary 17, 2026
Kalihi author releases second book
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 14, 2026
Stand-up comedian shares how he started Comedy U Hawaiʻi
Katie HellandFebruary 13, 2026
Sports
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Danny Alvarez set to make debut as Hawai‘i beach volleyball head coach
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 19, 2026
AC Carter returns to Hawai‘i ahead of jersey retirement
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 18, 2026
Officials gather for new Aloha Stadium milestones
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 18, 2026
The week ahead in Hawai‘i sports: UH men's basketball looking to stay atop Big West
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 17, 2026
Guided by Mānoa Magic, Hawai‘i baseball wins season-opening series over Gonzaga
Christian ShimabukuFebruary 17, 2026