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Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

[{"text":"Brevenchym shows the way — but the mist, brevenchym! The mist!","type":"text"}]

Shoyu pack

<title>Hawai‘i Scene on Social: The shoyu hack</title>

Culinary advice from the world of local social media.

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: The shoyu hack

Brevenchym shows the way — but the mist, brevenchym! The mist! 

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Aloha Spirit

Hawaii History

It was a breezy, blue-skied Thursday morning after a storm when Aloha State Daily visited Kūʻīlioloa Heiau.

The Hawaiian temple dates to the 11th or 12th century, according to a sculpture from the City and County of Honolulu, which manages the site situated on the Kaneʻilio Point near Pōkaʻī Bay in Waiʻanae.

 before it became Kūʻīlioloa, translated to "the long dog form of Kū,” or the God of War as a dog. 

 a navigator from Tahiti, Lonokaeho, constructed it 

as a training center and lighthouse for navigation

. It is the only heiau in the Islands that is bordered on three sides by the ocean.

The Royal Order of Kamehameha I, Moku O Kapuāiwa Chapter,

 helps mālama the land by mowing the grass, restoring rock walls, pulling weeds, planting trees and more, at least twice a month, so that the local community can still use and enjoy it.

“Itʻs not a burial heiau, but a navigation point. Not many people know that,” Rocky Naeʻole, member of the Order, told ASD. “Itʻs part of our kuleana. This is for us to maintain. We donʻt receive income from anybody. Itʻs all volunteer. Weʻre just here to do the work.”

Naeʻole was born in Honolulu and moved to the West Side at age 12. Heʻs fully retired, yet committed to six to eight community organizations, he said.

“Our Order has 10 mokus. Kapuāiwa covers the Waiʻanae Coast to the North Shore to ʻEwa,” he explained, adding that its membership is in the hundreds, while about 30 to 40 individuals remain currently active.

The purpose of the Order are “to preserve and perpetuate the ancient customs of Hawaiʻi” and uplift the Hawaiian people, 

He noted that the group collectively decides what they want to do in the community each year; this project has remained a priority for 12 or more years.

“You can see the stars so clear out here,” he said, noting that University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa students, nonprofits, visitors and community members have come out before to stargaze. The Order plans to host a navigation event open to the public on Saturday, Dec. 5.

Naeʻole is looking forward to the community events lined up this year and hopes to work with the county on signage for additional moʻolelo of Kūʻīlioloa Heiau.

Another member of the Order, Abraham Kalani Kaʻio, shared what the ancient site means to him.

“This heiau is a gathering of all of the Pacific Triangle. Every island in the triangle, you can get there from here. This is a tie to all of our brothers and sisters in the triangle, and I try to explain that to every race that comes here. In one way or another, your family [has] been here.”

He presented a map, showcasing the 13 public-access heiaus along the Leeward Coast. Others sit on military-owned land, he added.

Kaʻio, who was born in Germany and raised on Oʻahu, said that when they first started cleaning the heiau years ago, “it was in bad shape.”

“The place was overrun by homeless and nobody took care of it.” Now, he says some have returned to lend a hand on cleanup days, which typically run on the first and third Thursdays of the month.

Not to mention, several organizations have aided in caring for the marine life, consisting of at least three species of birds, as well as Hawaiian monk seals.

His advice to young people is to learn their culture instead of playing games, he said with a laugh. “Your knowledge of culture is knowing who you are.”

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"A quiet place"}]

, Naeʻole asked if there was anything I needed to let go of.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"I replied with a nod."}]

He said to face the ocean and close my eyes, then began to pray in ōlelo Hawaiʻi.

I breathed in and out twice as instructed. The wind grazed my cheek and tossed my hair.

“You can see the ocean from three sides and take it all in, feel how quiet it is,” he said. “If I’m stressed out — which I don’t try to stress myself out, sometimes you can’t help it — this is where I come.”

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Heiau 01

<title>Group’s kuleana to maintain Kūʻīlioloa Heiau in Waiʻanae</title>

The Royal Order of Kamehameha I, Moku O Kapuāiwa Chapter, helps steward the ancient site near Pokaʻi Bay still used today for community events that perpetuate Hawaiian culture.

Group’s kuleana to maintain Kūʻīlioloa Heiau in Waiʻanae

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

[{"type":"text","text":"A new dumpling shop recently opened in Honolulu."}]

Located on the second floor of Discovery Bay Center, 

 just soft opened. The business is known for its Northern Chinese cuisine, including handcrafted dumplings and specialized noodle dishes.

The business’s dumplings are its signature dishes; most orders contain 20 bite-sized pieces ($15.99). Choose from popular flavors like pork and cabbage and pork and chives, along with specialty options like shrimp and corn (20 pieces for $18.99), and the signature flavor (20 pieces for $23.99), which is a mixture of abalone, sea cucumber and shrimp. All dumplings are made in house.

Other menu items include wontons in bone soup ($15.99) — which is expected to be a popular dish — pork knuckle with cucumber salad ($14.99) and beef shank ($19.99). New dishes not on the menu — but are coming soon — include shredded chicken ($9.99), pigs’ ears ($15.99) and braised pork ($18.99).

Customers can also use the business’s Korean ramen station. Choose your instant noodles ($5); toppings — including cheese, eggs and sausage — are available for an additional price ($2).

If you’re craving something refreshing, check out the business’s shave ice station. Each dessert includes two toppings ($9.99); customers can get five toppings for $15.99.

Toppings range from passion fruit jelly and mango jelly to strawberry boba, peach jam and mango boba.

Waikīkī Snack Store also offers frozen, heat-at-home dumplings ($15.99). To celebrate the business’s grand opening, customers can take advantage of a limited-time promotion: buy four sets of frozen dumplings and get one set free. The promotion is valid until March 1.

The store will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Customers can enjoy free parking for the first two hours at Discovery Bay Center.

Free customer parking at Discovery Bay Center for the first two hours

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Waikiki Snack Store dumplings 021726

<title>New dumpling shop in Honolulu</title>

Located on the second floor of Discovery Bay Center, Waikīkī Snack Store recently opened. The shop — which specializes in Northern Chinese cuisine, including handcrafted dumplings and wontons in bone soup — also offers interactive ramen and shave ice stations.

New dumpling shop in Honolulu

Christine Kaakua, a property claims specialist at 

, took over the reins this year as president of the company’s 

. Its name means value-driven, intentional work, which is what the group aims to do under the company’s charitable arm, Island Insurance Foundation.

“There’s a really good foundation here with the club,” Kaakua told Aloha State Daily. “Leadership is very involved in the community, so we try to support whatever events come up annually.”

Collaboration and connection are top-of-mind for her, she noted, adding, “I try not to think of myself as the president of this because to me, this is everybody’s club, I just have some administrative stuff that I need to do.”

She said the volunteer club, which started in 2018, currently has about 20 members. Focus areas include education, environment and social services, among others.

Kaakua joined Island Insurance in January 2024 and said her co-worker invited her to join the Ho'ohana Club. She hopes to continue to grow the group in the same way.

“It’s a way to meet new people across departments, so part of the goal is to empower employees to foster teamwork,” she said. “A lot of it is just asking your neighbor you sit next to, ‘hey, do you want to join the club?’ It’s not a requirement and it is open enrollment — anyone can join at any time. It’s a revolving door.”

In 2025, Island Insurance employees volunteered more than 350 hours of their time. The Ho'ohana Club distributed free school supplies to hundreds of keiki at the Towers of Kūhio Park, helped organize food at 

Helping Hands Hawaiʻi’s Adopt-a-Family

, and supported the Hawaiʻi Heart Walk and 

To kick off 2026, Kaakua said the club was 

was set to volunteer at The Pantry on Feb. 13.

“Our volunteers report back that the work is very rewarding,” she added, “For me, it’s connection with employees and leadership at Island Insurance, as well as with members of nonprofit organizations and the community. It’s rewarding to hear stories from people from all walks of life and establishing that connection.”

“Personally, I’m not new to this industry, but where I came from, our company was more national, so it wasn’t as hands-on in the local community,” she continued. “This is new territory for me; I'm realizing how big the nonprofit sector is and how many opportunities there are. Our goal is to help when we can and do our best to meet the need.”

Island Insurance Foundation also donated about $515,000 to nearly 50 nonprofits in 2025.

“We believe that our donations to these nonprofits make tangible differences in the lives of the local residents who need it most,” said Dana Tokioka, Island Insurance Foundation president, in a recent announcement. “By supporting these worthy organizations that do so much good, we are helping to make Hawai‘i an even better place for Island families.” 

Since 2003, the foundation has donated more than $15 million to organizations statewide.

“I’m grateful to be part of a local company that values giving back and being involved in the community,” Kaakua told ASD. “I’m excited for all our events to get out and support our community. That’s where our company was founded, and where everything comes from.”

Island Insurance Foundation at The Pantry

<title>Island Insurance employees give back</title>

The charitable arm of Island Insurance, Island Insurance Foundation, donated more than $500K to 50 local nonprofits last year. Employees gave more than 350 hours of their time through various service projects spearheaded by its Ho‘ohana Club.

Island Insurance employees give back

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

 shark teeth in Waipahu to learning about Joseph Kekuku — the inventor of the steel guitar — in Downtown Honolulu there are a variety of events happening on Oʻahu this weekend. Ready to plan some weekend fun? Aloha State Daily has you covered with events at all price points.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"FRIDAY, FEB. 20"}]

Kumu Kahua Theatre is bringing its final performances of “Two Nails, One Love” to the stage. The story, written by

Lee A Tonouchi, who was recently named the 

, is based on a novel by Alden M Hayashi. It follows Ethan Taniguchi, a recently single gay man in New York City who gets an unexpected visit from his estranged mother who is from Hawaiʻi. The show runs through Feb. 22. 

 Find anime, Pokemon trading cards, antiques, coins, jewelry, vintage clothing, sports and movie memorabilia, and more at the Hawaiʻi Collector Expo at the Neal S, Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. The event runs from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10 plus taxes and fees. 

Pālolo Chinese Home’s Chinese New Year celebration. 

Participate in a day of cultural festivities, including a blessing by Dr. Jody Yeh-Grandinetti, a performance by the Gee Yung Martial Arts Dragon & Lion Dance Sports Association, and additional live entertainment. There will be food and craft vendors and a  sampling of traditional dishes prepared by Pālolo Chinese Home’s

Executive Chef Aaron Love, featuring favorites such as gau and jai. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and the program begins at 10 a.m. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"SATURDAY, FEB. 21"}]

Ka ʻAumanu o Mānoa, which is dedicated to strengthening Hawaiian language education and cultural practice within the ahupuaʻa of Mānoa, will host Kūkini Ka ʻAumanu: Holo Me Māui from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kapiʻolani Regional Park.

Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, or Hawaiian Language Month, and includes a 1 mile and 2 mile fun run, along with makahiki games such as ʻulu maika, moa pāheʻe, haka moa, and hukihuki.

There will also be entertainment and food and craft vendors. The event is supported by

 the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the City and County of Honolulu, and Kānaka Comics. Entry to each event is free, but participants are invited to make pledges to support this fundraiser for Ka ʻAumanu o Mānoa’s ongoing work in Mānoa. 

“Joseph Kekuku and the Voice of the Steel Guitar.” 

Honolulu Theatre for Youth will host its final performance of “Joseph Kekuku and the Voice of the Steel Guitar” at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21. The event includes a talkback with creators and additional guests. It was created by actor 

 in collaboration with Kealaki Center for Pacific Strings and shares the story of Joseph Kekuku, who invented the steel guitar. Tickets start at $15 for keiki and $30 for general admission with discounts for seniors and military. 

 Waikīkī Beach Walk will host a pole-jumping performance and the Royal Hawaiian Center will have an acrobatic lion dance from the Wah Ngai Lion Dance Association at The Royal Grove. Read more about 

 Looking for a tasty snack? Matsumoto Shave Ice is celebrating its 75th birthday with a sweet deal: $1 shave ice. Toppings are extra. There will also be anniversary t-shirts for sale for $10. Enjoy a taiko drum performance at 10 a.m. and a lion dance at 11 a.m. as part of  Lunar New Year celebrations. 

 from Hawaiʻi farmers and learn how to handle and prepare hōʻiʻo, a large fern endemic to Hawaiʻi, at the Wahiawā Market Day. The event, hosted at Leeward Community College’s Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center

, will include an interactive cooking demo by Chef Joe McGinn. The event starts at 9 a.m. 

Join an all-women captain and crew as they set off on a two-hour whale watching cruise. Complimentary Irish coffee or mimosas, as well as non-alcoholic refreshments, are available. The whale watching trop is a collaboration between Honolulu Snorkel Co. and Oʻahu Boat Cruises. The boat departs at 7:45 a.m. from Kewalo Basin Harbor. Tickets cost $45 plus fees and taxes. 

 Ready to hunt for fossils? All ticket purchases for this event include a drink and a chance to find fossilized shark teeth and other treasures at The Boba Room in Waipahu. Tickets cost $35, plus fees and taxes. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"SUNDAY, FEB. 22"}]

 will share traditional Chinese folk dance as part of Lunar New Year celebrations at The Royal Grove within the Royal Hawaiian Center. Ala Moana Center will host calligraphy demonstrations and pole-jumping performances by the Wah Ngai Lion Dance Association, as well as more than 100 lion dancers who will visit stores and restaurants across the center, as part of all-day activities. 

Waikīkī Beach Walk

<title>Lunar New Year fun, fossilized shark teeth and more: Friday, Feb. 20, to Sunday, Feb. 22</title>

From looking for fossilized shark teeth in Waipahu to learning about Joseph Kekuku — the inventor of the steel guitar — in Downtown Honolulu, there are a variety of events happening on Oʻahu this weekend. Ready to plan some weekend fun? Aloha State Daily has you covered with this list of events across the Island from the Windward to the Leeward side.

Lunar New Year fun, fossilized shark teeth and more: Friday, Feb. 20, to Sunday, Feb. 22

Business & Tourism

 is celebrating its 75th anniversary from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 21, at its 

 store. The event — which is free to the public — is the business’s way to say “thank you” to the community, according to general manager Remy Matsumoto.

“We’re super grateful to be able to do business for seven decades,” she says. “Really, it’s thanks to the locals who helped us with word of mouth from the beginning, who helped promote it. That’s why I think we’ve been here for this long. Hopefully, we can be in business for another 25 years and make it to 100 years. That’s our goal.”

The iconic North Shore shave ice spot originally started as a grocery store founded by Mamoru Matsumoto and Helen Momoyo (Ogi) Matsumoto in 1951, according to Matsumoto.

“They started it as a way to support their family,” she says. “We started out as a grocery store, and five years later, we started to sell shave ice.

“The sign outside — you’ll be able to see that it still says ‘M. Matsumoto Grocery Store,’” she adds. “The official anniversary date is Feb. 13.” 

To celebrate its milestone birthday, Matsumoto Shave Ice is offering a variety of anniversary specials. Customers can get small shave ice desserts with no toppings for $1 (regular price $3.75) on Saturday only. The most popular flavors are the tropical ones, including liliko

i, guava and mango, according to Matsumoto, who says that whoever buys a shave ice will be given a scratch card for a chance to win more prizes.

“You’ll have the chance to win Matsumoto gift cards,” she says. “We’re giving away snacks from some of our local vendors, while supplies last.”

Saturday’s event will also include a taiko drum performance, Lunar New Year lion dance and other live entertainment.

The business’s “Ichiban special” ($7.25) will also be featured as an anniversary special, according to Matsumoto. The dessert usually comprises one shave ice flavor of your choice, topped with ice cream, azuki beans, mochi and condensed milk, and is served in an edible waffle tray. However, for the anniversary celebration only, customers will be able to get this dessert in a rainbow flavor.

The business will also be offering its special anniversary T-shirt at a discounted rate ($10 instead of $24). Having a Matsumoto Shave Ice logo T-shirt featured in “50 First Dates” was one of the many highlights for the business over the years, according to Matsumoto.

“That was something really huge for us — getting our name out there,” she says. “Even just starting to sell T-shirts; that started in the 

’70s. We started selling our T-shirts because people wanted to wear our workers’ uniform.”

Beyond Saturday’s festivities, Matsumoto encourages attendees to stay tuned for further news from the business throughout the year.

“We’re planning to celebrate for the entire year, so we’ll also have other collaborations coming out,” Matsumoto says.

66-111 Kamehameha Hwy. No. 605, Haleʻiwa

Anniversary celebration is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 21

Matsumoto Shave Ice Remy 021726

<title>You can get $1 shave ice this Saturday</title>

Matsumoto Shave Ice is celebrating its 75th anniversary this Saturday, Feb. 21. The community is invited to enjoy a variety of specials, including $1 small shave ice (no toppings included), discounted anniversary T-shirts and more.

You can get $1 shave ice this Saturday

 recently launched a new happy hour experience.

The Capital Grille’s “Capital Hours” happy hour is available daily from 4 to 6 p.m. in the restaurant’s bar and lounge section. The happy hour menu launched about three weeks ago.

It includes a variety of happy hour-exclusive dishes — listed in the middle section of the “Capital Hours” menu — along with drink discounts.

The sliced, dry-aged New York strip ($20) has been one of the most popular dishes so far. It’s Kona crusted and serve with aji verde. It’s a nice way to try one of the eatery’s dry-aged steaks if you’re curious about the flavor, but unsure about committing to a full-sized cut.

The Parmesan truffle fries ($14) are addictive, as they’re topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese and white truffle oil. The menu says it’s designed to serve two, but it can be easily shared among more, especially if you’re ordering multiple dishes.

The petite filet sandwiches ($18) come highly recommended by our server. They’re like meaty sliders, comprising toasted brioche buns filled with truffle aioli, filets and cabernet onion jam.

Other exclusive dishes include porcini-rubbed lollipop lamb chops (two for $18), oysters casino (two for $15), cast-iron garlic shrimp ($14), Caesar salad bites ($10), The Grille’s signature cheeseburger ($28), and mushroom truffle arancini ($15). 

The happy hour menu also includes some of the eatery’s signature appetizers (not at discounted prices, though). Options include pan-fried calamari ($25), which are hand-battered and come with hot cherry peppers; prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella ($22); and caviar and caramelized onion dip ($49).

The prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella are like a twist on charcuterie. The thick pieces of cheese are encased in nutty, thinly sliced prosciutto and served with 15-year-aged balsamic, heirloom tomatoes and Grana Padano crostinis. 

If you’re feeling fancy, the caviar and caramelized onion dip ($49) is great for sharing among a group. The housemade potato chips are delectably crispy, and the dip is creamy and tasty, without the onion flavor being too overpowering. 

Happy hour specials also include discounted cocktails ($12 each); signature cocktails range from $19 to $25. The Old Fashioned and classic margarita are popular, but customers can also choose from Greyhound martinis, Straight Up (choice of Wheatley American craft vodka or Bombay gin), or peach bourbon smash.

Diners can still order from the steakhouse’s regular menu even when dining in the lounge. Complimentary three-hour valet parking is available at Lilia Waikīkī.

Happy hour is daily from 4-6 p.m. in the lounge

Complimentary three-hour valet parking available at Lilia Waikīkī

The Capital Grille happy hour spread 010526

<title>The Capital Grille Hawaiʻi has a new happy hour</title>

Feast on exclusive dishes — including Parmesan truffle fries, sliced dry-aged New York strip and filet sandwiches — and enjoy discounted cocktails during the new “Capital Hours.”

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: The shoyu hack

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