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Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

[{"text":"We think this is why the Super Big Gulp was invented.","type":"text"}]

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<title>Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Sharing is caring</title>

In today's social media find, kingkennyslay and kili_so_silly celebrate the joy of friendship.

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Sharing is caring

We think this is why the Super Big Gulp was invented. 

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

Food & Dining

For nearly 50 years, Kimo's Restaurant welcomed visitors to the Lahaina waterfront. Now — nearly three years after the popular restaurant's Front Street location was lost in the deadly August 2023 wildfire that destroyed much of the West Maui community — Kimo's is coming home.

Parent company T S Restaurants on Thursday announced it has signed a letter of intent to develop a new Kimo's location on Front Street.

"While the company continues to explore possibilities for the original Kimo’s site as redevelopment plans for the makai side of Front Street evolve, T S Restaurants is moving forward with a new Front Street location to ensure Kimo’s returns to the community as quickly as possible," the announcement notes.

T S Restaurants will partner with business leaders Kent Untermann and Mousa Hassan who are restoring the Chan Wa Building, which will be the restaurant's future home.

“We knew bringing Kimo’s back would require not only the right location but also the right partners,” T S Restaurants CEO Jackie Reed said in the announcement. “Kent and Mousa are longtime Hawaiʻi business leaders, trusted friends and people who care deeply about Lahaina. They were among the first to reach out after the fires asking how they could help. This partnership is built on trust, shared values and a common commitment to Lahaina's future.”

, whose family of brands include Pictures Plus, CocoNene and Plus Interiors, said in the announcement, “We’re honored that T S Restaurants chose to partner with us on this project, and we’re committed to helping bring back a place that contributes to the energy, vitality and long-term future of Front Street. Kimo’s is part of Lahaina’s identity and a place that generations of residents and visitors have visited.”

 in the fire, the opportunity is personal.

“Kimo’s has been part of my life for as long as I can remember,” he said in the announcement. “Like so many people in Hawaiʻi, I’ve spent a lifetime making memories there. Helping bring Kimo’s back to Front Street is an incredible honor, and I hope it becomes another step toward restoring the heart of Lahaina.”

T S Restaurants got its start in 1977 when 

Rob Thibaut and Sandy Saxten opened Kimo's, the first T S Restaurant, at 845 Front St., on the last available waterfront parcel in old Lahaina Town. Today, the family-owned company owns and operates 13 restaurants in Hawai‘i and California. Its Hawai‘i restaurants include Duke's Waikīkī and Hula Grill 

on O‘ahu; Kimo's, Leilani's on the Beach, Hula Grill Kā‘anapali and Duke's Beach House on Maui; and Duke's Kaua‘i and Keoki's Paradise on Kaua‘i. Duke's Kona will open on Hawai‘i Island in late 2026 and Duke's at the Cove in West O‘ahu is 

Aloha State Daily caught up with Reed last month — ahead of the anniversary of the fire and before this announcement was made — to talk more about the experience during the blaze and the company's ongoing recovery.

In the aftermath of the fire, Reed, said it was assumed that Kimo's was lost, but confirmation didn't come for at least a week.

"Finally, when somebody did a flyover and filmed, that's when we were able to get confirmation, but ... from what we had heard — and then seeing some videos of neighboring buildings that were engulfed in flames — we had assumed that Kimo's had burned down as well."

But in those moments — and for a long time after — Reed says that wasn't the company's main priority.

"And it still isn't. Our main priority is our T S ‘ohana," she told ASD. "Even though all of our employees survived, some of their families didn't, and we had almost 300 of them lose their homes and all of their belongings. That's all that we were thinking about. We knew that eventually we would assess what had happened with Kimo's, but our focus was on our ‘ohana. Through the generosity of the T S owners, our guests, so many people who just wanted to help, they donated to our 

 and we were able to grant $2.3 million to our employees to help, which was really wonderful because they're on our payroll and we were able to do that quickly."

Reed had said last month that the company "definitely want[s] to bring Kimo's back to Front Street and that is a priority for us," but T S has been focused on the community and its Maui ‘ohana.

"Now that there is some activity, we're looking at all options. Of course, we would love to go back to our original location, but being that it was waterfront, that timeline seems like it's going to be a different timeline than some potential other locations, so we're continuing to explore opportunities to bring Kimo's back in hopefully what would be the first phase of redevelopment for Front Street," she said in June, noting then that nothing was confirmed at that time.

[{"type":"text","text":"Commercial rebound"}]

As the anniversary of the fire nears, commercial activity in Lahaina is starting to tick up. 

An interim marketplace and community gathering spot in development by Hawaiian Council — with support from its Kākoʻo Maui Fund and the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation — will be the first project to bring storefronts back to Front Street, Maui County said in a July 2 announcement of its launch. 

Called ‘Ulu o Lele — which means Growth of Lele and honors Lahaina's traditional name — the marketplace will be located at the former Outlets of Maui site and offer a temporary home for local businesses, nonprofits, cultural practitioners, farmers and community programming while permanent commercial redevelopment progresses, the announcement noted.

According to the county, Hawaiian Council, formerly known as the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, has secured a two-year lease for approximately three acres at the site and is leading the planning, development and implementation of the project, itself designed as an 18- to 24-month recovery initiative.

 modular retail spaces and supporting infrastructure to "quickly activate the site and create new opportunities for local businesses and organizations," the announcement says. Meanwhile, the marketplace is expected to hold approximately 25 to 50 local vendors and help sustain about 90 jobs.

On Thursday, Hawaiian Council opened a vendor interest for businesses, nonprofits, cultural practitioners, farmers, food  vendors and others interested in being a part of ‘Ulu o Lele. 

According to the July 16 announcement from Hawaiian Council, a member-based nonprofit that works to advance the cultural, economic and community development of Native Hawaiians, this is the first step in the vendor selection process and asks prospective vendors to provide information about their business, connection to Lahaina, wildfire impacts, interest in the marketplace, readiness to operate, potential space needs and their vision for contributing to "an authentic Lahaina experience," among other details.

 and will be open through Sunday, July 26. It's not an application and doesn't guarantee participation in the marketplace.

[{"type":"text","text":"A formal request for proposals will be released at a later date."}]

Overall, five Front Street commercial permits have been issued and two more commercial projects are nearing permits, according to recent information provided by Maui County. More than a dozen commercial properties are in planning consultation.

"Permitting and approvals in the Lahaina Historic districts have been one of the most heavily regulated processes in the state, involving national, state and local rules. Besides being one of the most storied places in Hawaiʻi and the Islands’ first capital, it was the only historic district in the state with buildings constructed out over the water," the county's July 2 announcement noted.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Proposed Chan Wa Commericial Building

<title>Kimo's Restaurant set to return to Lahaina's Front Street</title>

The restaurant was among the businesses lost in the deadly August 2023 wildfire that destroyed much of West Maui community.

Kimo's Restaurant set to return to Lahaina's Front Street

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

 but didn’t want to commit to a monthly prix fixe menu — now’s your chance.

The eatery closed briefly in early January to give its staff a break, and recently opened with a new format.

, “Chef Chris (Kajioka) always intended this space to be a restaurant for the neighborhood; the same place where he grew up and spent time as a kid. This space will return to be ‘Café Miro,’ featuring an a la carte menu that will be built around the ethos of just being delicious.”

Once the restaurant reopened later in January, we made reservations to check out the new a la carte dishes. A classic prix fixe menu ($135 per person, optional $65 wine pairing) is still available, and comprises crowd favorites like ‘ahi brioche, miso black cod and filet of beef.

The eatery’s sister restaurant, The Counter Miro — formerly Leila Kaimukī — will be highlighting the prix fixe concept through a multi-course tasting counter, which will be available soon.

Cafe Miro's a la carte menu offers a mix of snacks and appetizers, salads, entrees, sides and desserts.

The eatery’s signature ‘ahi brioche ($14), chive madeleines ($24) and charred cabbage salad ($20) come highly recommended.

The thick, buttery brioche is topped with a generous slab of ‘ahi, along with avocado, tare and chives.

While madeleines — small butter cakes known for their sponge cake-like interior and crispy edges — are often served in dessert form, this savory version is served warm and accompanied with Hudson Valley foie gras mousse.

The dish is like a twist on bread and butter in the best way — the madeleines are light and spongy, complemented by the savory, easily spreadable mousse. The foie gras flavor is subtle — earthy and nutty, without being overwhelming.

The Caesar salad ($22) is one of my new favorites on the menu. It features thick, spongy croutons — made from the same buttery brioche as featured in the ‘ahi brioche — and 2-year-old aged Parmesan. We appreciated the nutty, savory flavor; this is an ideal dish for cheese lovers.

We’re told the roasted garlic bone marrow ($28) was inspired by a popular restaurant in New York called Blue Ribbon Brasserie, which is known for its bone marrow served with oxtail marmalade.

Miro’s version features a beef cheek marmalade made with port wine and sherry vinegar. The topping’s acidity cuts the fat from the bone marrow, and the harmonious medley pairs perfectly with pieces of toasted shokupan bread.

Entrees range from Café burger ($30) — double wagyu patty, caramelized onion jam and green peppercorn aioli — and Ry black cod ($45) to meaty options like Westholme rib-eye ($95) and Westholme striploin ($89).

The cod is sold out during our visit, but its Hokkaido scallop substitute was a mouthwatering replacement. The succulent scallops were served in a rice porridge made with shio koji miso and topped with bubu arare and daikon. 

Meanwhile, the tender Australian wagyu rib-eye is served with garlic confit and shallots. You’re given the option to add sauces — Cognac peppercorn ($18), black truffle butter ($18) or crab Hollandaise ($22) — but the meat is so flavorful that it doesn’t need additional flair.

Sides are served a la carte; options include beef tallow fries ($10), smoked mozzarella smashed potatoes ($14) and baby spinach with garlic confit ($14). The Yukon smashed potatoes are indulgent and buttery, and the cheesy flavor isn’t overwhelming. If you order the burger, though, go for the beef tallow fries.

End with desserts like banana mochi cake ($10) and Strauss soft serve ($12). It’s difficult to choose one — you can always get both — but I’m partial to the soft serve.

Boasting a luscious, velvety texture, the soft serve is reminiscent of the creamy Hokkaido soft serve you’d find in Japan. Take your pick from three toppings — salted miso caramel, Laudemio olive oil or valrhona chocolate and candied peanut. If you want a more “classic” dessert, go for the dark chocolate and candied peanut, which provides a nice crunch. The salted miso caramel is sure to please those who prefer a balance of sweet and savory.

There’s something to be said for the banana mochi cake ($10), though. It’s like a lighter version of banana bread, complete with mochi’s signature, slightly chewy texture.

Cafe Miro entrees 012926

<title>Café Miro Kaimukī has a new a la carte menu</title>

The Kaimukī eatery recently changed its format to offer both, a prix fixe menu and an a la carte dining option. New a la carte dishes include a café burger, wagyu beef tartare, roasted garlic bone marrow and an indulgent soft serve dessert.

Café Miro Kaimukī has a new a la carte menu

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Aloha Spirit

Arts & Entertainment

Representatives of Liliʻuokalani Center, a new youth program hub owned by Liliʻuokalani Trust, along with the four co-owners and members of 

, the white gloved and masked hip-hop dance group that took off in 2008 after winning “America’s Best Dance Crew,” addressed local media Thursday abound their partnership and purpose in the community, among other topics.

While visiting Hawaiʻi, The Jabbawockeez have performances set for staff and local partners, as well as an audience of 400 Trust beneficiaries, or kamaliʻi, from across the Islands, which will be on Saturday, Sept. 6. This is part of the organizationʻs “Youth iHuddle,” a biennial, daylong event, this year held at the new center on Ward Avenue. The space was formerly the Honolulu Club, and before that, TGI Fridays.  

“This celebration is especially meaningful, as we recently honored Queen Liliʻuokalani’s birthday, her legacy of aloha, resilience and dedication to the people of Hawai’i continues to guide the Trust and inspires work being done at the center,” said Brook Lee, former Miss Universe, who served as moderator.

Liliʻuokalani Center Executive Director Jennifer Laʻa said at the press conference, “The Liliʻuokalani Center is a 97,000-square-foot hub serving Native Hawaiian youth, primarily 12-24 years old. ... Itʻs been completely renovated and is a beautiful space of play, imagination and exploration from a black box theater to an innovation lounge, culinary teaching and arts space. We want people to try out new things, spark passion and strive toward excellence.

“We are purposefully and intentionally partnering with organizations that serve the same population. We have a partnership with Child Welfare [Services]. We are working with judges from across the state. We want to provide a place for Native Hawaiian young folks that donʻt have access to resources. Thatʻs our primary target audience.”

When asked about their connection to Hawaiʻi, The Jabbawockeez co-owner Ryan Paguio shared about his personal familial ties and the crews’ performances here over the years. “The people of Hawai’i are always welcoming when we come here. They make us feel like family, or ʻohana.”

The crew took time to learn about Liliʻuokalani, and even practiced pronouncing her name correctly. One thing they learned from the crowd, was how to shaka.

“Hawai’i isn’t just a place we visit — it’s a family we cherish. Supporting Liliʻuokalani Center is our way of honoring the culture, history and aloha that inspires us every time we touch the Islands,” said co-owner Joseph Larot in a statement.

Co-owner Kevin Brewer said that facilities like this give the next generation of artists greater access, “which is a big deal." 

“Hopefully, we have good-hearted people who come out of this space and become a positive, contributing individual to the world, just from having access to a dance studio compared to a garage.”

Having started in a garage themselves, The Jabbawockeez are about to complete their production "TIMELESS" in Las Vegas through Sept. 18 and will debut a new production at MGM Grand this fall. The crew also presented a donation of $65,000 to Liliʻuokalani Trust to bolster programming.

“This fall we have opened about 400 slots and next year we have about 3,000 slots open for kids to come in and take classes,” Laʻa said. “This funding is greatly appreciated and will go toward all of our programs.”

Though the Liliʻuokalani Center is slated to officially start its programs come October, its ʻŌlino Summer Program ran from the end of June to Aug. 1, Laʻa said, adding, “We had 140  kamaliʻi in the space from all over the state. ... It was heartwarming for me to see them building relationships and finding a place of belonging 

 which is the purpose behind what we do 

Heide Lilo, managing director for kamaliʻi well-being, told Aloha State Daily that her favorite part of her role is directly working with kamaliʻi and their families. She joined Liliʻuokalani Trust nine months ago, with 25 years of experience working for Child Welfare Services 

“I have passion for what I do and enjoy being able to home in on Native Hawaiians, bringing a cultural perspective to our programming,” she said. “With any new program, we have been scaling up slowly and meeting kamaliʻi where they are at.”

To celebrate the Queen’s birthday this month, she said some of the Trust’s staff attended a lei draping ceremony at her statue at the Hawai’i State Capitol and attended Ali’i Sunday at Kawaiahaʻo Church. Other events can be found 

According to Liliʻuokalani Trust CEO Tina Keane, the team is currently larger than 200 staff and is expected to grow to more than 300 employees by the end of the year.

“Even with the nice spaces and resources, if we don’t have passionate people to help connect with the youth, we can’t execute. It really takes teammates working together,” Lilo said.

Liliʻuokalani Center broke ground in 2023 and brought in a youth advisory group from Nā Leo O Kamaka’eha to help with branding and furnishing, along with dreaming up its programs that span wellness, food services, art, sports, entrepreneurship and technology. Workforce development and mentorship are also key focuses engrained throughout.

Murals throughout the center were created by artists Jack Soren and Brandy Alia.

Established in 1909, Liliʻuokalani Trust has served thousands of kamaliʻi through direct services and collaborations with community partners. The private operating foundation saw revenues exceeding $40 million in 2023, per ProPublica. According to its latest annual report, the trust endowment provided $27.5 million to fund all direct charitable expenses for the same year.

Registration is open for fall programs at the 

JABB Ax LC

<title>The Jabbawockeez donate and dance benefiting youth at Liliʻuokalani Center</title>

The iconic white gloved and masked dance group made a pitstop in Hawaiʻi this week to perform at the new 97,000-square-foot building on Ward Avenue owned by Liliʻuokalani Trust. Aloha State Daily also took a tour of the eight-story facility, which includes a rooftop garden, fitness center and gym, commercial kitchen, collaborative and creative spaces and studios for dance, film production, broadcast media, and more, that serve Native Hawaiian youth ages 12 to 24.

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Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Sharing is caring

Authors

ASD Staff

Reporter

More in Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

Enter for a chance to win tickets to see Disney’s live action adaptation of the animated film ‘Moana’

Hawai‘i Scene on Social meets Hawai‘i Skies

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