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Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

[{"text":"We can't argue, it the best way to make Portuguese sausage.","type":"text"}]

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<title>Hawai‘i Scene on Social: "Burn dat buggah!"</title>

Alex_farnham has a very particular drive-through order in today's social media find.

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: "Burn dat buggah!"

We can't argue, it the best way to make Portuguese sausage. 

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Aloha Spirit

Business & Tourism

Isaiah Corpus, a 25-year-old who grew up in Waiʻanae, said that he knew as a teenager that he wanted to run his own retail store someday.

“I am the first member of my family to have a store on my own and am proud to have started this business by myself,”

I’ve always been an ocean and beach enthusiast: I taught myself to surf and kayak. I helped at beach cleanups and always want to give back to the ocean and marine life. That’s how I created my business.”

About a year ago, Corpus hatched the plan for 

Shop Kainalu, a Hawaiʻi inspired lifestyle and apparel brand, set to open this spring in Seattle, where he has lived since 2024. 

Corpus added that the initial investment for the venture came from his savings.

He said he took a few business classes and met mentors and coaches, who helped with the paperwork like applying for a state business license.

“I didn’t realize how long it would take to retrieve, but despite that, it all worked out in the end,” he said. "Iʻm excited to have my business out there and to launch soon."

While his primary job is with Hawaiian Airlines, Corpus said, he currently operates a one-man shop, overseeing the fashion and graphic design elements of its products, as well as the renovation of the new space in Seattle's University District, which is expected “to take a couple more months.”

The store is slated to open in May, with a traditional Hawaiian blessing, he said. Other priorities for Corpus ahead of the launch include working on finalizing the website (currently down), hand drawing more designs to ramp up inventory, while recruiting brand ambassadors and, eventually, a team for the store.

When asked what makes Shop Kainalu stand out, he told ASD, “I use eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, recycled fabrics and renewable textiles that reduce waste, preserve resources and eliminate harmful chemicals, embracing innovative, slow impact production methods for my store. I want to ensure that every clothing item I make not only elevates modern style but also protects the ocean.”

The brand will soon offer tees, totes, swimwear, and a range of other everyday essentials for men, women, and the home, according to 

The biz’s name in Native Hawaiian means ocean wave, which he says “integrates my purpose behind my story. … On a personal level, [I'm] always surfing, going to the beach, so when you shop at my store, you shop to care for the environment, that’s how the name came up.”

In Seattle, he continues to volunteer at cleanups and noted that a portion of the proceeds from the shop with go toward local ocean conservation groups and nonprofits.  

As a new small business owner, Corpus said he’s "still in the learning process" but has already found support from Seattle- and Hawaiʻi-owned small businesses alike. 

Interested in connecting with Corpus? Email 

His plans for the future include opening up another retail store in the Islands. Fun fact: White Plains Beach in ʻEwa Beach is a must-visit whenever Corpus comes home, which is usually monthly.

i culture and community continue to shape who I am and what I build," he said. “Even while living on the continent, Hawai

i remains at the center of my work and purpose. This journey reflects many Hawai

i people building something away from home while staying deeply connected.”

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Isaiah Corpus 16x9

<title>Small business owner with Hawaiʻi roots to open first store in Seattle</title>

Born and raised on Oʻahu, Isaiah Corpus plans to launch Shop Kainalu, a Hawaiʻi inspired lifestyle and apparel brand, in Washington where he now lives. Corpus, a self-described ocean and beach enthusiast from Waiʻanae, discusses the details leading up to its spring debut, as well as his hope to open another retail store in his island home.

Small business owner with Hawaiʻi roots to open first store in Seattle

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

In her time as the head coach of the University of Hawai‘i women's basketball team, the Big West Conference is all 

Hired in 2012, the same year most of the school's non-football teams moved from the Western Athletic Conference to the Big West, the Rainbow Wahine have made nine postseason appearances in her 13 full seasons in Mānoa. Under Beeman, the 'Bows have been the standard in the Big West. In the last four seasons alone, the Rainbow Wahine either won the Big West regular season or tournament title, winning both in 2022.  

Meanwhile, the UH men's basketball team has tried to capture the magic of Eran Ganot's first season ever since it went 28-6 with a Big West title along with the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament win in 2016. The Rainbow Warriors have yet to reach the postseason since then. In 2025, the 'Bows missed the eight-team conference tournament entirely, going 15-16 overall and 7-13 in Big West games, finishing ninth in the conference standings.

Bolstered by a roster that features eight transfers, the Rainbow Warriors are off to a 10-2 start in the 2025-2026 season, including 2-0 in Big West play. The 'Bows, who haven't played a game since a 66-61 victory over UTEP on Dec. 13, will return to the floor on Thursday against UC Riverside. Its 19-day hiatus was caused by the cancellation of the 2025 Diamond Head Classic, an eight-team tournament the Rainbow Warriors have hosted every Christmas since 2009. 

"It was definitely surreal," Ganot said of the 'Bows not playing during the Christmas season in 2025. "People always talk about us playing on the 22nd, 23rd and 25th."

The Rainbow Warriors held practices on campus following the end of UH-Mānoa's fall semester before players on the roster from the Mainland got to spend Christmas with their respective families. The team then met up in Los Angeles earlier in the week ahead of Thursday's game in Riverside. 

"Hopefully being able to spend time with their loved ones and their friends recharged the batteries," Ganot said. "Just seeing everybody meet up in LA, something we haven't done before. Good to see all the coaches and the players. ... Just really excited to see the guys again, get back to the grind, get back to the journey, and kind of go from there."

The Rainbow Warriors will play Big West games every week leading up to the conference tournament, which runs form March 12-15 in Henderson, Nev. Missing the tournament in 2025 has served as a large source of motivation. 

"The guys who were on the team last year, we talked about it a lot," point guard Aaron Hunkin-Claytor said. "We obviously don't like that feeling. And me personally, I hate losing more than I like winning, so that kind of thing just sticks with me. I know I have a little chip on my shoulder going into the other games in this conference. I think the whole team does, and we know we have a goal in mind, and that's kind of what's motivating us to play the way that we want to play."

Meanwhile, the Rainbow Wahine are 6-6 thus far, including 0-2 in Big West games. The Rainbow Wahine have seven freshmen on their roster, and Beeman believes the inexperience has led to issues with consistency. Despite that, Beeman believes the talent on the roster can contend in the Mountain West in the near future, though that's far from the focus with a Big West season still to be played. 

"We talk about it all the time," Beeman says of the impending move to the Mountain West. "I think right now, though, our focus is Big West. Talking about the Mountain West and travel isn't what's going to get us out of this hole. Obviously, we need to be better as far as our execution, being able to handle pressure, being able to play at a more physical pace. We've had some really good wins in the preseason. We've had some really bad losses. And so I look at those things like, 'OK, this is a team comparable to maybe a Mountain West team.' Obviously, a year is going to bring us a lot more experience if we keep this roster together. 

"And that's the big if. I can't start thinking about Mountain West when I don't even know what team I'm going to have coming back and if I have the (NIL) money, are they going to stay? If I don't have the money, are they going to leave? And so right now, it's more just believing in our process, being really patient, trying to get ourselves out of this hole in the Big West."

Hawaii basketball 123025

<title>Hawai‘i basketball teams look to finish strong in final year of Big West membership</title>

In July 2026, the vast majority of UH's teams will move from the Big West to the Mountain West.

Hawai‘i basketball teams look to finish strong in final year of Big West membership

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Welcome the new year with savings — and a lucky bag or two.

Meaning “lucky bag,” Fukubukuro is Japanese New Year custom where shops and merchants offer mystery bags at discounted prices.

Here are a few malls and retailers participating in 

AMC Fukubukuro2026 Lifestyle Images 8

<title>Where to go for Fukubukuro this year</title>

Meaning “lucky bag,” Fukubukuro is Japanese New Year custom where shops and merchants offer mystery bags at discounted prices. Here are a few places to check out.

Where to go for Fukubukuro this year

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

ahu — a variety of local favorites and international chain eateries are expected to open in 2026.

[{"type":"text","text":"Here’s what’s on our radar:"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Alan Wong’s"}]

 Alan Wong’s first opened its King Street location in 1995

 and the restaurant closed in November 2020, after 25 years of operation. The 

 will be opening in the former space of Hoku’s At The Kāhala and will highlight a curated selection of signature dishes from the King Street restaurant. 

 will be its sixth location. This store is unique in that it will offer cakes and an expanded drink menu. 

: Soft opening soon; grand opening in January 2026

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Chick-fil-A"}]

: Located near Hawaiʻi Convention Center, 

 will not include a drive-thru, but will still offer ample dining space. 

: The popular café will offer bagels, grab-and-go coffee and more. The 

second location will be on level 1 of Building A

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Jalapenos 808"}]

: Paina Lanai Food Court, Royal Hawaiian Center, 

 is known for its authentic Mexican food and offers burritos, tacos, quesadillas and more. 

: Liliha Bakery will open its sixth location in Waikīkī Beach Walk (former space of The Blue Fish Waikiki). The beloved Hawaii restaurant is known for its signature Coco Puffs and nostalgic charm. 

: Located on the ground floor of The Park on Ke

eaumoku, this food hall will include renowned vendors like FEAST by Jon Matsubara, Middle Eats, Soul Chicken, Serg’s Mexican Kitchen and more. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Molly Tea"}]

: Founded in China, Molly Tea offers a modern take on traditional tea culture. It’s recognized as the first freshly made tea brand dedicated to floral aromas. The Ala Moana Center store will be the brand’s first location in Hawaii. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Nori Bar"}]

: The hand roll bar’s original location is in Ward Village. Its sushi hand rolls are known for their crisp nori and Koshihikari rice. It will be opening on Kūhio Avenue in the former space of Ice Monster. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Paris Baguette"}]

: Paris Baguette, a popular café that originated in South Korea, will be opening its third O

parisbaguette.com/location-list/hi/Honolulu

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Pepper Lunch"}]

: The fast-casual eatery, known for its teppanyaki dishes, just opened its first Hawaiʻi location in Moanalua Shopping Center. The eatery will be opening locations in Kapahulu and Waikiki (at Hyatt Centric Waikīkī). 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Sip Café"}]

: 1199 Dillingham Blvd. No. C104, Honolulu 

: The café will offer coffee, banh mi and more. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Sonic Drive-In – Kapolei"}]

: Corner of Fort Barrette Road and Kapolei Parkway 

ahu Sonic Drive-In will feature the classic drive-in, roller skating servers, and Sonic’s iconic menu, including burgers, hot dogs and shakes.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Westman Café + Lounge"}]

: Known for its brunch — with dishes like souffle pancakes — Westman Café + Lounge closed its location at Waikīkī Beach Walk in early 2024 and will be opening its new location soon at Ward Village. 

Restaurants in 2026 Paris Baguette 122925

<title>New restaurants opening on Oʻahu in 2026</title>

From the return of Alan Wong’s to Liliha Bakery’s sixth location, here’s a look at O‘ahu’s dining scene in 2026.

New restaurants opening on Oʻahu in 2026

[{"type":"text","text":"There’s a new all-you-can-eat sushi spot in Honolulu."}]

Sumo AYCE Sushi recently opened in Azure Ala Moana. It’s located in the former space of Debu (the new restaurant sign isn't up yet). The all-you-can-eat experience costs $26.95 per person during lunch (Mondays to Thursdays) and $36.95 for the all-day menu.

The eatery is originally from Las Vegas; this is its first Hawai

i store. Since it’s in its soft opening, only walk-ins are accepted (no reservations).

The restaurant is currently open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (last seating at 9 p.m.; last call for the kitchen is at 9:45 p.m.). There’s a 90-minute time limit for the all-you-can-eat experience. If customers leave leftover rice, they will be charged.

Customers also have the option to order a la carte, if they don’t feel like doing AYCE. All members of the same dining party must choose the same experience (either all-you-can-eat or a la carte). 

The menu features a variety of nigiri, appetizers, sushi rolls and all-day specials like salmon carpaccio, lobster garlic bread, poke nachos and more.

On the AYCE menu, certain dishes — like uni nigiri, ama ebi nigiri and salmon cut center steak — can only be ordered once.

Recommended appetizers include KFC — Korean fried chicken with Korean sweet and spicy sauce — chicken karaage and crispy rice. The latter features crispy rice topped with spicy tuna, jalapeno, garlic ponzu, spicy mayo and eel sauce.

Popular nigiri so far include seared salmon and yuzu yellowtail nigiri. Classic nigiri options include tuna, shrimp, yellowtail and more.

Choose from unique options like corn cheese garlic bread, bulgogi garlic bread and lobster garlic bread. The latter features soft garlic bread topped with crab, lobster, mozzarella cheese, eel sauce, spicy mayo and scallions.

While filling up on carbs is not usually recommended for AYCE experiences, these breads are trying at least once and are easy to share.

Customers can choose from a variety of four-piece and eight-piece sushi rolls; there are more than 40 options. Popular options include the Chanel roll (shrimp tempura, spicy crab and avocado topped with tuna and salmon); Lisa Lisa roll (shrimp tempura, avocado, crab and cream cheese topped with tempura crunch and eel sauce); and the lemon salmon roll (crab and avocado topped with salmon, lemon and ponzu).

End with desserts like honeydew or ube Melona bars, or vanilla mochi ice cream.

Customer parking is available at Azure Ala Moana; look for the designated retail parking stalls within the structure.

Open daily, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (last seating at 9 p.m.)

Sumo AYCE Sushi dinner spread 122925

<title>New all-you-can-eat sushi spot opens in Honolulu</title>

Sumo AYCE Sushi just opened in Azure Ala Moana. The eatery — originally from Las Vegas — offers an extensive all-you-can-eat menu, along with an a la carte menu.

New all-you-can-eat sushi spot opens in Honolulu

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

Hawai‘i is facing a “mild recession” going into 2026, warns an analysis by the University of Hawai‘i.

The University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization released today a report on the state’s economy at the end of 2025 and looking ahead to 2026. Much like its

, the end-of-year verdict is that things will get worse before they get better.

UHERO Executive Director Carl Bonham said Thursday that little has changed since the fall report. Tourism in Hawai‘i is still in decline, prices are still rising, and the job market is still weak.

According to the report, UHERO predicts that total non-farm jobs in the state will drop by 0.3% — about 100,000 — next year. This drop will include a cumulative 1,900 laid off federal workers, and 500 lost jobs in the accommodation and food service sector.

On the other hand, Hawai‘i's construction sector remains strong, and is the only industry in the state remaining steady into 2026. Total commitments to build in the state will peak at $9.8 billion this year, while an $8 billion multiple award construction project will bring years of work for improvements and upgrades at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam.

 last week by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, which projected a 1.5% increase to the state GDP next year, a mild decrease from the 1.6% increase this year. However, this may represent a lag behind growth nationwide; financial analytics company S & P Global 

 a U.S. economic growth rate of 2% next year.

Tourism to the state is expected to drop next year. While the 2025 tourist industry is ending in a slightly stronger state than 2024 (which was itself weaker thanks to the lingering impacts of the 2023 Lahaina wildfires), the collective strain of inflation, stagnant income growth across the Mainland U.S. and more will drive visitor rates down by more than 1% next year — which means, very roughly, a little over 100,000 fewer visitors statewide.

Canadian tourism in particular has dropped amid that country’s own economic woes caused in part by the Donald Trump Administration’s tariffs. Visitor numbers from Canada are nearly 10% down from last year and will remain down into next year.

The impacts of tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump Administration will compound the issue, increasing inflation in the state throughout next year. However, Bonham said Hawai‘i has generally been spared the worst of inflation compared to the Mainland; here the inflation rate is around 2%, whereas on the Mainland it’s about 3%.

Nonetheless, inflation is expected to reach a peak of about 3.5% in Hawai‘i toward the end of 2026.

Meanwhile, the month-long shutdown of the federal government in October has had its own knock-on effects, as paychecks for the roughly 34,000 federal employees in the state were delayed, reducing overall spending in the state. The correlating lapse in funding for programs like SNAP similarly reduced household spending.

While most of this spending has rebounded since the shutdown ended and federal workers received their deferred paychecks, Bonham said a second shutdown would exacerbate recession conditions next year.

Because Congress only ended the October shutdown by temporarily funding most federal programs through Jan. 30, another shutdown could be around the corner if Congress fails to extend funding again next month.

All of this, however, could change based on any number of unpredictable factors at the federal level. The report acknowledges that decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court over whether Trumps tariffs are constitutional, the overall impact of the administration’s immigration crackdown on the nation’s labor force and how the Federal Reserve will set interest rates could all worsen or reduce or even avert entirely the recession.

“This continues to be an environment where uncertainties dominate our thinking,” the report concludes, before hoping that “in 2026 we will see clear evidence of improving conditions.”

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