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Kady Pascual

Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

I still don’t understand why they made Ka Makana Aliʻi an outdoor mall.

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@DaCheehoos

<title>Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Keiki with attitude</title>

Today’s social media find comes from @DaCheehoos, who’s shedding light on every town.

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Keiki with attitude

I still don’t understand why they made Ka Makana Aliʻi an outdoor mall.  Make sure you follow @DaCheehoos on Instagram! For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up here for our free Daily Edition newsletter!

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Aloha Spirit

Business & Tourism

For Kailua resident and surfer John Ingari, opening 

 six years ago was a passion project come to life.

Now, due to slim margins and “not enough skin in the game to hire out,” the surf shop at 315 Uluniu St. will be boarded up by the end of the month when its lease expires, according to Ingari.

’s been an uphill battle. I’m wearing all the hats. … 

We outgrew our current space, and even though I

’t aligned yet for the next brick-and-mortar store,” he said. “

more than 400 surfboard consigners, who were given options to come get their boards or take the buyout offer, in which we’ll donate. Our goal is to not be left with inventory.”

Ingari is most proud of staying true to the biz’s mission “to support local shapers and our beloved community.” He said he’s worked with more than 20 local shapers and “has donated countless boards” through different organizations, schools and events to sponsoring kids in the community.

“Each time was so rewarding on a spiritual level. Being in relationship with all the surfers who chose Gnarwall’s has been really rewarding,” he said. “Because of where I live and surf, the military community has been just awesome. … I’m very hopeful that I get to 

“If I meet someone new to island on the military base who is interested in surfing, I help get them into the community the right way – welcoming them, so they’re not feeling like they can’t have some point of entry. It’s really awesome that we’ve had that ability to meet each other in this environment. … I’ve taken some guys out who were intimidated getting into surfing and now I can call them surfers. They can paddle out, ride a wave, they know proper etiquette.”

Ingari said since starting the business, he’s taken 36 days off in total.

Learning the ins and outs of business was challenging, going from a nobody in the industry to where I am now with great relationships and reputation,” he said. “

It’s a lot to take on. I put myself in that role to educate and sustain the business and it’s not feasible for one person to do that.”

Part of the education piece is the reality that local shapers have to work two-to-three jobs to make ends meet in Hawai’i, he said. “Other surf shops sell out on imports because margins are better on an import board from China, then they are on a locally made board. It’s grown to a level that even some experienced surfers can’t even tell the visual difference of the boards they’re buying. There’s a lot of tricks in the market. We’ve neglected the local aspect of the whole economy of the surf industry.”

“For my shop, I wanted to not do the same thing, to not entertain the margin of imports, but support local. I believe there is a desire amongst the surfing community to support local if that education were out there at a greater level. … 

There’s still a lot of opportunity for the surf industry to come together.”

Looking ahead, he’s excited to grow his family, find financial stability and, of course, surf. 

Ingari, who previously trained and worked as a biomedical engineer, said, “I consider myself a surfer, not businessman.”

, Gnarwall Surf Shop had one of the biggest surfboard selections on island.

“People would come in and their jaw would drop – it was loaded with surfboards from corner to corner,” he said. “When that reputation got out, for the surfers, it was a total candy store. For non-surfers it was treated like a museum.”

[{"type":"text","text":"For updates on boards for sale, check out the shop's Instagram: "}]

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Gnarwall Surf Shop

<title>Kailua’s Gnarwall Surf Shop rides final wave</title>

The Oʻahu-based business that opened six years ago with a mission to empower local shapers, while supporting surfers at every level, plans to close shop by the end of this month. Surfer turned business owner John Ingari shares insights about the industry, what heʻll miss most about serving the community and whatʻs next.

Kailua’s Gnarwall Surf Shop rides final wave

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

 the Apple TV+ mini-series about uniting the Hawaiian Islands, which debuted Aug. 1, actor Moses Goods plays Moku, the advisor to the future King Kamehameha I. Written and executive produced by Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa‘a Sibbett, the series shares the story of Kaʻiana, played by Momoa, as he tries to unify the Islands before Western colonization in the late 18th century.

 New episodes drop every Friday through Sept. 19.

With four episodes left in the nine-part series, Goods spoke with Aloha State Daily about getting into character. His favorite part of playing Moku?   

“It would have to be the layers of this particular character and what’s weighing on him,” he said. “He's someone that he saw the prophecy when Kamehameha was a baby, when he was born, and he saw the end result. And he's devoted his life since that time to now to achieving those results, which means he had to do some things that maybe didn't sit well with him, like use his daughter as a pawn in this game. But this is something that he believes wholeheartedly in, and he believes this is what is needed for Hawaiʻi, for the people, for the lāhui, and so he does it. Just those layers of him being a politician and being a father, to me, makes for a very interesting character.”

Goods is no stranger to films that share the history of the Islands, often entirely in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. He recently played the Chief of East Maui in the short film “Kūkini,” which shares the same conflict as “Chief of War” from the eyes of a messenger, or kūkini, for Maui. He also wrote “Duke,” a one-man show about Duke Kahanamoku, the legendary surfer and Olympic gold medalist.

These kind of roles often mean potraying ancestors, “which in our belief, are still with us, are still around us,” he said.

“So my process involves opening the door for them to come be with me in whatever way that they choose,” he said. “That's how I prepare for it. He did come through that door in a very real way, and it has helped and elevated my portrayal of this kupuna. Even though he's someone that I'm not connected to by blood, he is someone that now is with me. And I'm doing what he told me to do.”

Moses hopes the “Chief of War” series continues to do what it has already done, which is spark conversations about culture, he said.

“It's sparking things that are contrary to what people think Hawaiʻi is because a lot of people that don't grow up here, they think Hawaiʻi is surfing, grass skirts — cellophane skirts — and a very touristy idea of what they believe Hawaiʻi is, and now it's giving them an entirely different view of what Hawaiʻi is, and one that's a little closer to reality," he said. "That's already taking place, and I just want more of that. I want people to watch this show and be intrigued and be curious about Hawaiian culture and language and history.”

When asked about challenges of filming the series, Goods was quick to mention wearing the traditional 

, or loincloth, in New Zealand. Even though the series is set in Hawaiʻi, it was filmed 

“It's freezing,” he said. “And particularly some of those council scenes, where it doesn't even look that cold. ... That was my biggest challenge, was just dealing with the cold of New Zealand, because it gets really cold over there.”

Moses describes himself as an introvert who “found my way out of my shell” first through sports and then theater, he said. He grew up in upcountry Maui with cows, horses, chickens and rabbits.

“The forest next to where we lived was where I would go and just let my imagination just soar,” he said. “So that's really the secret to my acting. I grew up immersed in my world of imagination, and I'm still able to access that. And I allow that realm of imagination to intersect with the spiritual realm and all of that. To me, it's all connected.”

“But that also meant that I spent most of my time in that imaginary world,” he said with a laugh. “And being around actual people is something that I was very nervous about. Sports helped me through that, and then when I finally got to theater, I was really able to just open up and allow myself to use being another character to get me out of my shell.”

Goods attended Maui High School before going on to study at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. What does he want viewers of “Chief of War” to take with them after the show?

“I just want people to continue to celebrate these things,” he said. “Even living in Hawaiʻi, a lot of people have been intimidated by the culture, right? ... Learn more. Start with your street names. Learn how to pronounce a street name correctly, if it's a Hawaiian street name. Learn what an ‘okina is —  a kahakō. It's never too late to start at the bottom and work your way up. ...  Don't be ashamed. Learn the language. Learn the culture. Immerse yourself, whether you're Hawaiian or not. Immerse yourself in this beautiful place that we're in — Hawaiʻi — and all the different layers of it.”

 There is a seven-day free trial for Apple TV+. After that, access to the streaming platform costs $12.99 per month.

Moses Goods

<title>Actor Moses Goods shares how he gets into character for “Chief of War”</title>

With four episodes left of “Chief of War,” the Apple TV+ mini-series written and executive produced by Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa‘a Sibbett, Aloha State Daily talks story with actor Moses Goods, who plays Moku, advisor to the future King Kamehameha I. He shares how he gets into character — and one challenge of wearing a malo in New Zealand.

Actor Moses Goods shares how he gets into character for “Chief of War”

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

Everyone’s looking to save money and get the most bang for their buck. This series will show you where you can save while still savoring a good meal.

 this past spring but just added a noteworthy deal. Its new tempura and sashimi set ($19.80) includes much more than the name implies.

The eatery — which is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays — specializes in tempura, but also features other Japanese dishes on its menu.

Its new tempura and sashimi set ($19.80) includes hamachi and salmon sashimi, udon noodles, pork miso soup, sukiyaki tofu, housemade pickles and tempura. Each set comes with shrimp, eggplant, squid, pumpkin and sweet potato tempura.

For the price, it’s a deal, considering the amount of food that you get.

The tempura, which are always made to order, are always the highlight of the meal for me. They’re battered and crispy, but not overly oily. You can dip the tempura in the eatery’s tentsuyu (dipping sauce for tempura) or use any of the featured salts at the table.

Customers can still order off Tenkichi’s tempura menu during lunch; choose from plate sets or donburi. Popular options include the Tokujo premium bowl ($36) — which includes two large shrimps, unagi, kisu, squid, pork, eggplant, maitake and shishito tempura — and Matsu bowl ($27). The latter features one large shrimp, unagi, kisu, sweet potato, pumpkin, eggplant and shishito tempura.

If you’re looking to order tempura a la carte, I also recommended adding a soft-boiled egg tempura ($1.90). It’s golden and crispy on the outside, which contrasts nicely with its jammy interior.

Other popular non-tempura lunch entrees include the wagyu roast beef bowl ($29.50), chef’s choice chirashi bowl ($26.50), and sukiyaki beef udon ($15.90).

2334 S. King St., second floor (above Tori Ton), Honolulu

Open for lunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)

Izakaya Tenkichi lunch special 082225

<title>Budget Bites: Izakaya Tenkichi’s new lunch deal</title>

This tempura and sashimi set includes noodles, soup, tofu, tempura and more — for less than $20.

Budget Bites: Izakaya Tenkichi’s new lunch deal

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

When Maika Eugenio was just a baby, his throwing skills were evident. His father, Mat, was the defensive coordinator at Castle High School when a 3-year-old Maika would throw passes from the sideline and impress anyone in sight. 

Maika Eugenio's quarterback skills continued to be honed by various coaches. One of his first instructors was Vince Passas, the same quarterback coach who mentored future NFL quarterbacks Marcus Mariota and Tua Tagaovailoa. 

As Eugenio's skills progressed with age, his parents began to ponder a move to the Mainland in order to gain more exposure. When he was in middle school, his parents decided to move as a family from Kapolei to Las Vegas. 

"I think at that time, Maika was 11, and we were planning it a couple years before because we knew with Maika, I think he had something," Mat Eugenio recently told Aloha State Daily. "Every parent says my kid has something, but we felt like he needed to go out and travel and compete and do those things, get more opportunities. We love Hawai‘i, and Hawaiʻi is very competitive, don't get me wrong. But we felt like going to the Mainland, he would get a broader sense of competition out there."

Maika Eugenio enrolled at high school football powerhouse Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas. Although he made the varsity team as a freshman, he had to bide his time behind star QB Micah Alejado, who eventually made his way to the University of Hawai‘i. 

Making the most of their time on the Mainland, Mat and Maika Eugenio would drive down to Southern California three times a month to see quarterback trainer Daniel Hernandez. Between making the drive and training and driving back home, Mat estimated each endeavor would take about eight hours.

Last fall, Eugenio split his reps with another quarterback before seizing control of the starting job on a full-time basis. The Gaels won the Nevada state championship and went 9-0 with Eugenio as their starter. He threw 31 touchdowns compared to just two interceptions while completing nearly 70% of his passes. 

Despite the lack of playing time at the high school level, Eugenio turned heads during the camp and 7-on-7 circuit, earning offers from schools such as UNLV, Arizona State, Florida Atlantic, Cornell and Hawai‘i. 

After taking an official visit to Hawai‘i last weekend, Eugenio committed to play for the Rainbow Warriors, where he will sign in December and enroll next spring. In committing to UH, Eugenio is set to come back home to O‘ahu. He is also set to reunite with quarterbacks coach Chad Kapanui, who recently departed Gorman to take the same position with the Rainbow Warriors. 

"I was just blessed, really," Maika Eugenio told ASD. "I was blessed for the opportunity. It was always just my dream as a kid to go commit to a Division I school. I think the biggest thing was just the relationships I have with the coaches, they just showed that they really care about me. Coach [Chris] Brown, coach [Kapanui], coach [Timmy] Chang, coach [Anthony] Arceneaux, they're always showing me that same love, like not a lot of other schools do, so I feel like that was probably the biggest factor for me."

When Eugenio enters the quarterback room at UH, he'll be reunited with Alejado and Kapanui. As a youth in the Islands, he was also teammates with incoming receiver 

"Being able to learn from them and just to gain knowledge was definitely good, and it's good to be back with them again next year, just being able to talk with them and maybe crack some jokes over there," Eugenio said. "I want to be in a room where I feel like I'm wanted and feel like everyone just  has a good vibe."

The relationship between Kapanui and the Eugenios goes back. Kapanui was a player for Mat Eugenio back when he was a player at Roosevelt. 

"It's emotional because Chad, I remember him when he was an eighth grader who had a big arm. He was just so athletic. He could play," Mat Eugenio recalled. "We built our relationship. And then things happened in life, and he ended up being a QB coach at Gorman. It's just amazing. It's crazy. That was a big, key role in I think Maika's decision (to commit to UH) is knowing Kapanui was there and he would take care of him. He's family. Kapanui is definitely family, and to know that he's going to take care of my son, it's awesome."

Maika Eugenio has one more year of high school football to play before he makes the jump to college. He's fully entrenched as Bishop Gorman's starting quarterback. This fall, the Gaels will come to O‘ahu for a game at Kahuku on Aug. 30. 

"I'm just excited to be back in Hawai‘i again," Eugenio said of the matchup between the Gaels and 

. "It's crazy, because whenever there's a football game out there in Hawai‘i, the whole island comes out to support. I'm just ready to play and show what I got in front of everyone. And, you know, hopefully get that victory."

Maika Eugenio 061125

<title>Quarterback Maika Eugenio Returns Home to Join UH Football - Aloha State Daily</title>

Eugenio moved to Las Vegas with his family in middle school. The Kapolei native recently committed to play college football for UH.

Standout quarterback Maika Eugenio set to return home after committing to University of Hawai‘i football team

 is a Japanese izakaya that’s known for its ultra-crispy tempura served in a cozy environment that makes you feel like you’re in Japan … without leaving Honolulu.

If you’re fans of its tempura, good news — starting tomorrow, you can get it for lunch.

The lunch menu comprises tempura sets, seafood bowls and meat bowls. The tempura selection can be ordered as a plate set or as a donburi. All dishes (except for the keiki menu items) come with the eatery’s housemade tonjiru, a hearty, comforting soup with daikon, tofu and pork.

The Matsu special ($27) is predicted to be a customer favorite, as it has a good sampling of meats and veggies. It includes a large shrimp, unagi, kisu, sweet potato, pumpkin, eggplant and shishito pepper tempura. The tempura is battered to a nice, golden crisp but it’s not oily or overly crunchy.

If you want a more luxe lunch, go for the Tokujo premium ($36), which includes two large shrimps, unagi, kisu, squid, pork eggplant, maitake and shishito tempura. Whichever set you order, we recommend adding the soft-boiled egg tempura ($1.90). The contrasting textures — jammy soft-boiled interior with the crispy tempura exterior — are divine.

The eatery has many options for lunch other than tempura. The chef’s choice chirashi bowl ($26.50) features a colorful assortment of fresh fish, including salmon, Hamachi and saba. Customers can also choose from a variety of seafood bowls, including uni and ikura ($39) — made with Hokkaido uni — ikura and salmon ($24), and rainbow trio ($35). The latter features a colorful medley of crab, salmon roe and scallops from Hokkaido.

If you want something meaty and unique, opt for the wagyu roast beef bowl ($29.50). The slow-cooked wagyu beef comes with an egg yolk that’s designed to mix with the beef and the rice to enhance the umami flavor.

Finish off your meal with mochi ice cream tempura ($4.90), which comes in ube and vanilla flavors. The ice cream melts quickly inside the delicate tempura shell, so don’t wait too long before you indulge.

2334 S. King St., second floor (above Tori Ton), Honolulu 

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Keiki with attitude

Kady Pascual

Social Media Editor

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Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Keiki with attitude

Authors

Kady Pascual

Social Media Editor

More in Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Riding into the Labor Day weekend

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