ASD icon blue inverse lighter

ASD Staff

Hawai'i Skies

Today's Hawai'i Skies was captured by Joy Gold at Honpa Hongwangi. "While waiting for bon dance practice to begin, I looked up and saw the cotton candy clouds and sunset like a halo over the Honpa Hongwangi yagura. It was a promise of a great 2025 Bon Dance season. A Yoi Yoi!"

To submit your Hawai'i Skies photo, visit us 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

HAWAII SKIES JOY GOLD

<title>Hawai'i Skies: Cotton candy clouds</title>

Today's Hawai'i Skies was captured by Joy Gold at Honpa Hongwangi.

Hawai'i Skies: Cotton candy clouds

Today's Hawai'i Skies was captured by Joy Gold at Honpa Hongwangi. "While waiting for bon dance practice to begin, I looked up and saw the cotton candy clouds and sunset like a halo over the Honpa Hongwangi yagura. It was a promise of a great 2025 Bon Dance season. A Yoi Yoi!" To submit your Hawai'i Skies photo, visit us online or email: general@alohastatedaily.com For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up here for our free Daily Edition newsletter.

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Government & Politics

The second segment of the Skyline rail, 5.2 miles of guideway that runs from Aloha Stadium to the Middle Street Transit Center, is set to open to the public next week, bringing passengers closer to the places they live and work.

Members of the media got a sneak peek of the new leg Thursday, a ride that stopped at each of the four new stations along the route: Makalapa (Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam), Lelepaua (Daniel K. Inouye International Airport), Āhua (Lagoon Drive) and Kahauiki (Middle Street Transit Center).

An opening ceremony is set for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the Kalihi Transit Center followed by the grand opening at 4 a.m. the next day.

 and spans just under 11 miles from East Kapolei to Aloha Stadium. This section includes the rail's first nine stations: K

aualakaʻi (East Kapolei), Keoneʻae (University of Hawai‘i-West Oʻahu), Honouliuli (Hoʻopili), Hōʻaeʻae (West Loch), Pouhala (Waipahu Transit Center), Hālaulani (Leeward Community College), Waiawa (Pearl Highlands), Kalauao (Pearlridge), and Hālawa (Aloha Stadium).

Scott Humber, communication director for the City and County of Honolulu, told Aloha State Daily on Thursday that ridership on Skyline's first segment currently averages about 3,500 a day.

But segment two will "take people where they want to go, to the biggest employment centers: Pearl Harbor and the airport," he says. "The goal for this segment is 25,000 a day. That is the goal. That is the goal that Mayor [Rick Blangiardi] has been talking about. I don't anticipate it happening right away, but that is the goal for us — 25,000 [rides] per day on this portion once it gets up and running."

[{"type":"text","text":"When segment two opens, the rail project will be 83% complete."}]

According to Honolulu's Department of Transportation Services, Skyline will operate segment two from 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. everyday. Trains arrive every 10 minutes until 8:30 p.m. and every 15 minutes between 8:30 and 10:30 p.m.

Segment one operates from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and city holidays.

or the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, the public transit authority responsible for planning and building the rail system for the City and County of Honolulu, 

 on the next phase of the project, the city center guideway and stations.

The CCGS project includes the construction of nearly three miles of elevated guideway and six rail stations, starting near 

Kahauiki, or the Middle Street Transit Center station, and ending at the the Civic Center station, just east of the intersection of Halekauwila and South streets, ASD previously reported. 

Construction is expected to be finished by 2030.

 for the design and construction of the CCGS project to Tutor Perini Corp. in August 2024.

Skyline 100925 1

<title>Second segment of Skyline to open Oct. 16</title>

Members of the media got a sneak peek of the rail's new leg Thursday, a ride that stopped at each of the four new stations along the route from Makalapa to the Middle Street Transit Center.

Second segment of Skyline to open Oct. 16

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

A new reality television series is being launched by Peacock and it explores the relationships between a group of friends living on O

ʻahu. The show, called “Oʻahu Shores,” drops its entire first season, which consists of six episodes, on 

The trailer, which features a lot of beach time and popping bottles of champagne was added to YouTube on Sept. 25.

“It’s not just a vacation place,” said Alex Fowler, one of the featured friends in the series, in the trailer. “This is our home.”

, who are described on Peacockʻs website. Fowler is fresh out of a relationship. Skye Baker is choosing between moving back to Guam and staying on Oʻahu. Kaui Goodness is getting to know a student, who is from Hawaiʻi but living on the Mainland. Marcus Hee is spending time on Oʻahu before heading back to the Mainland for college. Rachael Peterson is originally from Guam and has settled on Oʻahu. Kamalani Pico is an expert fisher, hunter and diver from Molokai with a new boyfriend from the Mainland. Keolu Ramos is “friends with everyone, knows all the gossip and isn’t afraid to stir the pot” according his bio on 

.  Finally, Raven Wood is part of a household of single girls living in the Kailua Clubhouse. Learn more about 

Sunset

<title>Peacock launches new television series “Oʻahu Shores”</title>

The show premieres Oct. 9 and focuses on the relationships between eight friends living on Oʻahu. Watch the trailer and learn more about the series.

Peacock launches new television series “Oʻahu Shores”

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

Spooky season is in full swing. Celebrate Halloween all month long with these seasonal snacks and pumpkin-flavored offerings.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Air Park Karaoke"}]

: Air Park Karaoke is celebrating Halloween weekend with special drinks like the vampire blood shot, zombie punch (zero-proof option), vampire’s kiss martini and more. Guests who wear costumes during the Halloween weekend (Oct. 31 to Nov. 2) will receive a complimentary specialty drink.

All bookings during Halloween weekend will also get 10% off Air Park Karaoke’s lowest rates (mention code “Halloween2025”).

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Aloha Mamacita"}]

 is offering a variety of Halloween-themed drinks at its Spooky Bar. Options include vampire’s kiss ($16), witch’s blood margarita ($16), and pumpkin pie margarita ($16). There’s also a shareable 64-ounce witch’s brew ($35) — which is served in a cauldron — and eyeball jello shots (three for $9).

While the seasonal drinks are available all day, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., the lights dim and a fog machine is turned on to enhance the spooky vibe. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Artizen by MW"}]

: Artizen by MW is offering a variety of seasonal treats. Choose from Halloween-decorated shortbread cookies (five for $9), mummy snack crunch ($8), spooky and scary macarons ($10), pumpkin pie mille feuille ($8), apple “pie” crostata ($8), triple chocolate count Dracula cake ($9) and more.

The pumpkin pie mille feuille features kabocha pastry cream and dule de leche Lāʻie vanilla creameux, while the triple chocolate count Dracula cake features buttermilk chocolate cake with chocolate dobash and chocolate crunch. 

: Oct. 13 to 31; preorders are highly encouraged 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Banan"}]

: Banan’s seasonal Halloween special ($8 per cup) features a black sesame banan flavor. It’s usually topped with granola, shaved coconut, sliced strawberries, bananas and an ube drizzle. 

: Available for a limited time while supplies last 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Black Angus Steakhouse"}]

: The Pearl City-based steakhouse is offering several seasonal cocktails:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"BRUG Bakery"}]

: BRUG Bakery is featuring Halloween-themed treats at all of its stores during October:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Choco Le‘a"}]

Mānoa Square, 2909 Lowrey Ave., Honolulu

: Choco Le‘a has a variety of Halloween specials. Choose from a three-piece Halloween truffle box ($10.99) — includes one Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, Twix and Strawberry Skittles truffles — Halloween goodie bag ($11.99), Frankenstein mint Oreo bar ($14.99), and pumpkin Crunch a le ‘a ($24.99). The latter is a snack mix that’s reminiscent of a pumpkin spice latte. The Halloween goodie back includes a Mummy Oreo, mini pumpkin Crunch a le‘a and regular Halloween Oreo.

Current seasonal truffle flavors ($2.99) include Reese’s, Twix, Strawberry Skittles and green apple caramel with Jack Daniels Whiskey (contains alcohol). 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"DECK. Waikiki"}]

: Every Wednesday in October is “Wicked Wednesday” at DECK. If customers dress in all black or come dressed up as a “Wednesday” series character, they can get 20% off their bill.

[{"type":"text","text":"Seasonal drinks include:"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Dipped by Dee"}]

: Dipped by Dee has a variety of dipped strawberry boxes and dipped apples with Halloween-inspired decorations.

Choose from Halloween sampler miniboxes ($17.50), Boo-tiful miniboxes ($18.50), Nightmare kit ($25), Halloween Rice Krispie treats ($4.50), and char-bat-erie boxes ($68).

Seasonal apples feature decorations like a Cookie Butter poison apple ($12), Jack Skellington ($14), candy corn Mickey ($15), Magic Mickey ($16) and Franken Kitty ($15). 

: Halloween pre-orders are now open until 11:55 p.m. on Oct. 20. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Fujiya Hawaiʻi"}]

: This seasonal pumpkin crunch mochi (two pieces for $6.50) is currently available. 

: Pumpkin crunch mochi is available now while supplies last. 

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

: This seasonal pop-up (located in the space of former Surfers Bakery) is located in the ‘Ewa Wing and features specialty cocktails in a spooky atmosphere. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Great Harvest Bread Hawaiʻi"}]

: The shop’s freshly baked witches fingers ($6.75) are a Great Harvest Halloween tradition. The “green fingers” are made from the bakery’s cinnamon chip bread. Customers can also enjoy pumpkin chocolate chip quickbread ($9.55) and pumpkin chocolate chip muffins ($3.95). 

: Available on Thursdays and Fridays all month, and every day from Oct. 25 to 31  

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Hokulani Bake Shop"}]

: Hokulani Bake Shop’s Halloween cupcakes four-pack ($23) includes red velvet, ube, vanilla buttercream and chocolate buttercream. All cupcakes feature Halloween decorations; cupcakes are available for pre-order only. The bake shop’s Halloween hand-decorated cookies ($6 each) are available in-store but preorders are recommended. Pick-up is only on select October dates; see website for details. All preorders must be at least 24 hours in advance. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Honolulu Cookie Co."}]

: Honolulu Cookie Co.’s Halloween treat box ($5.95) includes five cookies in five flavors. Enjoy the business’s white chocolate pumpkin flavor for a limited time. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Jamba Hawaiʻi"}]

: Jamba Hawaiʻi recently brought back its pumpkin line-up. For a limited time, customers can enjoy pumpkin smash smoothies (classic and plant-based versions available), pumpkin crunch smoothies and pumpkin smash bowls.

Pumpkin smash smoothies are made with pumpkin and spices; meanwhile, the pumpkin pie crunch features a pumpkin pie flavor blended with granola and poured over coconut whip. The pumpkin smash bowl features a pumpkin base topped with coconut whip, fresh bananas and granola. 

: From now through Nov. 10 at all 25 locations statewide 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Kulu Kulu Cake"}]

: Kulu kulu cake’s Halloween-themed desserts include:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"La Palme D’Or"}]

: The dessert shop has a variety of festive treats:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Lanterns Hawaiʻi"}]

87-064 Farrington Hwy. second floor, Waiʻanae

: The Halloween pop-up bar at Lanterns Hawaiʻi recently opened. Customers can look forward to seven new cocktails like Witch’s Brew ($14), Toxic-tini ($14) and Scream Juice ($14). The eatery’s full food menu will be available to purchase from as well. 

: 6 to 11 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays during all of October 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Nightmare Honolulu"}]

: This Halloween-themed pop-up bar is located at Pearlridge Center (in the former space of Chili’s Grill & Bar). Attendees must be 21 years and older. 

: Open 6 p.m. to midnight Oct. 10 to 31. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Sweet Revenge Honolulu"}]

: Sweet Revenge Honolulu is offering a variety of sweet and savory spooky treats:

: The Counter Honolulu’s new pumpkin spice shake is a creamy concoction with whipped cream and cinnamon. It’s available for a limited time. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Tiki’s Grill and Bar"}]

Tikis annual Halloween bash features a live DJ, a performance by local rock band Roots Kai, and specialty drinks. Tickets cost $20 in advance and $35 on the day of the event. Attendees must be 21 years or older. 

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

: The Kapahulu café is offering several monthly specials:

: Currently available while supplies last

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Zippy’s Restaurants "}]

: Zippy’s is featuring Halloween specials at Napoleon’s Bakery. Halloween doughnuts ($2.75 in Honolulu) are yeast doughnuts dipped in chocolate and decorated with Halloween-themed sprinkles. Meanwhile, the bakery’s Halloween dream cake ($27.50 in Honolulu) feature three layers of chocolate chiffon cake filled with colored whipped cream, and is complete with a jack-o-lantern decoration. 

Halloween specials BRUG Bakery 100325

<title>Where to get Halloween treats and pumpkin-flavored snacks on Oʻahu</title>

These spook-tacular sweet and savory treats are around for a limited time.

Where to get Halloween treats and pumpkin-flavored snacks on Oʻahu

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Sports

Business & Tourism

The Sentry PGA Tour Tournament will not be held at the 

 on Maui in January as drought conditions have left the course unplayable.

The PGA Tour announced Tuesday that the Sentry tournament, which has been held at the Kapalua Plantation every year since 1999, will break with that tradition in 2026. According to a PGA news statement, tournament officials sent an agronomy team to the course in early September and determined that the course had been “significantly compromised” by water limitations.

Because it is not possible to guarantee that site conditions can be improved to PGA standards by Jan. 5, the tournament has been canceled. PGA has suggested the Sentry will still be held in 2026, but details about where and when are still undetermined.

“It’s a blow to all of West Maui,” said Alex Nakajima, general manager for Kapalua Golf, during a news conference Tuesday. Kapalua Resort estimates that Sentry generates nearly $50 million for Maui’s economy each year.

Nakajima said he was notified of PGA’s decision only minutes before it was made public, but noted that drought impacts have been apparent for months. Kapalua Resort took measures to protect both the Plantation course and the Kapalua Bay Golf Course, closing both for 60 days on Sept. 2.

The resort also redirected all water resources from the Bay course to the Plantation course in an effort to keep the tournament on schedule, but to no avail.

“We’ve done everything we could,” Nakajima said, before suggesting that the situation could have been prevented. “Water management needs to be proactive … you capture water in the wet season so you can save it for the dry season.”

Despite the loss of the tournament and the temporary closure of both courses, Nakajima said the resort is committed to not laying off any employees.

The announcement comes amid a legal battle between the course’s owner and operator, TY Management Corp., and the owner of the nearby Honokōhau ditch system. TY Management, Hua Momona Farms, LLC, and several area homeowners’ associations filed in August 

a lawsuit against Maui Land & Pineapple Co.

 alleging that the company had failed to maintain the ditch and consequently left surrounding properties facing near-constant water restrictions over the last year.

Nakajima suggested that there is “plenty of water” available that could have been managed properly to not put Kapalua in this situation.

On Sept. 12, Maui County Department of Water Supply announced that there was a “Stage 2” water shortage in effect for West Maui, a service area that includes Lahaina, Kā

anapali, Kahana, Māhinahina, Nāpili-Honokowai and Honokōhau.

"West Maui is experiencing continued dry weather and lack of rainfall," the county noted at that time. "Therefore, the existing water shortage is being upgraded to a Stage 2 for West Maui until water source levels are adequate to meet demand."

Under such conditions, consumers are advised to cease all nonessential commercial and industrial water uses, and limit irrigation to no more than one day a week. The Stage 2 announcement was an intensification of an existing Stage 1 water shortage, which had been in effect since 2022.

Nakajima said he believes the resort can reopen both courses after the 60-day closures and that the Plantation course will be ready to host Sentry again in 2027.

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission last week

 that a “comprehensive strategic review” is underway and that a subcommittee of the company’s board of directors was created “to identify options for the potential sale or lease of the company’s water source and infrastructure assets."

The company says that review and marketing of some assets for sale began earlier this year.

“For more than a century, MLP has invested tens of millions of dollars to construct and responsibly manage critically important water infrastructure in communities across Maui,” ML&P CEO Race Randle said in that announcement. “With Maui communities in need of additional water sources and experiencing severe drought conditions, we’re hopeful that these assets may increase water security across the island.”

Maui

<title>Drought cancels Maui PGA tournament</title>

Drought conditions in West Maui lead PGA to cancel Sentry PGA Tour Tournament for the first time since 1999

Drought cancels Maui PGA tournament

, the chic rooftop bar and lounge at the Four Seasons Resort O

ahu at Ko Olina, used to be a presidential suite. It was revamped to create a venue for both resort guests and non-guests, and officially opened to the public on July 3.

Located within the resort — you literally enter the venue through an unassuming pink door — Five-One-Six is open on a first-come, first-served basis from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays. It's open to guests ages 21 years and older. 

The venue can hold about 100 people. There’s a mix of comfy couches and lounge chairs designed for groups, along with several counter spaces. You’ll want to take advantage of the numerous photo opportunities.

No matter your vantage point, the views are stunning. You’ll see the resort’s pool and be sure to stick around for an impressive view of the sunset. Westside sunsets are known for their golden hues, after all.

On to the drinks. The menu comprises cocktails, zero-proof mocktails, spirits, wines by the glass and a few beer choices. Note that there’s no food on the menu; Five-One-Six is designed to be like a pre-game spot before dinner.

The pink-hued HI-State Margarita ($38) is currently the most popular drink. It comprises Clase Azul tequila, Cointreau, and a housemade hibiscus-calamansi foam. We’re told it also includes a hint of Hawaiian chili pepper water for some spiciness.

“It has a classic name to represent the state of Hawaiʻi,” explains mixologist Rico Lopez. “It’s made with Clase Azul, so it’s a higher-end cocktail. The hibiscus guava foam makes it sweet and tart together; it’s so delicious.”

We especially enjoy the drink’s balanced flavor. The foam can melt quickly, so don’t take too long taking photos of the beverage before sipping it.

Of the drinks we try, the Miso Banana Luxe ($29) is my favorite. It’s sure to please coffee lovers, since it’s the venue’s take on an espresso martini. It includes housemade Ka‘u cold brew and shiro miso, complete with a roasted banana garnish. I loved the coffee-forward flavor and rich, creamy texture.

The Moto Passenger ($30) is the venue’s version of a Sidecar cocktail. This spirit-forward concoction includes Buffalo Trace, Cognac, Curacao and lemon juice.

Other libations include the Mirror Mai Tai ($32), Pacific Garden No. 2 ($31), and Hunneh Baby ($29).

“We call it the Mirror Mai Tai because it’s clear,” Lopez says. “We clarify the Mai Tai; it basically goes through a process where we take out the impurities to give it a clear color. That also enhances its flavor.

“My personal favorite is the Pacific Garden No. 2 ($31),” he adds. “It has gin, green chartreuse, lime juice and pineapple, with a little bit of simple syrup. Green chartreuse is a liqueur made out of herbs; I really like that mix in a cocktail.”

Zero-proof options include Parrot Punch ($18) — a fruit-forward blend of POG, coconut cream and fresh pineapple juice — and Tigger’s Tonic ($21), a refreshing mix that includes lemon juice, bee pollen and spiced Wahiawā honey. While the Parrot Punch boasts a sweeter flavor profile, Tigger’s Tonic is more herbal and botanical.

While there’s no food listed on Five-One-Six’s menu, guests can enjoy a complimentary furikake snack made with Chex Mix. Its salty flavor and crunchy texture contrasts nicely with the sweeter drinks.

One tip if you visit this rooftop bar: Bring sunglasses. I won’t spoil all the details, but once you go through the dramatic entrance to the rooftop, shades are essential. Depending on the weather, it can get a little hot out there, but the views are worth it.

fourseasons.com/oahu/dining/lounges/five-one-six/

Five One Six espresso martini 073025

<title>Five-One-Six is West Oʻahu’s new, chic rooftop bar</title>

Located within Four Seasons Resort Oʻahu at Ko Olina, this unique experience officially opened to the public at the beginning of July. Here’s what you can expect.

Hawai'i Skies: Cotton candy clouds

ASD Staff

More in Hawai'i Skies

Hawai'i Skies: A beautiful creation

Hawai'i Skies: West Side best side

Hawai'i Skies: Caught between a rock and a hard place

Hawaiʻi Skies: ʻIt felt like nature was putting on a show just for us!ʻ

Most read

Hawai'i Skies: Cotton candy clouds

Authors

ASD Staff

More in Hawai'i Skies

Hawai'i Skies: A beautiful creation

Hawai'i Skies: West Side best side

Hawai'i Skies: Caught between a rock and a hard place

Hawaiʻi Skies: ʻIt felt like nature was putting on a show just for us!ʻ

Most read