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Hawai'i Skies

Today's Hawai'i Skies was captured by Ron Freed at Ala Moana Park. "The sunset before the storm. Looking out over Ala Moana Park."

To submit your Hawai'i Skies photo, visit us 

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25 10 10 HAWAII SKIES RON FREED 16x9

<title>Hawai'i Skies: Before the storm</title>

Today's Hawai'i Skies was captured by Ron Freed at Ala Moana Park.

Hawai'i Skies: Before the storm

Today's Hawai'i Skies was captured by Ron Freed at Ala Moana Park. "The sunset before the storm. Looking out over Ala Moana Park." 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.

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

Long before she became the entrusted associate head coach of the University of Hawai‘i soccer team, Kaula "Ula" Rowe was hungry to prove herself as a player. At least that's the initial impression Hawai‘i head coach Michele "Bud" Nagamine had of her. 

When Rowe was a middle schooler, Nagamine, the head coach at Kamehameha at the time, had put on a prospect camp. Rowe was not one of the listed participants. 

"Kaula was standing at the chain link fence outside in the parking lot, just looking at the soccer field like it was something to eat," Nagamine recalled. "She wanted to play so badly, but her family didn't have the means for her to attend a college ID camp."

Nagamine quickly asked around about the youngster standing at the fence. A coach familiar with Rowe's skills told Nagamine that even though she was a middle schooler, she'd be the best player at the entire camp. The next question Nagamine had was if Rowe had her soccer shoes with her. 

"I remember standing outside the fence that day, and eventually they're like, yeah, let her play," Rowe told Aloha State Daily. "I remember that exact moment of being like, holy cow, I get to play with all the seniors and everybody that was a lot older than me. 

[{"type":"text","text":"\"That day definitely changed my life.\""}]

Raised by a single mother in Section 8 housing in Waimānalo, soccer quickly became a passion for Rowe when her talent became evident on the youth circuit. 

"I grew up, my mom was a single parent. My brother and my sister, she was raising the three of us on her own, along with my tutu," Rowe recalled. "I think in any of our predominantly Native Hawaiian towns, sometimes it's hard, especially single parents. Just very, very humble beginnings."

After attending Waimānalo Elementary School, Rowe gained admission to Kamehameha as a middle schooler, a moment she views as pivotal in her life. Not only was it a ticket to a prestigious education, but it also gave her an opportunity to further explore her Hawaiian heritage. 

"While you're up there, you're like, this is so cool. You love it. But I think the true appreciation comes a little bit after you leave," Rowe said. "I think just taking a lot of pride in that, I even have (Kamehameha I) tattooed on my arm holding his arm out, because it's kind of the place that helped me navigate myself and and get ready for college."

experience that stuck with Rowe is the school's annual song contest, which she says she watches nowadays with pride.

On the soccer pitch, Rowe was a four-year varsity player under Nagamine. She had her pick of schools and initially committed to the University of Louisville until a coaching change prompted her to choose the University of Nevada instead. 

At Nevada, Rowe became the first player in program history to score a goal during the team's inaugural season in 2000. She finished her collegiate career with 18 goals, which stood alone as a school record until Emily Rich tied her in 2024. 

Rowe moved to Arizona following college and wasn't involved in coaching until moving back to O‘ahu to become coach Chaminade, which launched its women's soccer program in 2006. With scant coaching coaching experience at the time, Rowe often leaned on Nagamine for advice, and Nagamine would offer as much help as she could despite being the head coach at rival Hawai‘i Pacific. 

Rowe stepped down at Chaminade to follow her wife, Vickie Padello, who was moving to Texas with the Air National Guard. Rowe remained in the game, spending four years with San Antonio United, a local club team. 

The couple's journey continued when Vickie was told she'd be moving to Alaska. 

"I was like, 'Absolutely not,'" Rowe recalled with a laugh. "But joke was on me, because I ended up liking Alaska. I always tell my wife hey, thanks for dragging me out to Alaska. She's kind of kind of seen it all and supported me the whole way through."

For five years, Rowe coached at Bartlett High School in Anchorage and was also the executive director of the 

"Working in club (soccer), it is what probably helped prepare me for this role at UH,  the people part of it," she said. "Just understanding how to deal with differences, how to manage players. ... We did evaluations, I did almost all 100 of them for our competitive kids. Just getting a lot of face time and and all that kind of stuff."

As much as Rowe grew to enjoy outdoor activities in Alaska such as fishing, she could resist an offer from Nagamine to come home and coach under her in 2021. 

"If I think about every single stop that I've taken and all the people that I've met and all the experiences that I've had, if Bud called me 10 years before this, I don't think I would have been ready," Rowe said. "I've had to go through every stop and everywhere that I ended up, I think, in order for me to prepare myself to take this role on. Even my first year when I came in, the learning curve was huge."

Vickie stayed behind for a handful of months to wrap up her job before moving back to O‘ahu to join Rowe. The couple has been married for 14 years, and Vickie is currently retired. Vickie comes to every home game, as does Rowe's mother and siblings. 

One of the players Rowe recruited to UH was Alaska native Tatum Porter, a junior for the Rainbow Wahine who played under Rowe during her club days. 

"The second I found out she was coming here, I was like, I'm going to try my hardest to get [to Hawai‘i]," Porter said. "She's an amazing coach. She's somebody who can just get me going no matter what. It is an honor to continue to play for her, and I'm just so grateful to still have her as my coach all these years later."

Rowe initially joined Nagamine's staff as an assistant coach and was elevated to associate head coach in 2023. In 2024, the Rainbow Wahine won the Big West Conference regular season title for the first time in program history. In 2025, the 'Bows are 3-5-8 overall and 1-1-4 in conference play, looking to find their way into the six-team conference tournament. UH is currently in 

With four regular season contests remaining, the Rainbow Wahine will aim to gain the points required to get into the Big West Tournament. As Rowe and the coaching staff go through the grind of another season and stretch run, they'll never doubt for a second that they're in it together. 

"I think the reason why I coach is because I've met people like Bud and I've also had a couple other coaches that I think about in that aspect that have kind of helped me get through being raised by a single mom sometimes, and having a little bit of a rough patch. I'm just thankful that Bud gave me the opportunity," Rowe said. "I've got a really supportive group of people that have kind of helped me be where I am. I wouldn't be here without them."

Added Nagamine as tears welled up: "I wish Ula would write a book, honestly, because the story that that she has to tell is just incredible. Bringing her on board, she's one of the fiercest competitors I've ever coached. We both have very colorful backgrounds where it hasn't always been the easiest growing up and with Kaula, she has taken so much adversity from her young life and really just spun that into this incredible opportunity.

"We go way, way back, and for me to be able to work with someone who's family to me, it's just an incredible opportunity for me. I learn a lot from her every day. And I think the the players really feed off of her vibe because you can't fake it. I trust her blindly. My life is definitely better because of her, and my job is definitely a lot more fun."

Ula Rowe and Michele Nagamine 101425

<title>Waimānalo native Ula Rowe pays it forward in charmed soccer life</title>

Rowe, who played for UH head coach Michele Nagamine as a student at Kamehameha, has been a revered member on her staff for the past five seasons. But that's only one part of her story.

Waimānalo native Ula Rowe pays it forward in charmed soccer life

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Aloha Spirit

The Holo Holo Music Festival has been taking island and reggae music on a journey across the Mainland, including to California, Washington, Nevada and Utah. Now, the festival is hosting its first two-day event on Oʻahu.

Here is your guide to all the musical events related to this festival:

Enjoy Uncle Ed’s Launch Party, which is the official Holo Holo Festival pre-party at the ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach’s Swell Restaurant & Pool Bar on 

 The evening features DJ sets from Common Kings & Friends, DJ Hapa Boy and Western Conference. The event is being run by Good Vibez Presents, which is also the producer of the Holo Holo Music Festival on Oʻahu this Saturday and Sunday. Parking for the launch party is $15 for valet. Self parking is also available. General admission starts at $50.83. 

The Holo Holo Music Festival, which showcases island and reggae music, will host its first Holo Holo Music Festival on Oʻahu. The two-day music festival will take place at the 

 On the first day, featured entertainers include J Boog, KatchaFire, Eli-Mac, Fia and Johnny Suite. The musical line-up on Sunday features The Green, Josh Tatofi, Collie Buddz, Ooklah The Moc, Paula Fuga and Kanaka Fyah. There will also be food trucks and vendors. Previous Holo Holo Music Festival events have taken place in California, Nevada and Washington, among other locations. 

 Catch the Holo Holo Official After Party with 

, DJ Osna and more. Doors open at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Republik. The event is presented by Good Vibez Presents and Chinatown Social Club. General admission is $10. 

 For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

The Green

<title>Your guide to the first Holo Holo Music Festival on Oʻahu</title>

Ready to listen to some island and reggae music? This weekend, you can catch The Green, Josh Tatofi, J Boog, KatchaFire and more on Oahu in three days.

Your guide to the first Holo Holo Music Festival on Oʻahu

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Government & Politics

 on Thursday, commuters should also take note of changes to TheBus route that coincide with new leg of the rail system.

The 5.2 miles stretch of new guideway runs from Aloha Stadium to the Middle Street Transit Center and has four new stations: Makalapa (Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam), Lelepaua (Daniel K. Inouye International Airport), Āhua (Lagoon Drive) and Kahauiki (Middle Street Transit Center).

Passenger service for the new segment begins at 4 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 16. Riders must use a loaded HOLO card with fare or valid pass in order to board. A single ride for an adult is $3. Find more about 

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

But new and modified bus routes, which also take effect Oct. 16, aim to "improve connectivity between Skyline, TheBus and key destinations across O‘ahu," a recent announcement from the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Transportation Services noted.

[{"type":"text","text":"Here's what you should know:"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"New routes"}]

 provides frequent, limited-stop service between the Āhua station on Lagoon Drive and the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. It replaces the discontinued Route A CityExpress! that ran between Pearlridge and the university.

According to DTS, the segment between Pearlridge and Center Drive will be discontinued but will still be served by routes 40, 42 and 51, as well as Skyline.

Lagoon Drive, Nimitz Highway, Vineyard Boulevard, Liliha Street, King and Beretania streets, Kapiʻolani Boulevard and University Avenue. 

The A Line runs from 4:15 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily, every 10 minutes during peak hours, 15 minutes during off-peak hour and 20 minutes on weekends.

 offers "expedited weekday service" between the Āhua station and UH Mānoa via the freeway.

This route travels Lagoon Drive, Nimitz Highway, H-1 freeway, University Avenue, Dole Street, St. Louis Drive, Wai‘alae Avenue and Kapiʻolani Boulevard, running every 60 minutes from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, with two additional eastbound trips in the morning and two westbound trips in the afternoon during peak hours.

 offers frequent, limited-stop service between Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and Waikīkī. It replaces the discontinued Route 20 between Waikīkī and Aloha Stadium.

The new route travels Ala Onaona Street, Aolele Street, Lagoon Drive, Nimitz Highway, Ala Moana Boulevard, Kalākaua Avenue, Kūhiō Avenue, Ohua Avenue and Kapahulu Avenue.

DTS says that Skyline replaces the former Route 20 segment between the Aloha Stadium station and the airport station, but the Iwilei Road segment remains served by Route 7. Meanwhile, Downtown segments continue to be served by existing routes along King, Beretania and Hotel streets.

The W Line runs from 4:15 a.m. to 2 a.m. the next day, running every 10 minutes during peak times, 15 minutes in off-peak times and 30 minutes after 7 p.m.

Makalapa (Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam) station and Hickam Air Force Base and other military facilities. It replaces the discontinued Route 303 (Hickam-Airport-Kalihi Transit Center). Military ID is required.

The route runs every 65 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays and every 35 minutes from 6:15 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends.

The former Route 303 segment between the Kalihi Transit Center, the airport and Hickam will now be served by Skyline, DTS notes.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Modified routes"}]

 now offers "direct, faster service" between the Makalapa station and the Naval Shipyard, DTS says, noting that discontinued service areas are now covered by Routes PH1, PH2, PH3, PH4, PH6 and PH7, while the discontinued Hickam AFB segments are replaced by the new Route 331.

The route runs from 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 65 minutes off-peak.

, ‘Ewa Beach-Waikīkī, have been modified to serve the Āhua station, adding new service along Ualena Street and Ohohia Street and discontinuing stops on Nimitz Highway between Ohohia Street and Lagoon Drive. Hours and frequency remain the same.

, Waipahu-Waiawa, has been extended to serve the Waiawa Pearl Highlands Skyline station. Hours and frequency are the same.

, Honolulu-Wahiawā, also will serve the Āhua station on Lagoon Drive via Ualena Street and Ohohia Street, discontinue stops on Nimitz Highway between Ohohia Street and Lagoon Drive, and extend to serve the Waiawa Skyline station. Hours and frequency are unchanged.

, Kapolei Commons to UH West O‘ahu, remains unchanged but hours have been extended from 3:45 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and will now run every 15 minutes.

To celebrate the new rail expansion, Skyline, TheBus and TheHandi-Van will be free to ride from 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, and Sunday, Oct. 19. Riders, though, will still have to tap their HOLO cards at station gates or when boarding TheBus, DTS says, but no fare will be deducted.

Skyline 100925 7 kp

<title>Skyline extension brings new and modified bus routes, free rides</title>

The second leg of Honolulu's rail system opens to the public on Thursday, Oct. 16.

Skyline extension brings new and modified bus routes, free rides

Business & Tourism

Royal Hawaiian Center is set to welcome a number of new merchants — now and in the coming months.

[{"type":"text","text":"Here's what you should know."}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Now open"}]

, a premium headware company founded in SoCal, opened its first O‘ahu location Friday, Oct. 10. The store will showcase both lifestyle and active collections, along with four curated designs you can only find at this location. Find it on level 1 of Building B.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Coming soon"}]

, the center's first-ever fitness concept, is set to open in December. Find it on level 3 of Building A.

 will open its second spot at Royal Hawaiian Center in December 2025 or early 2026, serving grab-and-go coffee, bagels and more. Find it on level 1 of Building A.

 will bring its Mexican cuisine to its first location at Royal Hawaiian Center in early 2026. Find it in the Pa‘ina Lanai Food Court, on level 2 of Building B.

— Kona Coffee Visitor's Center opens in 2026, offering an "interactive and educational experience celebrating Hawai‘i's world-famous Kona coffee," RHC says. It'll feature a coffee roaster, displays and merchandise. Find it on level 2 of Building C.

RHC Exterior

<title>Here's what's new at Royal Hawaiian Center</title>

Learn more about the four new tenants that will soon open at the Waikīkī shopping center and the one merchant who just did.

Here's what's new at Royal Hawaiian Center

The people have spoken, casting their votes for the best hotels and resorts across the Islands in Condé Nast Traveler's 2025 Readers' Choice Awards.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikīkī Beach

. It previously was ranked No. 1 in 2023, as well.

 earlier this year, which is part of a multi-phase, multi-year renovation.

Mike Kass, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach, said in a statement that the honor is a testament to the "passion, dedication and excellence" of the hotel's more than 250 staff members "

who bring the spirit of The Ritz-Carlton to life each and every day

Rounding out the top 10 Hawai‘i hotels are 

The Laylow Waikīkī, Autograph Collection

, located on the Big Island's Kohala Coast, ranks No. 1 on the list of 

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection

Hundreds of thousands of people submitted their ratings between April 1 and June 30, and the results were tabulated by Condé Nast. Read more about the methodology 

A number of Hawai‘i hotels were also recently ranked among the best in the U.S. in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. Read more about those 

HNLRR Exterior HERO 2022

<title>Hawai‘i hotels, resorts recognized in Condé Nast Traveler's 2025 Readers' Choice Awards</title>

Hundreds of thousands of people voted between April 1 and June 30 to find the best hotels, resorts, cruise lines, spas, cities and more around the world, including the top hotels and resorts in Hawai‘i.

Hawai‘i hotels, resorts recognized in Condé Nast Traveler's 2025 Readers' Choice Awards

Six new tenants have recently opened up shop at Ala Moana Center, a few have relocated and more are coming soon, the center announced Monday. Here's what you should know.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Who's new:"}]

 brings the holidays to Hawai‘i year-round, offering a "curated collection" of handcrafted Christmas ornaments inspired by the Islands. Find it at Street Level 1, Center Court. 

If you're on the Valley Isle, there's also a location at Whalers Village, 2435 Kā‘anapali Parkway, Suite L-02, in Lahaina, its website notes.

 can be found at Mall Level 2 in the Diamond Head wing. The shop is now accepting appointments and walk-ins daily. It also has a second location at Whalers Village in Lahaina.

 and its luxury timepieces can be found on Mall Level 2 in the ‘Ewa wing. Find 

, the state's largest golf retailer, can be found on Kapi‘olani Boulevard. Golfers can find other locations in 

, a retailer selling shoes and bags made with recycled materials, can be found on Mall Level 2 in the Diamond Head wing.

's skincare products and fragrances can be found on Mall Level 2 of the ‘Ewa wing. You can also find the products at a 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"On the move:"}]

— Abercrombie & Fitch will relocate to Level 3, Center Court. The new space is set to open next month but in the mean time, you can find its temporary location on Mall Level 2 in the ‘Ewa wing.

— HOKA has moved to Level 3 of the ‘Ewa wing and is now open, "showcasing HOKA's performance footwear and apparel in a refreshed setting," the center noted.

— Miu Miu has relocated to Mall Level 2 in the ‘Ewa wing, now open in a "redesigned boutique featuring the brand's collection of leather goods, footwear and ready-to-wear" items.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Coming soon:"}]

, a Honolulu-based boutique offering swimwear and activewear, will open its second brick-and-mortar location in September on Street Level 1 of the ‘Ewa wing. It also has a location at 

 will make its debut in the Islands in July 2026. You'll find on Mall Level 2 of the ‘Ewa wing.

Ala Moana Center opened in 1959 and is the world's largest open-air shopping center with more than 2.4 million square feet of retail space. There are more than 350 stores and 160 dining options.

Hawai'i Skies: Before the storm

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Hawai'i Skies: Before the storm

Authors

ASD Staff

More in Hawai'i Skies

Hawai'i Skies: Moon beams

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Hawai'i Skies: Cotton candy clouds

Hawai'i Skies: West Side best side

Most read