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ASD Staff

Hawai'i Skies

Today's Hawai'i Skies was captured by Katie Helland at The Royal Hawaiian. "The last light at The Royal Hawaiian, while celebrating with friends."

To submit your Hawai'i Skies photo, visit us 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

25 10 23 Katie Helland

<title>Hawai'i Skies: Last light</title>

Today's Hawai'i Skies was captured by Katie Helland at The Royal Hawaiian.

Hawai'i Skies: Last light

Today&#039;s Hawai&#039;i Skies was captured by Katie Helland at The Royal Hawaiian. &quot;The last light at The Royal Hawaiian, while celebrating with friends.&quot; To submit your Hawai&#039;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.

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

The seasonal pop-up — presented by Prince Waikīkī and The House of Suntory — soft opens today and is grand opening tomorrow. The pop-up is located on the lobby level of the hotel, and is open from 5 to 10 p.m. (last call 9:30 p.m.) Thursdays to Sundays through May 31.

Attendees can look forward to a curated selection of Beam Suntory cocktails — along with premium sakes, Japanese beers, and select wines by the glass — along with shareable dishes.

Dishes on the food menu include a seafood platter for two ($80), sando trio combo ($25), fresh ‘ahi sashimi ($20), yakitori and yaki onigiri combo ($15), and a matcha dessert combo ($12).

The seafood platter comprises a lobster tail, crab, shrimp, oysters and ‘ahi sashimi. It’s served with lemon wedges, Kona ogo and a variety of sauces (ponzu, mignonette and cocktail).

Meanwhile, the sando trio combo ($25) features Japanese-style sandwiches with fillings like tamago (egg salad), tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet) and steak (grilled wagyu skirt steak). The combo features sandwich halves, making it easier for customers to try a little of each. 

The fresh ‘ahi sashimi ($20) and yakitori and yaki onigiri combo ($15) are perfect if you want a pūpū-sized snack. The latter features grilled chicken thigh skewers (three per order) served with a grilled rice ball.

Meanwhile, the matcha dessert combo ($12) features Dave’s matcha ice cream and housemade matcha warabi mochi, served with kinako powder and brown sugar syrup.

The beverage selection includes beers ($9), select wines by the glass ($10), Toki High Balls ($15) and a variety of themed cocktails ($17). Choose from shiso-spritz — shiso-infused Suntory Haku vodka, Midori, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, Bene soda water and expressed lemon peel — Pink Ryu, which is a vibrant mix of dragon fruit, Suntory Roku gin, Haiken lychee vodka, Funkin passion fruit puree and Liquid Alchemist coconut syrup; and Citrus Sanpin.

The latter features Jasmine green tea-infused Suntory Haku vodka, Jasmine green tea syrup, fresh lemon juice, Jasmine green tea and an expressed lemon peel.

Customers can order premium sakes by the glass or bottle. Sake flights ($20) are also available.

[{"type":"text","text":"Complimentary self-parking is available with validation from the pop-up."}]

Open from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays

House of Sakura entrance 032626

<title>House of Sakura pop-up opens in Honolulu</title>

This spring pop-up at Prince Waikīkī opens today. It will be open from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays until May 31. Attendees can look forward to curated cocktails, premium sakes and shareable dishes in an aesthetic setting.

House of Sakura pop-up opens in Honolulu

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Aloha Spirit

From a fundraiser for North Shore farmers at Mohala Farms in Waialua to a rock musical at Mānoa Valley Theatre, there are lots of events happening this weekend. Get ready to make plans for this Friday, Saturday and Sunday on Oʻahu.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Friday, March 27"}]

Help raise money for North Shore farms impacted by the recent Kona Low storms through 

. This night of food, music and rebuilding starts at 5 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m. at Mohala Farms in Waialua. There will be buffet-style farm food, a raffle featuring local goods and services and live music. Donations of food, clothing, appliances and farm tools will be accepted. Tickets are $30 plus fees. 

The show is being brought to the stage at Mānoa Valley Theatre by Director 

, a recently retired professor of theatre for the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Department of Theatre and Dance. She is making her MVT debut and is joined by her daughter, Teia, the scenic designer for the production. 

Catch this theatre-in-the-round production

 where the actors and actresses are surrounded by the audience on every side. The rock musical explores societal pressures, burgeoning sexuality, repression, desire and more. Performances run Thursday to Sunday through April 5. 

. Students can secure $20 tickets with the code “Spring” at checkout, but must bring a valid student ID to the theater. 

Check out an exhibit that combines Hawaiʻi and Legos. 

Imagine humuhumunukunukuapua‘a, kalo, Hōkūleʻa and rainbows. Now, picture them formed with Legos. These are some of the items on display in “Aloha Bricks ʻ26: Stories of Hawaiʻi,” a new exhibit opened recently in the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum’s Castle Memorial Building. Also on display are Lego creations built by school children from 50 schools across Hawaiʻi. Admission to the special exhibit is included with general admission, which starts at $25.95 for youth and $33.95 for adults. 

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This event, which runs Saturday and Sunday, includes more than 200 vendors, many of which will offer $7 mini food plates at the Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. Aloha State Daily is the event’s stage sponsor. Come say hi to the Aloha State Daily team at our booth! There will be games and chances to win merchandise at our table. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. General admission is $6.50. For seniors and military, it is $4.50. Keiki who are 12 years old or younger get free admission with a paying adult. 

FoodieCon will be collecting donations for those impacted by the Kona low storms. Needed items include bandaids, hydrogen peroxide, gauze, paper towels, toothpaste, and more. Check 

Sponsored by the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, this parade is expected to have about 1,000 marchers, 15 floats and 10 bands. The parade takes place in Kapolei and ends at Ka Makana Aliʻi. Roads close at 4 p.m. and reopen at about 7 p.m. Free. 

 This event is sponsored by RM Mahe Hui LLC and is expected to have about 3,000 marchers, 30 vehicles and 12 bands. The parade will travel down Kalakaua Avenue to Kapiʻolani Regional Park. Free. 

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“Sounds of the Ocean” at the Planetarium. 

This family-friendly film captures the sounds of whales and dolphins and immerses viewers in the world underwater. It will be showing at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum’s J. Watumull Planetarium.The planetarium can be cold, so consider a sweater. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students, seniors, military and keiki under 12 years old. 

Did you see a rainbow? Please share the picture! Submissions may be featured in our reader submission series called Hawaiʻi Skies. Include your name, where the picture was taken and why the moment was special. 

In addition to weekend events, this Thursday, March 26, marks Prince Kūhiō Day. Check out some of the films showing at 

Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum’s J. Watumull Planetarium

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

"Spring Awakening"

<title>Kōkua Waialua, FoodieCon, and more: What to do on Oʻahu this weekend</title>

Ready to help farmers in Waialua who were impacted by floods? Want to see a humuhumunukunukuapua‘a formed entirely from Legos? Aloha State Daily rounded up a list of things to do Friday, March 27, through Sunday, March 29.

Kōkua Waialua, FoodieCon, and more: What to do on Oʻahu this weekend

, a unique dinner theatre experience, is now available in Honolulu. The experience is known for its creative fusion of immersive 3D projection technology and world-class gastronomy.

The dining experience is available in The Garden Room (private dining room) of Romer House Waikīkī’s signature restaurant, 855-ALOHA. The experience is available nightly, with two seatings at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. This experience is a permanent feature in The Garden Room; around 28 seats are available per seating.

[{"type":"text","text":"855-ALOHA is still open with its regular dinner menu."}]

Attendees can look forward to an engaging culinary journey with visual storytelling via a 3D show on their own plates. The tables are transformed into a screen between courses, and the little chef entertains with attempts to create culinary masterpieces.

The “small chef” was brought to life in 2015, using 3D mapping technology and artistic knowledge.

The five-course Le Petit Chef menu costs $169 per adult (optional $45 wine pairings and $40 cocktail pairings are available).

An a la carte beverage menu is also available. Choose from wines by the glass, along with curated Le Petit Chef cocktails ($18) like Nutty Old Fashioned, East Meets West and Papaya A La Playa. The latter features a vibrant combo of gin, Aperol, 

L'Aperitivo Nonino, papaya mint puree and lime juice.

The dining experience starts with housemade ricotta with Ho Farms heirloom tomato, chili crisp vinaigrette, shiso oil and bubu arare. The whipped ricotta, coupled with the bright acidity from the tomatoes, is a refreshing starter.

The second course features Island Bouillabaisse, which is inspired by the traditional fish stew. This version includes locally caught mahi mahi, shrimp, Manila clams, and tomato saffron broth. The tomato saffron broth is poured tableside. The flaky mahi mahi absorbs the rich broth, which is flavorful and slightly spicy.

Next comes lobster with miso, ginger, scallion, sesame, micro greens and charred lemon. The tender, succulent lobster is easily one of the highlights of this dining experience.

The main entrée features New York striploin with mushroom puree, ulu, carrot, broccolini, local micro greens and Bordelaise sauce.

Ulu creates the base of this course; it’s naturally gluten-free and hearty like a potato. The New York striploin is drizzled with a Bordelaise sauce and is served on a bed of mushroom puree. While the meat was flavorful, the sauces and accompaniments make this dish shine.

The meal concludes with coconut crème brulee with coconut caramel and candied macadamia nuts.

A Le Petit Chef vegetarian menu and specially crafted junior menu for younger guests are also available.

 online; minimum two people per booking (due to the dining experience’s technology, strollers cannot be accommodated).

Valet and off-site parking are available with complimentary validation (up to three hours).

Romer House Waikīkī – The Garden Room

romerhotels.com/romer-house-waikiki/le-petit-chef-honolulu

Le Petit Chef chef 031226

<title>Le Petit Chef dinner experience available in Honolulu</title>

This creative experience features a combination of 3D projection technology and culinary excellence. The dining experience is available nightly at Romer House Waikīkī.

Le Petit Chef dinner experience available in Honolulu

Marujuu Hawaiʻi first opened in Kaimukī

 — it’s located in the former Chubbies Hawai

i space — it was typical to see a line of people waiting to try its sizzling Japanese-style hamburger steaks.

Now that the holidays are over and things have slowed down a bit, the restaurant decided it was time to add new dishes to its menu.

Since the eatery now has its liquor license, new appetizers — designed to pair with beer and cocktails — are now available. Choose from crispy broccoli ($6.80), shrimp cocktail salad ($13.50), calamari fry ($11.80) and shrimp fry ($11.80).

The crispy broccoli is topped with garlic powder and powdered cheese. The shrimp fry is like an ultra-crispy shrimp tempura.

Customers dining during lunch can try Marujuu’s new curry lunch special ($19.80). The special includes salad and a soup bar — which is coming soon — and your choice of curry. The curry lunch special is for dine-in only. 

We’re told the self-service soup bar will have rotating soup selections — like onion soup — that will change daily.

For now, customers can choose from chicken karaage curry or hamburg curry; the latter features the eatery’s popular hamburger steak. The housemade curry is thick, flavorful and comforting. Various toppings — ranging from large fried shrimp ($5.50) and cheddar cheese ($1.90) — are available for adding to your curry.

Other new dishes include rib-eye steak ($28.90) and the meat lover set ($28.90). The rib-eye steak can serve one to two (half pound, $28.90) or two to three individuals (1 pound, $53.90). Meanwhile, the meat lover set includes a hamburg and chicken steak combo, served with Napolitan spaghetti and sauteed cabbage. The hamburger steak’s soft, tender texture pairs nicely with the eatery’s signature onion sauce.

[{"type":"text","text":"Both set meals include rice and soup."}]

Open 11 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. (2 p.m. last call), 5 to 9 p.m. (8:15 p.m. last call) Tuesdays to Sundays; closed Mondays

Marujuu new dishes 020426

<title>This Japanese-style hamburger steak spot now has curry</title>

Located in Kaimukī, Marujuu Hawaiʻi opened last November with its sizzling hamburger steaks. The eatery just added new dishes to its menu — customers can look forward to curry lunch specials, and new meaty entrees like rib-eye steak and a meat lovers set.

This Japanese-style hamburger steak spot now has curry

Kailua Town Pub & Grill is home to one of Oʻahu’s only speakeasies. Tucked away within its walls — I won’t divulge everything here, for the sake of mystique — is 

, a dimly lit, intimate venue known for its handcrafted cocktails, gourmet dining experience and sophisticated atmosphere.

Unlike speakeasies solely focused on libations, this one offers an elevated menu of seafood, steaks, caviar and more. During a recent media visit, we checked out Gaslamp’s new summer menu; the speakeasy changes its menu seasonally.

The grilled Caesar salad ($23) starts things off on a light note. Waimanalo whole leaf is topped with anchovies and pepperoncini. It’s light and refreshing, and we appreciated the distinctive anchovy flavor in the dressing.

Of the new dishes we tried, the Dover sole Meuniere ($52) was a highlight. The fish was topped with crispy shallots, lemon, wild mushroom medley and asparagus. The savory, lemon butter sauce is light yet flavorful, and the preparation highlights the fish’s delicate flavors. It’s moist, flaky and absolutely a must. This dish was the first to be completely devoured by our group of four.

This isn’t your typical Bolognese. This rich, meat-based pasta gets a meaty upgrade with A5 wagyu beef belly, Calabrian chilis and basil over pappardelle. The pappardelle is perfectly cooked — a nice, slight chew, but not overdone — and the wagyu enhanced its umami flavor.

The Dutch veal chop boasts a bone-in chop served with potatoes au gratin and veal jus. It’s ideal if you want something heartier, and the savory veal jus was phenomenal. The thinly sliced potatoes au gratin featured a delicate, crispy exterior that was the perfect juxtaposition to the creamy potato layers. We couldn’t get enough of it.

While it’s not new, the “French Laundry” is one of Gaslamp’s most unique offerings. It features a stunning presentation of a dry-aged, swinging wagyu tomahawk that’s torched and carved tableside. The drippings from the wagyu fall directly into the mashed potatoes, making the side dish even more indulgent and buttery. We enjoy the smoky flavors and meaty textures — especially the slight char on the meat.

Of course, no visit to a speakeasy is complete without a cocktail. The dealer’s choice (prices vary), in which the mixologists create a custom libation based on your drink preferences, is always encouraged. This particular drink was spirit-forward with tequila and bee pollen.

Open 5-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 4-10:30 p.m. Fridays-Sundays

Gaslamp food spread 071025

<title>New summer dishes at this Kailua speakeasy</title>

Tucked away within Kailua Town Pub & Grill, Gaslamp just launched its summer menu. Standout dishes range from a light, flaky Dover sole to an A5 wagyu beef belly Bolognese.

Hawai'i Skies: Last light

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