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ASD Staff

Hawai'i Skies

Today's Hawai'i Skies was captured by Cindy Evans in South Kohala, Hawai’i Island. "

Magical Moment. I felt blessed to witness a gift from the sky."

To submit your Hawai'i Skies photo, visit us 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

25 11 6 Cindy Evans

<title>Hawai'i Skies: A gift from the sky</title>

Today's Hawai'i Skies was captured by Cindy Evans in South Kohala, Hawai’i Island.

Hawai'i Skies: A gift from the sky

Today's Hawai'i Skies was captured by Cindy Evans in South Kohala, Hawai’i Island. "Magical Moment. I felt blessed to witness a gift from the sky." 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

When a young Jackie Johnson III wasn't out fishing with his father, one could probably spot him in Pauoa with his best friend, Ka‘eo Akana, and his father, Kip. 

Johnson was essentially an extended member of the Akana family, forging a bond with Ka‘eo when the two were middle school students at St. Francis. Kip, the varsity baseball and football coach at the school, noticed Johnson's competitive spirit as an intermediate baseball player and encouraged him to come out for football. 

"I was a baseball player at first, so football took some getting used to," Johnson recently told Aloha State Daily. 

Baseball was Johnson's first love, but football grew on him each time he stepped on the gridiron. Johnson played varsity ball for Akana at St. Francis, playing fullback and linebacker.

"Jack was always enthusiastic about working hard from a young age," Kip Akana said. "He was a kid that took great pleasure in doing hard things when it would come to training. It was clear to me that he was different."

That mentality carried Johnson through the adversity that would come his way. St. Francis closed as a school, leading to a transfer to Roosevelt. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, wiping away what would have been his senior season of high school football. 

Although the HHSAA did not hold a football season in 2020, Johnson continued to hone his craft as a defensive lineman through the TrenchDawg Group, which at the time was a local football organization, specializing in offensive and defensive line play. It was created by former St. Francis offensive line coach Whitley Fehoko. Johnson earned valuable reps against future NFL offensive lineman 

, current Oregon center Poncho Laloulu and others with college offers. 

"TrenchDawgs gave me an opportunity to put the pads on and really develop, because the only way to get better is putting pads on. On top of the lifting and running, it was a great opportunity," Johnson said. 

The tape Johnson put together in TrenchDawg games and practices was enough to garner interest from Division II and III schools. Lawrence Tech, an NAIA school in Southfield, Mich., was the only school to offer Johnson a football scholarship. 

"It wasn't a full scholarship, but I just took it and ran with it," Johnson said. 

Johnson had two strong years with the Blue Devils, establishing himself as one of their best players. He was happy there, but Akana couldn't shake the feeling that he was destined for more. Akana made calls to Hawai‘i head coach Timmy Chang and associate head coach Chris Brown in the 2023 offseason, vouching for Johnson and advocating for him to join as a walk-on. After reviewing his tape, Brown offered Johnson a spot on the team. With where things were in the calendar, Johnson had to leave Lawrence Tech almost immediately. One of Johnson's coaches at Lawrence Tech warned him that moves like the one he was about to make rarely work out. 

Hawai‘i defensive ends coach Jordan Pu‘u-Robinson quickly realized that this TrenchDawg came from a different breed. 

"We were having summer workouts, and we're doing some drills for about 10, 15 minutes, and he got into a big argument with Andrew Choi, who was a senior starter and leader at the time, and Andrew basically called him out and said, 'Jackie, relax. You're a walk-on,'" Pu‘u-Robinson recalled. "That moment, it told me that this kid didn't really care about making friends or being liked. He wanted to be the best. That just shows his competitive nature. And that's really who he is. He's extremely intentional, hard-working and hyper competitive every single day."

When asked about the incident following a recent practice, Johnson said "those guys were like my older brothers. We're close. But yeah, you can't get bullied."

Johnson played in four games in 2023, preserving a redshirt. He played in all 12 games for the Rainbow Warriors in 2024, leading the team with five sacks. He saved his best for last in 2025, earning All-Mountain West first-team honors with 7.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss, cementing himself as one of the most feared edge rushers on the West Coast. 

"Jackie is just a tough warrior. He's competitive, he's tough. He's hard-nosed. He gets after it," UH defensive coordinator 

 said of Johnson, who is listed at 6 feet and 245 pounds on the UH roster. "Need more like him, you know? I mean, he's not the tallest guy, he's not the fastest guy, but what he does, he brings it every single day. And when you have that and those types of players, you'll go to war with them every time."

Ka‘eo Akana, a junior defensive end for the Rainbow Warriors alongside Johnson, is doing his best to treasure the time he has left with his close friend as his teammate. 

"There's no feeling like it. That's my brother for life. Jackie Johnson, my boy. It's just a hard thing to explain," he said following a brief pause. "I love my boy, and we'll send him out the right way."

With one game left in his college career, Johnson will explore his pro options following the 

 on Wednesday. For now, he refuses to look past Cal, which will serve as another opportunity for him to showcase his his skills. 

"God willing on that situation, I have maybe a few avenues to what I'm gonna do after but right now, I'm just focusing on this game," Johnson said. "Quite frankly, I think this is the biggest game of the season. I think we should be attacking it like that. They're a good team, and I'm just extremely excited."

Jackie Johnson III 122325

<title>Sheer will vaults Jackie Johnson III into impact player for UH football team</title>

Undersized and lightly recruited, the All-Mountain West defensive end is no longer flying under the radar.

Sheer will vaults Jackie Johnson III into impact player for UH football team

The University of Hawai‘i's 2025 season was extended by nearly a month after gaining bowl eligibility, and the Rainbow Warriors have certainly cherished the extra time.

 on Nov. 29 merely marked the end of the regular season for the Rainbow Warriors. By virtue of their 8-4 regular season, UH qualified for the Hawai‘i Bowl, where it will face California on Wednesday at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. 

With each passing victory, head coach Timmy Chang's debut season in 2022 seems like a distant memory to those who witnessed it. The Rainbow Warriors went 3-10, hampered by a roster that was broken and under repair following the aftermath of the Todd Graham's tenure in Mānoa. 

In the 25 extra days the 2025 team has had between their regular season and bowl game, the 'Bows have been hard at work, studying a formidable Cal team that features 

 in quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, safety Aiden Manutai and interim head coach Nick Rolovich. 

prepare for their first Hawai‘i Bowl since 2019

, they've also enjoyed some of the perks of bowl week, which includes a five-night stay in 

Waikīkī and a gift package that includes items such as Oakley sunglasses, JBL headphones, multiple shirts, a Nike sweatsuit and a pair of Nike panda dunks, among a handful of other free goodies. 

"It was four years in the making," associate head coach Chris Brown told Aloha State Daily. "I'm especially happy for guys like Zhen Sotelo and Jalen Smith and 

. These guys who were here from day one, never quit, never gave up. They give their heart and soul, their blood, their bodies out there on the football field."

Despite being O‘ahu residents, the team got to play tourist for the week, taking team trips to Pearl Harbor and 

Wet 'n' Wild in addition to having a team luau. 

"To see these guys actually get rewarded for all their hard work, it's really special. And I'm really, really proud of these guys, and they earned it," Brown said. "But it's always going to be business. We're going to give our 110% to get this victory against Cal. But I know in between our training and our workouts, these boys are bonding with each other, and it's going to be something that these boys will take for the rest of their lives."

Brown was a linebacker for Hawai‘i in the inaugural Hawai‘i Bowl in 2002. The Warriors entered the game 10-2 and were favored against a 7-5 Tulane squad. 

"I will never forget doing the haka. We decided to do the haka before the game started, and we were so exhausted that we decided to never do it ever again," Brown said. 

Tulane began the game with with a surprise onside kick. Hawai‘i, as Brown alluded to, couldn't find consistency throughout the game.

Chang, who is coaching in the Hawai‘i Bowl for the first time, was a two-time Hawai‘i Bowl MVP as a player. 

"Just getting to the game and being grateful to be there, I think those were some of the most important things," Chang said.

In the 2003 Hawai‘i Bowl, Chang didn't start the game but won MVP honors after completing 26 of his 42 passes for 475 yards, five touchdowns and an interception. UH prevailed 54-48, outlasting Houston. Following the game, a 

 broke out between both teams. Helmets were tossed and swung over the course of the 10-minute melee. Although Chang chose not to elaborate on the brawl 22 years later, Brown certainly did. 

"I tell you what, I was alumni at that time, but watching that game, I said, 'Attaboy, great job, Hawai‘i. Nobody comes into our house and pushes us around,'" Brown said. "To see the boys get up and defend the Island and defend their brothers, man, I mean, that's Hawai‘i, you know? Don't expect to just walk over us. We all stand together, and we're not here to get beat. We're here to win. We all, as alumni, were very proud of that day when the boys stood up for themselves."

While Chang and Brown got to enjoy bowl week multiple times, they're now coaching a team that is brand new to it. 

"Just hanging with the boys, doing whatever, going to the beach, going out to eat with the boys, just having that extra conversation with the boys," freshman slot receiver Tama Uiliata said when asked what his favorite part of bowl week was following a recent practice. "Just to know them on a deeper level, not just on the field. You can go have fun with them, just chop it up. The chemistry really plays a part here. Just spending time with the boys that you don't really have during the season."

With bowl week set to come to a close following Wednesday's game, there's only one way the Rainbow Warriors are planning for it to end. 

"I grew up personally watching this game and going to the games with my family," UH star quarterback 

 said. "It's just restoring traditions for a lot of people, a lot of families. Being able to do that for the state, and bring joy back going out there and just put our best showing out."

Hawaii football 122325

<title>Hawai‘i Bowl experience creating new memories for past, present UH football players</title>

A steady climb under head coach Timmy Chang has manifested into the program's most successful season of the decade. Players and coaches alike have savored the additional time with each other.

Hawai‘i Bowl experience creating new memories for past, present UH football players

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Aloha Spirit

Aloha State Daily rounded up a list of 26 New Year’s Eve events on Oʻahu so you can ring in 2026 in style. From live music presented by Hawaiʻi’s Finest at Wai Kai in ʻEwa Beach to three rooms of parties at Kapono’s at The Lounge in Hawaiʻi Kai, there are options to dance, sing, eat and drink as the new year — and you — slides into focus. ASD rounded up activities by neighborhood:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"KO OLINA"}]

Four Seasons Resort, Oʻahu at Ko Olina. 

Mina’s Fish House, Manalo Lounge and Noe are offering dining experiences for New Year’s Eve. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"ʻEWA BEACH"}]

Wai Kai x Hawaiʻi’s Finest (ʻEwa Beach). 

The party is open to all ages and includes live music and fireworks at midnight, as well as opportunities to sign up for night surfing. Hawaiʻi’s Finest will present entertainment on the surfside lawn, which will have free seating open to the public and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets for a VIP experience at The Lookout are also available for $100 per person. Check the website for the list of items not allowed at Wai Kai. 

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

Start the party early at the Town Center of Mililani with the Noon Year’s Eve Pineapple Drop. The event features headliner 

, as well as haka and Tahitian dance performances, lion dances, and taiko drumming. Performances start at 10 a.m. and run until the pineapple drop at noon. Free. 

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

Party with three DJs and two dance floors with a drag show that starts at 9 p.m. The event includes performances by Omnia Nova, Princess, Kelly Price, Apple Aday and Sardonyx Del Rey. Bottle service is available. Tables can also be reserved at 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"DOWNTOWN HONOLULU"}]

Live music, cocktails and tasty late night bites are part of this New Year’s Eve celebration. Riya Davis, a vocalist and saxophonist, will perform from 10:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. Tickets are $125 and include live music cover charge, snacks, party favors and a drink. 

“Dress to dazzle” and celebrate with the Gatsby New Year’s Eve Gala

. Tickets include live music and DJ sets and a champagne toast. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There is also a Whiskey VIP Room experience available for up to 12 people. Tickets start at $71.21. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"ALA MOANA"}]

Minutes from Waikīkī, The District is presenting Silver and Stars NYE 2026. The dress code is “New Year’s Eve festive.” There will be DJs, a 36-foot LED video wall, lasers and CO2 cryo cannons. Tickets start at $40 for general admission, which includes drink tickets, and $70 for VIP admission, which includes drink tickets, champagne welcome drinks, snacks, and party favors, plus an exclusive champagne room with a dedicated DJ. The event starts at 8 p.m. and runs until 4 a.m. 

Bad Decisions Ball features special guest DJ Hector Fonseca. There will be a champagne toast at midnight. The guest list is free until 10:30 p.m. The event runs from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. 

Celebrate Bye Bye 25 at Swell Restaurant and Pool Bar with beats by DJ Compose and DJ Mau and a ball drop illuminated on the Beachside Tower. Individual entry, which includes a signature welcome cocktail and a champagne toast at midnight is $40, if purchased in advance, and $50 at the door. A private luxury cabana for eight people, which includes bottle service with Grey Goose Vodka and Devant Brut Champagne along with charcuterie boards and New Years Eve swag and complimentary self-parking for one vehicle, is $750. 

The Honolulu New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl 2026, hosted by the national group 

, offers a digital map to spots across town, a celebratory champagne toast, beats from live DJs, drink specials and free entry to participating bars. Check-in runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and there will be an exclusive after-party event. Tickets are $30.65, if purchased in advance, with group discounts for parties of four or more. 

 This event, called “Fiesta into 2026” offers margaritas, tacos, fireworks and a rooftop celebration. Early dinner service, a NYE happy hour and VIP tables and bottle service are available. The live DJ starts at 7 p.m. Presale tickets at $40. Fast passes are $90. 

Cruise for fireworks (ocean views of Waikīkī). 

Star of Honolulu, a sunset dinner cruise, serves up views of Waikīkī timed to include the fireworks show. There will also be light pūpūs, party favors and a midnight toast. 

 Some other groups offering New Year’s Eve experiences on the water include the 

 catamarans (tours depart from Kewalo Basin or Waikīkī) and 

Halekūlani on the Beach at Waikīkī (Waikīkī).

 Say goodbye to 2025 and hello to 2026 with a chic afternoon at The Veranda, a rosé and caviar lounge. Book the 

 ($155 per ticket). There will also be a 

New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at Orchids/La Mer

Make reservations for New Year’s Eve meals at Grand Lānai restaurants at International Market Place, including Crackin’ Kitchen, Eating House 1949, Herringbone, Moani Waikīkī Island Bistro & Bar, Shorefyre, Skybox Taphouse and Stripsteak Waikīkī. 

Shorefyre's Fire by Night Gatsby Party (International Market Place, Waikīkī). 

Dance the night away with DJ Al Grande, DJ Caldee and DJ Deuxces in this Gatsby-themed event which starts at 9 p.m., after regular dinner service. Festive 1920s attire recommended but not required. VIP service is available. 

Skybox Taphouse (International Market Place, Waikīkī). 

Sing in the New Year at this spot, which is hosting a karaoke party. Pizza and cocktails are available. 

Enjoy a rooftop experience at the “High Resolution – New Year, New Heights” party with skyline views, DJs and a coundtown until midnight at Sky Waikīkī. The music will be provided by DJ Compose and DJ Jem. Dress to impress. Attendees must be at least 21 years old. Tickets start at $60. 

NYE Paradise Bloom is a rooftop party, presented by House of Art Entertainment, with immersive decor, live performances and a complimentary glass of welcome champagne, plus a midnight toast. The event will include a live jazz band, acrobatic performances, DJs, live fire shows, and more. 

The Laylow Waikīkī, Autograph Collection (Waikīkī). 

DJ J.Esco will provide the music for Drip: A New Year’s Eve Celebration. Dress code is “dressed to impress.” General admission tickets, which includes party favors, appetizers from 10 p.m. to midnight and a champange toast at midnight are $85 pre-sale or $105 at the door. VIP tables, which include bottle service, reserved areas and a charcuterie board, start at $800. 

The Royal Hawaiian Resort, Waikīkī (Waikīkī). 

Celebrate fresh starts with a five-course dinner at Azure at The Royal Hawaiian Resort, Waikīkī.

Seatings begin at 6 p.m. or 8:15 p.m. ($275+. Wine pairings are $75+). There is also a New Year’s Eve lūʻau dinner show, which includes a three-course meal ($397+ for adults with tiered pricing for keiki). The resort will also host “Dreaming in Pink” with live DJ entertainment, handcrafted cocktails, oceanfront fireworks and views of Diamond Head on the lawn and in the nearby Monarch Room ($100 for adults and $50 for keiki). 

Enjoy a DJ and dancing, party favors, a midnight toast and views of the stars and fireworks from this spot with ocean views. Attendees must be at least 21 years old. Buy tickets for just the party, a four-course NYE dinner with entrance to the party, or a VIP package. 

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach (Waikīkī). 

Glitter & Good Cheer is the focus of this party at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikīkī Beach. The event will also be a celebration of the resort’s 125th birthday. The party will host three different NYE experiences: Cabana Suite, VIP Terrace, and Diamond & Pearls Party. The Cabana Suite includes an oceanfront celebration with access to a decorated pool deck from 8:30 p.m. to midnight. It includes premium pūpū platters, two bottles of Devant Brut Champagne (NV and Rosé), DJ entertainment and complimentary parking for up to six guests. The VIP Terrace includes a private lounge with bottle service tables and premium pūpū platters, plus two bottles (Taittinger Brut Champagne and Pau Vodka), DJ entertainment, and complimentary parking for up to six guests. The Diamonds & Pearls Party on the Diamond Lawn includes a gourmet dinner buffet, a no-host bar, a photo booth, tarot card reading, adult face painting and a champagne toast at midnight. 

Hawaiian Council is presenting this event featuring comedian Pashyn Santos, along with hula and mele from Nā Lei Aloha at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa. The evening starts at 9:30 p.m. with a DJ set. Performances, including stand-up comedy from Santos, fire knife dancing, mele and hula. There will be fireworks and a champagne toast. Attendees must be at least 21 years old. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"MCCULLY-MOIʻILIʻILI"}]

This dance school is celebrating the new year Vegas style! There will be tango, casino games, champagne and “nonstop sparkle,” according to event organizers. Activities start with a dance class, Tango 101 for Beginners, at 8:30 p.m. and then from 9:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. there is a tango dance party with traditional and new music. There will also be a casino games room with roulette, craps, poker and blackjack. Tickets are $60, if purchased early, and $75 at the door. 

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

The Kāhala Hotel & Resort (Kāhala). The Dom Pérignon New Years Eve Celebration includes fire knife dancing and a drone show. Tickets include access to premium poolside views of activities, plus live music and a Dom Pérignon champagne toast. The event runs from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Dress code is resort casual. Guests must be at least 21 years old. Tickets are $105.63. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"HAWAI’I KAI"}]

Kapono’s at The Lounge: New Year’s Eve on the Marina (Hawaiʻi Kai). 

, who has won more than 20 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, recently partnered with the Henry Kapono Foundation and The Lounge at Island Sound Studios on 

, which will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, starting Jan. 9. Kapono’s at the Lounge includes three performance spaces —The Lounge, The Velvet Monkey and Studio B — and will host debut performances featuring Kapono, Tavana and Ambrose

 in each of the spaces on New Year’s Eve. VIP passes are available for partygoers who wish to move between the spaces from 10:30 p.m. until midnight.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Atlantis Cruises

<title>26 places to party for 2026: New Year’s Eve on O’ahu</title>

Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou! Happy New Year! Looking to ring in 2026 on Oʻahu? Here are 26 events, listed by neighborhood, happening between ʻEwa Beach and Hawaiʻi Kai.

26 places to party for 2026: New Year’s Eve on O’ahu

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

[{"type":"text","text":"A new dim sum eatery recently opened in Kapolei."}]

Gyu-Masu Steak & Seafood — located within Embassy Suites Kapolei — recently changed its concept and re-branded its restaurant. The former steak and seafood eatery was centered on serving wagyu sourced from Toriyama Farm in Japan at affordable prices.

The restaurant served a la carte dishes and also featured an all-you-can-eat concept, but business owner Victor Jian took some time to re-evaluate how things were going.

“Nowadays, there’s so many all-you-can-eat places; it’s a little saturated,” he says. “Back in the day, you had places like Todai; a few years later, they all disappeared. I don’t want to be one of them, so I was like, ‘Maybe I should switch.’”

A few months ago, Jian ran into his longtime friend, who used to own Chinatown eatery Legend Seafood Restaurant. That conversation was further confirmation to Jian to change things up at his restaurant.

“He said he sold it, but still has his central kitchen,” Jian says. “He works in a central kitchen in town, so he produces everything and I purchase from him. We have a good partnership, in terms of doing this. His stuff is really good.

“I used to work in a Chinese restaurant before, but it’s very hard to open a dim sum restaurant,” Jian adds. “It’s a lot of work.”

The restaurant officially opened as re-branded 

 on Dec. 12. The current menu features many dim sum staples, including steamed har gow ($7.50), pork hash with shrimp ($6.25), soup dumplings with pork ($6.25), Hong Kong-style pork bao ($7.65), chicken feet ($7.75) and sticky rice in lotus leaf ($8.50).

So far, Jian says the egg custard tarts, Hong Kong-style pork bao and sticky rice in lotus leaf have been popular.

“At a lot of dim sum restaurants, they pre-bake it (the egg tarts), but we don’t bake it until people order them,” he says.

Jian still incorporates wagyu on the menu. Customers can enjoy dishes like steamed wagyu in black bean sauce ($19.50), wagyu fried rice ($23.50), wagyu chow funn ($24.75), wagyu chow mein ($24.75) and wagyu meatballs ($19.50).

“I look forward to getting people to try something different,” Jian says. “I want people to try the wagyu chow funn, chow mein and wagyu fried rice. The flavor is very different because we’re using wagyu tallow and A5 wagyu to cook with; it makes a huge difference."

Customers can take advantage of four-hour validated parking at Embassy Suites Kapolei when dining at the restaurant. The eatery will be open during limited hours on the upcoming holidays; Jian encourages customers to make reservations and stay updated by following the business’s social media account.

Even though his dim sum restaurant just opened, Jian is full of plans for 2026.

“I want to do a variety of stuff incorporating wagyu,” he says. “Right now, my friend and I are working on making a wagyu-filled manapua. I’m working with him in terms of using farm-to-table wagyu — ‘How do we introduce this to the Chinese cuisine? How do we do that, elevate it, and make it even better?’ I want to do something new, something that no one has ever done before.”

Jian says a dim sum express grab-and-go concept is in the works, so customers can anticipate that in the coming months.

Open 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays to Fridays, 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays; closed Mondays

Free parking at Embassy Suites Kapolei with restaurant validation

West Emperor Dim Sum lunch spread 121925

<title>West Oʻahu has a new dim sum spot</title>

West Emperor Dim Sum Restaurant just opened in Embassy Suites Kapolei. It’s a re-branding of former wagyu eatery Gyu-Masu Steak & Seafood. Restaurant owner Victor Jian has teamed up with the former chef from Legend Seafood Restaurant to bring dim sum to the West side.

West Oʻahu has a new dim sum spot

 — located in the former space of Nami Kaze Hawai

i at Pier 38 — executive chef Justin Inagaki likens it to a neighborhood bistro.

“I want you to think it’s comfort food, but a little more elevated,” Inagaki says. “You’re not afraid of it; it doesn’t look intimidating, like you need to wear a suit to eat it. Most of this menu is built on the concept of sustainability within our Fresh Island Fish family.”

Thirty Eight Restaurant & Bar is currently open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (lunch only) from Monday to Friday, as the eatery is still in its soft opening. It features a harbor-centric menu to showcase fresh seafood, according to restaurateur and consultant Dong Dang.

“We’re trying to serve fresh seafood at a reasonable price,” he says. “When you go to the supermarket, seafood is always a premium priced item. We’re trying to make it more available, especially to the locals.” 

Ordering is meant to be quick and simple — customers can go to the register, or order using a QR code at their table. 

“With any restaurant, your two big expenses are labor and food,” Dang says. “We wanted to use high-quality seafood, so it was on us to operate efficiently to be able to extend the value to the customer.”

All dishes on the menu are $20 or less, and pricing was an intentional decision, according to Inagaki.

“We try to keep it affordable and approachable,” he says. “We know that our local people are suffering, not just in the high cost of living, but in this economy. That’s one of our main concepts: not just providing great food and good portions, but having something that won’t break their wallet. We want to make sure they can come back again, not just one time.”

Inagaki says he’s been in the industry for more than 15 years. He’s previously worked at restaurants like Roy’s, Alan Wong’s, Hy’s Steak House and, most recently, 916 Grill St. + ShabuZen in Waipio.

“I’m a fine dining chef actually, by trade,” Inagaki says. “I’ve led Hy’s Steak House from 2015 to 2020. I launched La Vie and Quiora with the G. Lion Group. My wheelhouse is not necessarily to be fine dining, but whatever the concept might be, we try to be as true to the concept as possible. I like to add a little fun to it, and make sure it just doesn’t look good, but it also tastes good. I also to want to be different — we don’t just want to be like everybody else.”

Start with soups, salads and appetizers like lobster bisque ($10), New England clam chowder ($8), ‘ahi tataki ($16) and chef’s fresh poke bowl ($17). The bisque is garnished with a yuzu crème fraiche, while the clam chowder includes ‘Ewa sweet corn, bacon and chopped clams.

The irresistible ‘ahi tataki features sashimi-grade seared local ahi with Maui onions, cherry tomatoes and ponzu-soy vinaigrette. The chef’s choice features a rotating selection of poke.

“It’s our spicy ‘ahi today; it’s a half pound (in the bowl),” Inagaki says. “Eventually it will change. We’re able to flex our sister company’s product. I’m all about textures, colors and execution — it has to be more of a quicker turn time, given that we’re only open for four hours (for now).”

When it comes to more unique dishes, Inagaki mentions the fish & chips ($17), which is made with beer and vodka-battered ‘ahi belly instead of a white fish, like cod. It’s served with house finadene and housemade tartar sauces.

“This one (ʻahi belly) is more fatty; it’ll stay more moist when you’re eating it,” he explains. “It’s meant to travel, so it won’t dry out. I use a cake flour and rice flour ratio, our Beer Lab beer IPA, and baking powder. The reason why I went with cake flour is because cake flour tends to be lighter than your average wheat. The rice flour tends to give more of that crunch. This is a lighter version, like a tempura.

“The finadene is actually a Chamorro sauce,” he adds. “In traditional fish and chips, you would have malt vinegar. You don’t see finadene too much on menus. It’s a take on soy vinegar; it’s like a dipping sauce.”

The lobster mac and cheese ($20) features a gourmet twist on comfort food. It features a cheesy lobster cream sauce and a buttery herb crumb crust.

“We fold our lobster bisque into it to give it more of a lobster flavor,” Inagaki says. “When you hear ‘lobster mac,’ you want to make sure you taste it. You don’t want to see lobster on a plate; you want to taste that lobster flavor throughout.”

The hamburger steak ($17) — comprising two beef patties, onions and mushroom brown gravy with white rice and tossed greens — is sure to be a local favorite. Customers craving heartier dishes can opt for the Thirty Eight burger ($18) — two beef patties topped with Thirty Eight sauce, onions, mushrooms and cheese in a taro bun — and the ‘ahi burger ($17), which features a local ‘ahi patty with spicy aioli.

“The spicy ‘ahi is torched and we have a lilikoʻi slaw on the bottom,” Inagaki says. “Every plate lunch has a toss salad instead of mac salad.”

Customers can choose from packaged desserts to-go, including chocolate flourless torte ($10), New York cheesecake ($10) and brown butter cake ($12). The goal is to eventually made desserts in-house as well, according to Inagaki.

The restaurant, which has its liquor license, currently serves beers and wines, and will eventually have cocktails.

“It’s a nice space — a nice place to unwind, relax, and have a couple drinks,” says restaurateur Khang Dang. “It’s a communal gathering spot, though not necessarily a full-service restaurant.”

While the restaurant is only open for lunch during its soft opening, customers can eventually look forward to extended hours and additional menu items.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the progression of our staff,” Inagaki says. “It’s all about culture — seeing the team grow, see them being happy and being inspired.

“For me, it’s about making people smile,” he adds. “Especially in Hawaiʻi, food is something where it’s a gathering, it brings people around, you have people talking story, it’s communal. Hearing them laugh in the dining room gives me pleasure every day.”

38 Restaurant chef 122225

<title>New restaurant opens at Pier 38</title>

Thirty Eight Restaurant & Bar — located in the former space of Nami Kaze Hawaiʻi — is now open for lunch during weekdays. The new neighborhood harbor bistro strives to offer seafood — showcasing high-quality options from its sister company, Fresh Island Fish — and local plates at affordable prices.

New restaurant opens at Pier 38

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Crime & Courts

A lawsuit between the state and PayPal has been settled to the tune of $6 million.

The Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ Office of Consumer Protection sued PayPal Inc. and PayPal Holdings Inc. in December 2022, accusing the companies of misleading customers about fraud protection policies and the accessibility of their funds.

On Monday, the DCCA announced that the suit has been settled out of court, with PayPal to pay $6 million to the state.

“Hawai‘i customers depend on PayPal and Venmo for critical daily tasks like paying rent, receiving wages and compensating child care providers,” said Office of Consumer Protection Executive Director Mana Moriarty in a statement Monday. “We share the same goal as the state of Hawai‘i to empower and protect consumers and are pleased to have reached an agreement on this matter.”

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Hawai'i Skies: A gift from the sky

Authors

ASD Staff

More in Hawai'i Skies

Hawai‘i Skies: A beautiful morning

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Hawai‘i Skies: Color contrast

Hawai‘i Skies: Moonrise

Most read