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ASD Staff

Hawai'i Skies

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Melanie Okazaki in St. Louis Heights. "

Taken from my lanai on my Apple iPhone 14 on Thursday, Dec. 4. The sky was so bright as soon the last full moon of 2025 emerged from behind the mountains."

To submit your Hawai'i Skies photo, visit us 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

25 12 9 Melanie Okazaki 16x9

<title>Hawai‘i Skies: Moonrise</title>

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Melanie Okazaki in St. Louis Heights.

Hawai‘i Skies: Moonrise

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Melanie Okazaki in St. Louis Heights. "Taken from my lanai on my Apple iPhone 14 on Thursday, Dec. 4. The sky was so bright as soon the last full moon of 2025 emerged from behind the mountains." 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.

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Aloha Spirit

 a new talent competition launched by Hawaiian Council, has a winner: 

. The finale of the show brought contestants from four islands together to compete for the grand prize: $10,000. A fan favorite, chosen by popular vote, also received a cash prize.

The finale aired after Friday Night Football on Sunday, Dec. 14, on Hawaiʻi News Now, simulcast on K5 and KHNL.

In the finale, Tario, who represented Oʻahu, competed against four other contestants: Kaua‘i’s two finalists, 

Kumu Hula Troy Allen Lazaro with Hālau Ka Pā Hula o Hīnano

; Maui’s finalist, the Island/reggae band, 

; and Hawaiʻi Island’s finalist, singer and songwriter, 

Patrick Makuakāne; Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, also known as Kumu Hina; and Lehua Kalima

 and a special guest judge. The show was hosted by McKenna Maduli with Shawn Kekoa Pimental as music producer.

During an earlier episode where artists competed to represent Oʻahu, Tario as Laritza wowed judges with a performance of “Oli Aloha” and excerpts from Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor. The pianist won that competition, earning a spot in the finale.

Tario is a cultural practioner and a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and The Juilliard School in New York City. The classically trained pianist is also a drag queen. The artist’s film credits include “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and HBO Max’s “Generations,” as well as an appearance as a model for a national commerical of Ulta Beauty, among other projects. Tario has also performed as a guest artist for 

Tario started studying at The Julliard School as a teenager. At the time, the pianist was the only Hawaiian admitted into the pre-college division, Tario told Aloha State Daily.

, is a conservatory-style music program for students between the ages of 8 and 18 who work with faculty, many of whom are part of The Juilliard School.

“During my time in New York, it was mostly classical music that I learned up there,” Tario said. “Just having your culture always kind of there with you, but also because I'm studying all of this western music, I kind of had to —  not suppress it — but it wasn't very prevalent in my life then. I've always wanted to mix my culture — and also my passion and music.”

In the finale, Tario as Laritza performed an excerpt of the score for the documentary film, 

 which focuses on Pua Case and her daughters as they protest the construction of telescopes at Mauna Kea. Tario performed the track "Haʻina ʻia mai ana ka puana" with an oli chanted over it that shares the birth of the Hawaiian Islands.

“That particular piece, it came from the documentary, but also the vinyl album that I released along with it, through Lōʻihi Records,” Tario said. “A lot of my music, I would say, it stems from place — and especially with having it be tied to such an important movement within our culture and people — I definitely wanted to showcase a little bit of that. And just emphasize the fight to protect sacred wahi pana, like Mauna Kea — it's not over yet. And what better way to show it then on television?”

The pianist just released a second album, “He Kaikamahine O Kekahi Moku.”

What does Tario want listeners to take away from performances? 

“Especially for the young māhū community, I would love to just be an inspiration and just say that whatever art form that they do: just bring yourself in it, bring our culture, and just lead with an open heart,” Tario said.

T.J. Keanu Tario

<title>“Hawaiʻi to the World” has a winner</title>

The winner of “Hawaiʻi to the World” is an Oʻahu-based artist, who is also a cultural practioner and a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and The Juilliard School. Learn more about the winner of this new talent competition.

“Hawaiʻi to the World” has a winner

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

HONOLULU — Eretria's Tsegay Weldlibanos and Great Britain's Calli Hauger-Thackery were the big winners at the 2025 Honolulu Marathon on Sunday morning, crossing the finish line at a wet Kapi‘olani Park first in their respective divisions. 

Of all 28,756 marathon entrants, Weldlibanos was the first runner to finish, zooming through the 26.2 miles with a time of 2:13.41. He overtook defending champion and fellow Eritrean Yemane Haileselassie, who finished as the runner-up less than a minute later at 2:14:30.

Meanwhile, Hauger-Thackery claimed victory in the women's division in 2:30.44. Kenya's Cynthia Limo, who entered as the two-time defending women's champion, finished in second at 2:31:35. 

When Weldlibanos and Hauger-Thackery both completed their victories, both showed signs of visible fatigue. Weldlibanos limped after the race, while Hauger-Thackery briefly got on her knees and vomited. 

"I put a lot on myself this year," Hauger-Thackery said. "There's been so many races, like the Boston Marathon, world championships, running in Chicago ... it was really hard. My only aim for today was just getting my confidence back, and then to win it was just big."

Hauger-Thackery, who calls Yorkshire her hometown, became the first British competitor to win the Honolulu Marathon in either division on Sunday. 

Despite not being training partners, Weldlibanos and Hauger-Thackery coincidentally both live in Flagstaff, Ariz. So, too, does Haileselassie, who embraced Weldlibanos after the race. The two both train under coach James McCirdy. 

"Training together, me and Yemane, it's good training with my team," Weldlibanos said. 

Added McCirdy: "They're part of our family. My wife and I have worked really hard to cultivate a really good environment in Flagstaff, and we're honored to be with these men and the women we serve. These guys are working really hard to provide for their families, to provide for their people."

Back in Flagstaff, Weldlibanos is a delivery driver for Amazon. He also has experience as a ride-share driver. 

"There's always challenges, but these men have been very patient and waiting and working really hard, working their full-time jobs on top of training full-time. They're not fully funded," McCirdy said.

Both champions on Sunday will receive a prize of $25,000, along with a solid gold medal that has significant cash value. Second-place finishers in each division will receive $10,000, while both third-place finishers won $5,000. 

Additionally, Weldibanos received a cash incentive prize of $1,500 for finishing under 2:14.00, while Hauger-Thackery also got a $1,500 bonus for crossing the finish line under 2:14.00. 

With the race beginning at 5 a.m. Sunday, both winners said they will take the time to enjoy O‘ahu before heading home. 

[{"type":"text","text":"\"Very nice blessing, good times in Hawai‘i, Weldlibanos said. "}]

Added Calli Hauger-Thackery: "It was an incredible, amazing experience. It's just so different. It's tropical. It feels like a holiday, so I wasn't nervous leading up to this race. Am I actually doing a marathon today? It felt like I was on holiday. I was loving the chill, the great vibes every day. Poke bowls every day. That's my favorite meal ever. I could live off poke bowls for the rest of my life."

Tsegay Weldlibanos 121425

<title>First-time winners take the throne at 2025 Honolulu Marathon</title>

Tsegay Weldlibanos of Eretria and Calli Hauger-Thackery of Great Britain won their respective divisions on Sunday, both finishing ahead of the defending champion for each gender.

First-time winners take the throne at 2025 Honolulu Marathon

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

The Hawai‘i Wildlife Center on Friday said it has treated more than 1,000 native seabirds during the ongoing, and record, seabird fallout season.

Seabird fallout season typically spans roughly 

 each year. It’s the time of year when young seabirds — like fledging ‘ua‘u, or Hawaiian petrels, and ‘ua‘u kani, or wedge-tailed shearwaters — taking their first flights from their burrows to the ocean can become disoriented by artificial lights and fall to the ground, making them vulnerable to predators and cars.

HWC —  one of two organizations permitted by state and federal wildlife agencies to provide medical treatment and rehabilitation care to native winged wildlife, including native bird species and the Hawaiian hoary bat — often cares for these downed birds.

In an announcement Friday, the Hawai‘i Island-based nonprofit says more than 1,000 native seabirds were rescued between September and December and that the 1,441 patients so far this year have surpassed last year’s patient count of 1,028.

HWC Development Director Rae Okawa told Aloha State Daily in an email that the numbers fluctuate somewhat year-to-year.

“Even though we handle hundreds of birds each year, we were still surprised [by the uptick in patients this year],” she says, noting that the previous fallout season record was 712 birds in 2023.

Among the factors Okawa says could be contributing to that increase is a greater public awareness.

"We had a lot of people come to the drop-off tent or call our office expressing that they would see these downed seabirds every year, but didn't know what they were or that they needed help," she said. "The public played a huge role in the success of this year's response and we want to send our kudos and gratitude to everyone!"

Other factors that could contribute to the increase also include that ‘ua‘u kani populations are doing better because conservation efforts; and that the peak of fallout season aligned with the new moon, which is when the sky is at its darkest and there’s no moonlight to compete with urban lights, Okawa noted.

HWC says the surge this year was supported by a longstanding partnership with the Kailua-based Feather & Fur Animal Hospital, an intake location that receives downed seabirds around-the-clock. The organization's O‘ahu-based staff are set up there to assess incoming birds and administer care, the announcement noted.

“In November alone, during the height of fallout season, 983 ‘ua‘u kani (wedge-tailed shearwaters) were admitted, including 102 in a single day,” the announcement noted. “Quick action by the public, dedicated volunteers and close collaboration with Feather & Fur contributed to the successful release of nearly 800 seabirds to date, a number that is expected to grow as additional patients complete rehabilitation.”

Earlier in the season, HWC treated its 6,000th patient — an ‘ua‘u that was found on the water off Lāna‘i and ultimately released on Nov. 3, as ASD previously reported.

HWC said Friday that to recognize the milestone, Gov. Josh Green proclaimed Dec. 15 as “Bird and Bat Day in Hawai‘i.," and to mark the achievement, 

Tim Richards and state Rep. David Tarnas both visited the center's Big Island headquarters.

“This year’s record numbers remind us how vulnerable our seabirds are and how powerful our community can be in helping to ensure they receive appropriate care and rehabilitation,” Linda Elliott, president and founder of the Hawai‘i Wildlife Center, said in the announcement. “2025 has been a pivotal year for HWC, and the recognition from Governor Green affirms how important this work is for Hawai‘i’s native wildlife. We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported us this season.”

HWC’s main facility is located in Kapa‘au on Hawai‘i Island but it has satellite operations on O‘ahu and Lāna‘i and partner projects throughout the state, its 

. That includes a clinic at the Honolulu Zoo.

ASD previously spoke with Elliott about the HWC, its work and what you should do if you find a downed seabird. You can 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Uau kani Wedge tailed Shearwaters1

<title>Seabird rescues reach record levels</title>

The Hawai‘i Wildlife Center says more than 1,000 native seabirds were rescued between September and December, which is seabird fallout season.

Seabird rescues reach record levels

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

Crime & Courts

The U.S. Department of Justice has sued the state of Hawai‘i for having failed to disclose voting records.

On Thursday, the Justice Department filed a 

 in U.S. District Court against Scott Nago, Hawai‘i's Chief Elections Officer, accusing him of violating the 1960 Civil Rights Act by refusing to provide state voter registration information when requested.

The lawsuit is one of 18 suits the DOJ has filed against other states over their voter files, and one of four filed on Thursday. The other three suits filed this week — against 

 — are substantially similar to the Hawai‘i suit.

All four of the Thursday suits argue that the 

 requires that all state election officers retain and preserve all records and papers pertaining to an election for at least 22 months. Any record preserved in this way must also be presented to the Attorney General for inspection upon request.

Throughout the year, the Justice Department has sent demands to 40 U.S. states for copies of their statewide voter registration files. Harmeet Dhillon, U.S. Assistant Attorney General sent such a demand to Hawai‘i’s Chief Elections Officer, Scott Nago, on Sept. 8.

That demand called for a copy of the state’s full voter registration list, including all registered voters’ full names, addresses, driver’s license numbers or the last four digits of their Social Security numbers.

Nago refused. On Sept. 22 — exactly on the day Dhillon’s 14-day deadline ended — Nago sent a response claiming that state law prevents him from complying with the DOJ’s request.

, which states that a voter’s full name, their district or precinct and their voter status can be publicly disclosed, but all other personal information shall remain confidential save as provided by rules created by the Chief Election Officer.

 by which a request for non-public voter registration information can be granted. That process requires a sworn certification describing the purpose for which the information is sought, affirming that the information will only be used for government purposes, and that the information will not be sold, released, distributed or used for commercial purposes.

While Dhillon’s letter included assurances that the data would be subject to federal privacy protections, those assurances were not sworn certifications.

Nago’s letter also challenged the idea that DOJ was authorized to request such data by federal law. Dhillon’s letter cited the 1993 

 and the 1960 Civil Rights Act as the basis for the Attorney General’s right to inspect voter registration records.

However, Nago disagreed in his letter, concluding that neither the NVRA nor HAVA have anything in their text requiring a state to turn over personal information about voters. Meanwhile, the Civil Rights Act, he wrote, still requires the Attorney General to explain the purpose for requesting such personal data; Dhillon’s letter only states that the DOJ seeks the data to evaluate the state’s compliance with the terms of the NVRA.

Nago’s letter concludes with concerns about the ultimate purpose of this data.

“It has been reported that the Department of Justice intends to send requests like the one received by Hawai‘i to all fifty states as part of an ‘effort to essentially establish a national voting database,’” Nago’s wrote in September, quoting a 

. “This raises additional privacy concerns and appears unrelated to the stated purpose of the request, which is to ensure Hawai‘i's compliance with the NVRA and HAVA.”

The Hawai‘i lawsuit urges the court to order Nago to comply with Dhillon’s September letter and provide the data requested.

“States have the statutory duty to preserve and protect their constituents from vote dilution,” Dhillon said in a 

 Friday. “At this Department of Justice, we will not permit states to jeopardize the integrity and effectiveness of elections by refusing to abide by our federal elections laws. If states will not fulfill their duty to protect the integrity of the ballot, we will.”

 among the 40 that have received such a DOJ request — Indiana and Wyoming — are known to have turned over their full voter registration lists.

Aloha State Daily reached out to the Hawai‘i Office of Elections for comment.

Courtfed

<title>DOJ sues Hawai‘i over voter registration data</title>

The U.S. Department of Justice requested voter registration data from 40 states, including Hawai‘i, earlier this year. Hawai‘i's Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago refused.

DOJ sues Hawai‘i over voter registration data

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

Still figuring out where to feast on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Looking for the perfect treat to bring to a holiday potluck? Check out these options:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"53 By the Sea"}]

: The Christmas Eve and Christmas Day course costs $120 per person; reservations are highly recommended.

[{"type":"text","text":"The set menu includes:"}]

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

: BRUG Bakery’s festive treats include:

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

: Dipped by Dee recently released its holiday collection. Choose from seasonally decorated Oreos ($4.50), hot cocoa bombs ($6-$8), holiday assorted strawberry miniboxes ($18.50) and dipped apples. Designs and flavors range from peppermint ($11) and gingerbread ($11) to Grinch ($12), Olaf ($15) and Baymax ($17.50). 

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

: The contemporary Japanese restaurant located in Ewa Beach will offer a holiday buffet ($95 per adult, $50 for children ages 5 to 10 years old). Buffet highlights include:

: Dinner buffet (5-7:30 p.m.) Dec. 24 only; brunch buffets (10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-3:30 p.m.) Dec. 25 and 31 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Duk Kee Chinese Restaurant"}]

: Duk Kee Chinese Restaurant’s December special menu ($108) is available for dine-in and takeout. It includes wintermelon soup, crispy gau gee, snow peas and pumpkin (with black fungus), shrimp and asparagus, half roast duck, Mongolian beef, steamed fish with ginger and onion shoyu sauce, and steamed rice. 

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

: El Cielo’s Christmas prix fixe menu costs $85 per person; minimum two orders.

: Dec. 23 to 25; limited to 20 servings per day 

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

: The dessert shop is offering a variety of boxes and platters for the holidays. Choose from six- ($25), 16- ($56), and 24-piece ($78) boxes. They include mochi flavors like chocolate candy cane, chocolate Oreo, snickerdoodle and blondie, along with sugar cookie and gingerbread manju.

The business’s 32-piece Christmas platter ($35) includes a festive assortment of red and green chi chi dango. Customers can also get 74-piece cupped chi chi dango ($78), which include 37 cups of red and green chi chi dango (two pieces per cup).

: Pick-up available 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 23, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 24 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Han No Daidokoro Kakaʻako"}]

: The Kakaʻako eatery’s Christmas special menu offers course menus for $120 and $150 per person. Both include aburi Miyazaki wagyu sushi, Han’s salt salad, seared washu beef (Japanese ceviche style), kimchi de Noel, and Miyazaki wagyu aburi sukiyaki bowl with TKG egg.

The $120 menu features three kinds of chef’s cuts (two Miyazaki wagyu and one washu beef), Miyazaki and washu tenderloin in red wine sauce, three kinds of chef’s cuts of washu beef, and a choice of the eatery’s housemade ice cream or sorbet.

The $150 menu features Miyazaki wagyu steak-cut rib-eye, served with wasabi; Miyazaki wagyu Chateaubriand in red wine sauce; three kinds of chef’s cuts (all Miyazaki wagyu); and a choice Malu Honolulu’s Christmas mousse cakes (yuzu white chocolate or mixed berry pistachio) for dessert.

A minimum of two orders (but customers can choose one at each price point) is required. 

7192 Kalanianaʻole Hwy. Ste. D-105, Honolulu

: Enjoy featured monthly specials like: Prime steak ($55; available during dinner only), Chivito steak sandwich ($24; available all day), and seafood causela ($28; available all day). 

: The eatery’s seasonal specials include:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Jejubing Dessert Café"}]

: The café’s holiday bingsu desserts ($10.95 regular, $13.95 large) are available for a limited time. Choose from:

: Through the rest of December and possibly until the end of January 2026; available while supplies last 

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

: Four Seasons Resort Oʻahu at Ko Olina, 

: The eatery’s Christas Eve dinner buffet ($135 per adult) includes a carving station (prime rib), cold pūpū (Asian somen salad, orzo salad, house-smoked fish and cheese and charcuterie), a seafood and poke bar (snow crab, oysters, sushi, sashimi and a poke bar), and hot offerings (farro risotto, roasted pork, lobster pot pie, whole fish, whole fish and roasted carrots). La Hiki will also offer a Christmas Day brunch buffet ($155 per adult) that will include a carving station (herb crusted lamb rack, prime rib and spiral ham), omelet and crepe station, seafood and poke bar, hot offerings (lobster Benedict, corn bread, Noe pasta and more), and assorted holiday desserts. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"M.A.C. 24\/7"}]

: The resort is offering a Christmas Day brunch buffet ($95 per adult, $39 for children under 13 years old) and Christmas Eve dinner buffet ($89 per adult, $44 for children under 13 years old). The Christmas Day brunch buffet includes an omlete station, waffle station, chilled seafood (cocktail shrimp, ogo poke, tako poke and ‘ahi sashimi), entrees (warmed crab legs, oven-roasted pork loin and sesame chicken), chef’s carving station (slow-roasted prime rib) and assorted holiday desserts.

The Christmas Eve dinner buffet includes many of the same offerings. 

: 5-9 p.m. Dec. 24; 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 25 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Mina’s Fish House"}]

: The eatery’s Christmas Day dinner costs $135 per adult. It includes:

fourseasons.com/oahu/dining/menus/minas-christmas-day-dinner/

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

: The resort’s Italian eatery is offering a variety of specials on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, including:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Pier 38 Fish Market"}]

: Pre-orders are now open for Christmas and New Year’s. Customers can choose from ‘ahi sashimi trays, sashimi trio trays, blue marlin fillets, ‘ahi poke cubes, and poke kits ($18.95). Prices vary depending on the amount of fish. 

: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 24, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 31

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Roy’s Waikīkī"}]

: Roy’s Waikīkī Christmas prix fixe menu starts with rainbow crudo (maguro and yuzu dashi soy, kanpachi and caviar aioli and Kahuku sea asparagus jalapeno chimichurri), Hawaiian Earth Farm herbed flank steak bruschetta (with Ho Farms confit tomato, soy balsamic and crispy shallots), and sesame kosho glazed pork belly (miso congee, sakura zuke shimeji relish).

Customers can choose their entrees, ranging from Roy’s macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi ($103) and Hawaiian style misoyaki butterfish ($114) to honey mustard slow-braised beef short ribs ($120), ginger crusted 16-ounce striploin ($130) and surf and turf ($158). The prix fixe concludes with “Santa’s Treat,” a white chocolate cheesecake and matcha mousse tart (with black sesame butterscotch and macerated Cara Cara strawberry).

The eatery’s a la carte menu will not be available on this day. 

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

: SERA’s Christmas set menu costs $125 per person. It includes:

The eatery is also featuring two seasonal holiday cocktails — Christmas Cheer (pumpkin spice carajillo made with Licor 43, mezcal, pumpkin-spiced agave, espresso and cardamom) and Gruber’s Last Fall (apple-infused Michter’s, fall spice syrup and bitters) 

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

: Sushi You offers platters of rolls ($100), nigiri and rolls ($120 or $160) and sashimi ($120). Each platter generally serves about four people (as a meal). 

: Available year-round; the business is open throughout Christmas and New Year’s (closed on Sundays)

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

: Sweet Revenge Honolulu will have a variety of desserts in 5- and 9-inch sizes.

The biz will also have its usual holiday pies of pumpkin, pumpkin crunch, vanilla bean custard, mac nut pie, apple and French apple.

Preorders are encouraged, but the shop will have some extra pies available for walk-ins.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Tango Contemporary Café"}]

: The eatery’s dinner menu ($60-$78, depending on your entrée) includes:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Taormina Sicilian Cuisine"}]

: The Italian eatery is featuring a specialty dish ($120) called filet di manzo with foie gras and fresh truffle. It includes a 6-ounce beef tenderloin with sauteed foie gras and truffle mashed potatoes marsala sauce, topped with shaved fresh truffles. 

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

: Customers are invited to indulge in Chef Ronnie’s Christmas Surf & Turf ($69), which includes lilikoi Dijon glazed applewood smoked ham with lobster mac and cheese, roasted ginger Kahumana baby carrots and pineapple bacon brussels sprouts. The eatery will also have its full dinner menu available. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Tim Ho Wan Waikīkī"}]

: Customers can enjoy the dim sum spot’s Christmas har gow ($9.95) for all of December. The eatery is offering a variety of weekday specials for a limited time, including:

: Weekday specials are available from Dec. 8 to 18

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

: TORO’s holiday omakase dinner menu costs $160 per guest for 16 courses. 

: Seatings at 5, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.; this special menu will be available from Dec. 23, 2025 to Jan. 3, 2026

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Vein at Kakaʻako"}]

: The Kakaʻako eatery is offering two specials this month:

Hawai‘i Skies: Moonrise

ASD Staff

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