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Daily Smile

[{"type":"text","text":"Why dogs love sleeping in the bed explained..."}]

Smile v2 25 1 7

<title>Daily Smile: Wednesday, January 7, 2026</title>

Why dogs love sleeping in the bed explained...

Daily Smile: Wednesday, January 7, 2026

 Why dogs love sleeping in the bed explained...

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

[{"type":"text","text":"A new Korean grocery store just opened in Honolulu."}]

 just opened in the former Ross space on 

. The grocery store offers a variety of produce, noodles, seasonings, snacks, drinks and more.

The store is open this week from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., but starting next week, it will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Customers can get 10% off side dishes — including kimchi, cucumber kimchi and seaweed — during soft opening.

[{"type":"text","text":"Validated customer parking (one hour) is available with purchase."}]

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You Me Mart sign 022026

<title>New Korean grocery store open in Honolulu</title>

You Me Mart just soft opened on Ke‘eaumoku Street. The business is located in the same space as French-Korean bakery TOUS les JOURS, in the former Ross space.

New Korean grocery store open in Honolulu

 is popular for its seafood and prime buffet, which is offered from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays.

The eatery recently launched a new chef selection dinner buffet option, available from 5 to 9 p.m. every Monday to Wednesday. This buffet experience costs $62 per adult and $42 for children 6 to 10 years old.

Instead of featuring action stations like prime rib, hand rolls and steamed crab legs, this buffet focuses on specialty items and elevated offerings. The new buffet menu comes from Prince Waikīkī’s new executive chef, Brooke Tadena.

Born in Honolulu and raised in Wahiawā, Tadena brings more than a decade of culinary expertise to his new role at Prince Waikīkī. He attended McKinley High School and Kapiʻolani Community College, and graduated from the Culinary Institute of America.

His previous experiences included serving as chef de cuisine for Hoku’s; executive sous chef and banquet chef at Hilton Hawaiian Village; executive sous chef at the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa; and restaurant chef for the iconic House Without A Key at Halekulani. 

Highlights from the new buffet include specialty options presented in sample-sized portions, like skirt steak with cilantro garlic chimichurri, fried beef ravioli with marinara sauce, seared fresh catch, and braised beef with creamy potato puree.

Other options from the hot station include angry mac n cheese, mushroom risotto, Spanish-style potatoes, guava barbecue pork ribs, jalapeno corn bread, and lamb ragu campanelli. We’re told the buffet offerings will change occasionally.

Meanwhile, the cold bar features maki rolls, shrimp cocktail, marinated seafood ceviche and nairagi crudo with citrus and pickles.

The salad bar offers mixed greens, Greek salad, assorted breads, assorted imported and domestic cheeses, and charcuterie.

Customers can also enjoy featured desserts like panna cotta, espresso tiramisu, creme brulee, cheesecake and the signature Prince bread pudding.

Tadena has also updated the eatery’s a la carte menu. The majority of dishes featured on it — ranging from margherita pinsa flatbread ($24) and taro burgers ($24) to pappardelle burrata pasta ($32) and lobster rolls ($36) — are brand new.

So far, the ‘ahi poke nachos ($23) have been the most popular appetizer. They feature a medley of chips — won ton, sweet potato, shrimp and taro — topped with shoyu ‘ahi, avocado, spicy mayo, yuzu crema, green onions, pickled red onions, pea tendrils, kizami nori and edamame.

The eatery’s lobster roll ($36) has also been a crowd favorite. It features a New England-style hoagie roll stuffed with lobster mixed with yuzu mayo and fresh dill; it’s served with  fries or salad.

The lobster rolls are on the eatery’s a la carte menu for both lunch and dinner, so customers can enjoy it all day long.

Other popular entrees include the coffee-rubbed rib-eye ($38) — a 12-ounce beef rib-eye served with potatoes, arugula salad with tarragon dressing and coffee demi glace — and Kona kanpachi ($35). The latter features a skin-on filet with hijiki edamame Japanese rice and dashi ponzu.

Conclude your meal with new desserts ($15 each) like mango cheesecake with calamansi sable; creme brulee; and Maui Ku’ia Estate chocolate crunch cake. The latter has been a bestseller so far, and features dark chocolate mousse, sea salted caramel, and Kula Maui strawberry compote.

Chef’s selection dinner buffet is from 5 to 9 p.m. Mondays to Wednesdays

100 Sails buffet cheese 021026

<title>New weekday dinner buffet at Prince Waikīkī</title>

100 Sails Restaurant & Bar just launched a new chef selection dinner buffet, available from 5 to 9 p.m. Mondays to Wednesdays. This buffet costs $62 per adult; instead of action stations like prime rib or sushi handrolls, it features specialty items like roasted beef tri tip, guava barbecue pork ribs, mushroom risotto and more.

New weekday dinner buffet at Prince Waikīkī

recently celebrated its ninth anniversary in Kakaʻako

, just debuted a brand-new menu. The brewpub’s new menu features more dishes that are designed to pair well with the business’s beers, according to restaurant manager Michael Kimpan.

“We want to highlight our beers and give people an opportunity to pair their food well with different beers,” he explains.

Customers can choose from a variety of appetizers, seafood dishes, pub favorites, entrees, pizzas and desserts. Start with new shareable dishes like ‘ahi saku tataki ($25), ‘ahi saku sashimi ($24) and mushroom Rockefeller ($17).

The sashimi features your choice of blackened (Cajun-seared) or sashimi-style ‘ahi, served with pickled ginger, lilikoʻi wasabi, shoyu, green onions and daikon. The tataki features a Cajun-spiced, flash-seared ‘ahi.

Meanwhile, mushroom Rockefeller is a twist on oyster Rockefeller and features mushrooms stuffed with creamy spinach artichoke dip, and topped with tomato-onion chutney butter. They’re bite-sized flavor bombs and it’s impossible to eat just one.

Several specials featured for the brewery’s ninth anniversary celebration — including the Red Zeppelin barbecue-buffalo slider ($18) and pepperoni-mushroom roll’d pizza ($16) — are now available as permanent menu items. The Red Zeppelin barbecue-buffalo slider is also available in full-sized burger form ($24), and includes an all-beef patty topped with Red Zeppelin beer barbecue-buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles and ranch mayo.

“We designed a number of items that pair well with different beers; the Red Zeppelin barbecue burger is going to go well with that particular beer,” Kimpan says.

If you’re craving dishes with local flair, opt for the Kaka

ako teri burger ($24), kalbi ($26) or loco moco ($19). The latter features an all-beef patty topped with brown gravy, sauteed onions, mushrooms and two eggs over rice.

Pizzas have always been popular at the brewpub. Newer options include the spicy meat lover ($33) — a combo of pepperoni, Italian sausage, bacon bits, chili flakes, jalapeno and garlic aioli — and a new dessert option. The sweet Aloha cinnamon roll-walnut pizza ($16) is topped with cinnamon butter, cream cheese glaze and candied walnuts.

“The dessert pizza is definitely one that our staff really enjoys,” Kimpan says.

Also new is the brewpub’s walnut-Nutella ice cream sundae ($12), which features your choice of chocolate or vanilla ice cream.

Aloha Beer Co. also now offers customers the option to create-their-own mixed six-pack ($12.99). Choose from seven signature styles, including the Aloha Lager, Hiker’s Dream, Aloha Blonde and more.

Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays

Aloha Beer Co Red Zeppelin burger 021826

<title>Aloha Beer Co. launched a new menu</title>

The Kakaʻako brewpub’s new menu features a variety of appetizers, seafood dishes, entrees and pizzas that are designed to pair well with the venue’s beverages. Customers can also create their own mixed six-pack of canned beers.

Aloha Beer Co. launched a new menu

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

Architect Francis Oda, one of the founders of G70, died Feb. 14 surrounded by family, including wife Caroline and children Reid and Nalani. He was 84.

Francis was more than one of our founders — he was a mentor, spiritual father and source of inspiration for everyone who had the privilege of working with him,” G70 CEO Linda Miki said in an announcement of his passing on Wednesday. “His legacy lives on in our G70 ‘ohana, our projects and our commitment to serving Hawai‘i and beyond with integrity and car

[{"type":"text","text":"Oda led the firm, founded in 1971, for more than 50 years."}]

His work helped shape Hawai‘i’s built environment and reflected his deep respect for culture, community and place,” G70 says. “Over the course of his career, he mentored generations of professionals whose work continues to reflect his values of excellence, humility and service.”

Born and raised in Hawai‘i, Oda made his first trip to the Mainland in 1959 to study architecture at Cornell University, according to the university’s 

“At the time, no one in his family had ever visited the contiguous U.S. and jetliner travel wasn’t available,” the write-up notes. “It took Oda five days just to reach the Cornell campus.”

He received a Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell and a Doctor of Architecture from the University of Hawai‘i, where he was a “distinguished alumnus” and helped develop the Doctor of Architecture program, G70 noted.

Oda also was an adjunct associate professor at the UH School of Architecture.

According to G70, Oda received more than 50 design awards throughout his career, including the American Institute of Architects Honor Award for Our Divine Savior Church in Chico, California.

 His award-winning projects include the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele, the Four Seasons Mānele Bay Hotel, Hanauma Bay Nature Center and the Nanea Golf Clubhouse

He also helped envision master plans and design guidelines for the city of Kapolei, the UH Long Range Development Program, Kanu o ka ‘Āina and Kamehameha Schools Kaiaulu o Kaka’ako Masterplan

, and designed several international projects in French Polynesia, Mauritius and Canada, the firm noted.

Oda was a fellow of the American Institute of Architects, a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, designated a Mānoa Forum Fellow by UH, received the 

 and was inducted into the Hawai‘i Business Hall of Fame.

, the 2026 president of AIA Honolulu, the Honolulu chapter of the American Institute for Architects, and an associate principal at G70, told Aloha State Daily in an email that Hawai‘i has lost "one of its most influential voices in Francis Oda."

"I remember sitting with Francis a few years ago — he asked us what we were dreaming about. Not what we were working on. Not what our goals were. What we were dreaming. Then he asked about our reality. He understood that balance — between the possible and the present — and that is what stays with me," Hirai says.

"For Hawaiʻi's architectural community, he was one of a kind. He identified early on that our profession carries a unique responsibility — to place, to culture, to the people who experience what we design. You see it in the buildings he left behind across these Islands and beyond. You see it in the culture he built at G70. And you see it in the people he mentored — who are now doing the same for others.

"As AIA Honolulu president, that question still challenges me — what are we dreaming about? What could our profession look like if the next generation had people willing to push their thinking the way Francis pushed ours?"

 of what was then called The Hawai‘i Society, the American Institute of Architects. You can read a 1982 interview with Oda in 

Recently, though, the architect was featured in newest episode of AIA Honolulu’s Let’s Talk Story series, a video and podcast highlighting conversations between an emerging and experienced architect. You can watch the video and listen to the podcast, 

[{"type":"text","text":"Hirai encourages those who didn't know Oda personally to take a listen."}]

"I'll be honest — hearing his voice again is not easy," Hirai says. "But it's an incredible way to experience who he was, and to celebrate everything he gave this profession and the community he loved."

"The Hawaii Architectural Foundation mourns the passing of Francis Oda, FAIA, whose career reflected an exemplary commitment to architecture and a deep devotion to the community he served," HAF President Katherine MacNeil told ASD in an email. "A recipient of the Foundation’s Gordon W. Bradley Humanitarian Award, Francis was recognized for his far-reaching leadership and enduring contributions to Hawaiʻi’s civic and cultural life. Elevated to Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, he embodied professional excellence and principled leadership. Through award-winning architecture, visionary master planning, and dedication to architectural education, he strengthened Hawaiʻi’s built environment and the profession. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations."

In addition to his work, Oda was also a senior pastor and board chair of New Life Church Honolulu and served as global chair of Transform Our World.

A celebration of life service is set for Saturday, April 25, at First Assembly of God — Red Hill, Moanalua.

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Francis Oda G70 03 A6249

<title>Architect Francis Oda, founder of G70, dies at 84</title>

Hawai‘i has lost "one of its most influential voices," Lance Hirai, the 2026 president of AIA Honolulu and an associate principal at G70, says.

Architect Francis Oda, founder of G70, dies at 84

 in Volcano — was among some of the most-loved Airbnbs on social media last year.

 its list of Airbnbs "topping Instagram and TikTok feeds" in 2025 — the list itself based on total engagement across the two platforms, combining likes, comments, shares and impressions on both platforms from Jan. 1 to Dec. 9, 2025. 

 about the listing received more than 550,000 views.

“Designed as a living, environmental sculpture, the treehouse invites guests to check off a once-in-a-lifetime experience from their bucket list,” 

. “With expansive windows and wraparound decks, guests can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of lush surroundings and star-filled skies.

Citing survey data from Panterra Research, 

 that for Gen Z, platforms like Instagram and TikTok “have become the leading source for discovering new destinations.”

Aloha State Daily reached out to the treehouse hosts via email through an Airbnb representative but did not receive response to questions.

An alternative to traditional lodging options, Airbnb got its start in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home. Since then, it has grown to more than 5 million hosts who have welcomed more than 2 billion guests.

This list, though, got us curious about other unique listing on Airbnb that might be found throughout the Islands. Here are a few provided by the Airbnb representative:

 custom-built, off-grid home in Pāhoa sits 15 feet above ground on a 24-acre fruit farm that guests can walk and pick fruit from in season, the listing notes.

 home in Pāpa‘aloa sits on 13 acres of forest land in Maulua Gulch. "There are many fruit trees, lush rain forests, flowers, waterfalls, and a river that run through the whole property," the listing states.

 open-air guest suite a mile from Kealakekua Bay is situated on a 1.7-acre mango farm. Fresh, seasonal fruits are available for purchase, the listing notes, and guests may also encounter “friendly farm animals.”

 on the Kalapana lava beds in Hawai‘i Island’s Puna district.

 on a horse ranch in Captain Cook is nestled in a kukui nut and hau tree forest, the listing notes.

(Of course, the topic of short-term vacation rentals can be contentious for some, and some local lawmakers have tried to address the impacts on residential communities.

 a measure that would phase out thousands of vacation rentals in Maui’s apartment districts. And in November, the Honolulu City Council 

 that would increase registration fee for vacation rental properties).

Secret Treehouse 2

<title>'Secret Treehouse' in Volcano was one of Airbnb's most loved listings in 2025</title>

The company last month shared its list of Airbnbs "topping Instagram and TikTok feeds" in 2025.

'Secret Treehouse' in Volcano was one of Airbnb's most loved listings in 2025

Located at Leilehua Golf Course in Wahiawā, 

 previously offered breakfast buffets for holidays and special occasions. Due to the buffet’s popularity, the restaurant decided to offer it every Saturday starting this past January.

604 Clubhouse’s breakfast buffet is now weekly from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last seating is at 2 p.m.). It costs $60 per adult and $25 for children ages 12 years and under.

There’s a 90-minute time limit and automatic 20% gratuity. While reservations are recommended, walk-ins are also accepted.

Highlights from the all-you-can-eat experience include a prime rib carving station, snow crab legs, and an omelet station. Omelets are made to order; you can choose from ingredients like ham, Spam, mushrooms, red onions, bell peppers and more.

Hot buffet selections include coconut shrimp with sweet chili sauce, steamed catch (served with ginger puree, lup cheong and Chinese parsley), swirl French toast, Portuguese sausage and teriyaki chicken.

Some of the seafood options, like the steamed catch and shellfish delight — a combo of clams, mussels, shrimp, green curry, coconut milk, gremolata and cilantro — may change weekly. Seafood cioppino — a flavorful seafood stew with a rich, savory broth — and kakimochi-crusted bass were previously featured.

Cold options include fresh fruit, spicy ‘ahi poke, imitation crab mac salad and Caesar salad.

Guests can conclude their meal with desserts like macadamia nut bread pudding, assorted danishes and chocolate chip cookies.

While the breakfast buffet is promoted on Saturdays, the eatery’s a la carte menu is available, so customers can still order popular beverages like Hawaiʻi’s Best Bloody Mary ($18) — garnished with celery, cheese, smoked meat, a jumbo prawn, pineapple, lime, cherry tomato, pickled onion, pepperoncini and an olive — and mahalo margarita ($13). The latter features Jose Cuervo, lime sour, lemonade, strawberries and a li hing mui rim.

Saturday breakfast buffet from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

604 Clubhouse buffet spread 020226

<title>604 Clubhouse has a new breakfast buffet</title>

The eatery, located at Leilehua Golf Course in Wahiawā, recently started a new Saturday breakfast buffet. The all-you-can-eat experience costs $60 per adult and includes a prime rib carving station, snow crab legs, an omelet station and more.

Daily Smile: Wednesday, January 7, 2026

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Daily Smile: Wednesday, January 7, 2026

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